Program Director (Harlem YMCA)

About the Organization

The YMCA of Greater New York empowers youth, improves health, and strengthens community. Founded in 1852, the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers through programs and services at 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y, connecting active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities. The organization fosters a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact, with a people-first approach that prioritizes trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all staff.

About the Role

Being part of the YMCA Afterschool staff team is a deeply rewarding job where you support children’s learning, help build strong connections, and have a positive impact on your community. At Y Afterschool, you will create a safe and fun space for kids to learn and grow, lead creative activities, and help them develop valuable skills. This role offers an opportunity to make a real difference while gaining invaluable leadership and interpersonal experience.

The Program Director serves as the strategic and operational leader for the Harlem YMCA’s Afterschool initiative under the supervision of the Youth & Family Director. This multifaceted role requires a dynamic professional capable of managing all aspects of a successful, holistic youth development program.

Responsibilities

• Direct programs serving the designated grade level band (K-5 or 6-8), ensuring all activities and services are age-appropriate and aligned with DYCD program requirements.
• Ensure programs and services are deeply integrated into the community and meet the diverse needs of all members.
• Develop and execute strategies for recruiting and retaining participants, aiming for high attendance rates and sustained engagement.
• Develop and utilize quantitative measures, quality monitoring tools, and external evaluations to demonstrate program effectiveness.
• Analyze data and assessment results to identify trends, measure outcomes, and implement improvements to meet or exceed program goals.
• Establish, maintain, and leverage connections with local community partners, funders, and external evaluators to enhance program services and resources.
• Foster and lead staff in implementing comprehensive mental wellness support for participants and families, including resources and referrals.
• Coordinate and implement a crisis plan in conjunction with NYCPS school social workers, mental health staff, and external providers.
• Oversee the selection and implementation of an evidence-based SEL curriculum (e.g., COMPASS Elementary or SONYC) adaptable to an after-school setting.
• Manage the program budget, order supplies, and track expenses using provided tools.
• Recruit and retain a diverse staff team to deliver high-quality programming aligned with COMPASS standards.
• Cultivate collaborative relationships with host school administration and staff to align activities with academic goals, particularly STEAM and Literacy initiatives.
• Maintain accurate program documentation as required by OCFS, DOH, DYCD, and the YMCA of Greater New York.
• Communicate the YMCA’s core values and Afterschool Program goals to participants and caregivers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians through regular communication about their child’s progress and any incidents.
• Actively participate in training sessions, meetings, and special events.
• Adhere to all OCFS, DOH, YMCA, school partner, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and lead a diverse staff team to deliver high-quality programming.
• Prioritize and integrate mental health support, case management, and social-emotional learning initiatives for participants and staff.
• Ensure programming and operations are welcoming to children of all abilities.

Program Excellence

• Design, create, and implement engaging and impactful programming that meets the developmental needs of all participants.

Operational Management

• Meticulously manage site budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with contractual agreements and reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• Must have one of the following:
  • Associate’s Degree in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field;
  • A New York State Children’s Program Administrator Credential;
  • A School-Age Child Care Credential or other Office-recognized credential specific to the school-age developmental period;
  • Two years of college with 18 credits in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of direct experience working with children under the age of 13.
• Minimum of one year of experience in a supervisory capacity in a childcare program or related field.
• Current Pediatrics CPR or First Aid certification preferred.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfort working with diverse youth and adults.

Benefits

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including:

• Retirement benefits
• Medical coverage
• Paid time off
• Free YMCA membership

Benefit eligibility is determined by employment status (full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work.

Pay

$66,300 Annually