Program Director, Early Life COMPASS Elementary
About The Position
The Program Director oversees the daily operations, quality, compliance, and enrichment delivery of the Early LIFE COMPASS Elementary After-School Program. The role ensures that academic support, STEAM, arts, financial literacy, athletics, social-emotional learning, and specialized services are delivered in alignment with the organization’s mission and core values. The Program Director supervises staff, manages partnerships, ensures regulatory compliance, supports families, and fosters a positive, inclusive, and innovative environment where children can thrive. The position is responsible for program administration, staffing, schedules, child supervision, arrival and dismissal, attendance and records, licensing and safety compliance, quality assurance, staff recruitment and development, curriculum implementation, partner coordination, family engagement, social-emotional and behavioral support, and oversight of supplies, equipment, facilities, and program spending. The role supervises all staff members at the program site, including personnel responsible for Health, Curriculum and Instruction, Family Supports, and Administration. The position is based at Early LIFE 145th in New York, NY. It is classified as management team and non-exempt/hourly, with a listed pay range of $23.00–$27.00 per hour. The schedule is primarily weekday afternoons and early evenings during program hours, with additional hours required for planning, events, training, and administrative responsibilities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Child Development, Social Work, Recreation Management, or a related field; equivalent experience is considered.
- Strong understanding of school-age regulations, health and safety standards, and best practices.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
- Experience building relationships with families, staff, and external partners.
- Ability to multitask and remain effective in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with technology for scheduling, communication, and documentation.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in youth development, after-school programming, or school-age childcare.
- At least 2 years of supervisory experience.
- Ability to move throughout the facility and actively participate in youth activities.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to stand, walk, or interact with children and staff for extended periods.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with STEAM, robotics, arts integration, SEL, or specialized youth programs.
- Familiarity with Autism Fitness or inclusive/adaptive programming.
- Experience in grant-funded programs, reporting, or outcome measurement.
- CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain it.
Responsibilities
- Lead implementation of all after-school program components and develop and monitor program schedules, staffing plans, classroom assignments, and daily routines.
- Maintain appropriate staffing ratios and ensure children are properly supervised at all times.
- Oversee safe and efficient arrival and dismissal procedures and positive interactions with families.
- Implement systems for attendance tracking, incident documentation, recordkeeping, and compliance reporting.
- Ensure compliance with school-age childcare regulations, licensing standards, health and safety protocols, and organizational policies.
- Conduct classroom observations, safety checks, and quality-assurance walkthroughs; respond to compliance concerns and implement corrective action plans.
- Maintain current staff certifications and documentation, including background checks, health forms, mandated training, and professional development records.
- Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, coach, and provide performance feedback to program staff.
- Lead team meetings, professional learning sessions, and training related to SEL, trauma-informed care, inclusive practices, and high-quality enrichment.
- Oversee daily lessons, enrichment activities, homework support, and project-based learning.
- Collaborate with staff and external partners to integrate STEAM, theatre and music, robotics, financial literacy, and specialized services into the program.
- Ensure activities are developmentally appropriate, engaging, culturally responsive, and inclusive, and that curriculum meets academic, social-emotional, and enrichment goals.
- Serve as the primary liaison to enrichment partners, including providers of STEAM, arts, physical fitness, martial arts, robotics, financial literacy, theatre, music, and Autism Fitness.
- Coordinate partner schedules, space, materials, and communications; evaluate partner performance, service quality, and student engagement; and identify opportunities to enhance partnerships.
- Build relationships with families through daily communication, newsletters, parent meetings, and special events; respond to family concerns with empathy and professionalism.
- Coordinate family engagement opportunities such as showcases, performances, exhibitions, and workshops, and represent the program at community events, school meetings, and collaborative initiatives.
- Promote a trauma-informed, SEL-centered environment and support staff in positive guidance, restorative practices, and responsive behavior strategies.
- Assist with conflict resolution, student support plans, and family coordination when behavioral concerns arise.
- Manage supplies, snacks, curriculum materials, and equipment; maintain inventory and ensure classrooms are organized and well-resourced.
- Support budgeting, purchasing, expenditure monitoring, and fiscal accountability, and coordinate facility use with custodial teams and building administration.
- Supervise all staff at the program site, including personnel responsible for Health, Curriculum and Instruction, Family Supports, and Administration.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
