After-School Program Director - Flushing, Queens

About the role

The Program Director (PD) at The Child Center of NY is responsible for leading, managing, and implementing all aspects of assigned programs to ensure excellence, safety, and alignment with The Child Center of NY's mission and contractual expectations. The PD ensures program goals are met, budgets are monitored, and all compliance, data, and reporting requirements are fulfilled. Additionally, the PD serves as the site’s Mental Health Lead, overseeing implementation of mental health supports in coordination with the host school, The Child Center’s Behavioral Health Division, and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an active presence throughout program hours to ensure consistent safety, quality, and alignment with agency standards.
• Serve as the Mental Health Lead, overseeing implementation of mental health supports as required by DYCD, including ensuring all staff complete the one-hour DYCD Mental Health training and completing the two-hour DYCD training on the mental health spectrum, crisis response, and crisis navigation planning.
• Work with agency leadership to promote hiring of staff with the New York State Youth Peer Advocate Credential or support eligible staff in obtaining it.
• Develop and maintain a Mental Health Referral Plan in collaboration with the host school, The Child Center’s Behavioral Health Division (as the key Behavioral Health Partner), and any external partners. Update and share the plan with staff annually.
• Communicate and coordinate with NYCPS social workers, school mental health staff, and community providers to ensure comprehensive participant support.
• Create and implement a Crisis Navigation Plan for the site using the DYCD template, developed jointly with school-based and community mental health staff.
• Ensure all staff understand and follow the Referral and Crisis Navigation Plans, responding appropriately when mental health needs are identified.
• Collaborate with school leadership, families, and community organizations to maintain strong partnerships and shared accountability for participant outcomes.
• Promote youth and family engagement through consistent communication, events, and inclusive practices.
• Stay informed about trends and best practices in youth development, education, and mental health to ensure services remain relevant and effective.
• Identify and maintain community partnerships that enhance program access and impact.
• Participate in all required DYCD and agency trainings, ensuring personal completion and staff compliance.
• Support and document ongoing professional development for all site staff.
• Foster a learning culture that integrates youth development, trauma-informed practice, and social-emotional learning.
• Manage the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of program operations.
• Supervise Assistant Program Directors, Group Leaders, Activity Specialists, and other staff as assigned.
• Ensure adherence to agency policies, collective bargaining agreements, and all applicable laws and standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Child Development, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in youth development or education, including 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong administrative skills.
• Ability to plan independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
• Satisfactory background check, fingerprint clearance, and health screening.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Education, Public Administration, Social Work, or related field preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bengali, Haitian Creole, or other languages relevant to the community.

Skills

• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Knowledge of youth development, education, and mental health.
• Experience with program management and supervision.

Benefits

The Child Center of NY offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Pay

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Full-time position with flexible scheduling to accommodate program needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Child Center of NY is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status or any other category protected by Federal, State or local law.