Program Director (McBurney YMCA)

Key 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 specific community we serve and meet the diverse needs of all community members.
• Develop and execute effective strategies for recruiting and retaining participants, aiming for consistently high attendance rates and sustained program engagement.
• Develop and utilize quantitative measures, quality monitoring tools, and external evaluations to demonstrate program effectiveness.
• Routinely analyze data and assessment results to identify trends, measure outcomes, and implement adjustments designed to continuously improve program quality and meet or exceed all established program goals.
• Successfully establish, maintain, and leverage connections with local community partners, public/private funders, and external evaluators to enhance program services, increase resource availability, and ensure sustained program success.
• Foster and lead staff in the implementation of comprehensive mental wellness support for both participants and families.
• Provide mental wellness resources to kids and families, and ensure staff are well-trained to create a supportive environment and identify participants who may benefit from mental wellness support/referrals.
• Carefully coordinate and implement a crisis plan to support various participant/family needs in conjunction with NYCPS school social workers, mental health staff, and external behavioral health providers.
• Oversee the selection of an evidence-based SEL curriculum that is adaptable to a dynamic after-school setting (COMPASS Elementary or SONYC).
• Ensure all SEL programming is deliberate and clearly defines the specific social and emotional competencies that staff seek to develop in participants.
• Manage the program budget, order all supplies in a timely manner, and track all expenses using the tools provided.
• Recruit and retain a strong staff team with diverse abilities and backgrounds.
• Team skills and schedules must ensure that all aspects of the COMPASS program are delivered with an outstanding level of program quality.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with host school administration and staff.
• Proactively coordinate and discuss planned activity schedules, particularly those related to STEAM and Literacy initiatives, to ensure alignment and integration with the host school's academic goals.
• Maintain accurate program documentation as required by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD), and YMCA of Greater New York.
• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Y Afterschool Program to participants and caregivers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians and caregivers through regular communication regarding their child’s strengths and areas for growth.
• Manage communications regarding injuries or incidents, as needed.
• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.
• Adhere to all Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of Health (DOH), YMCA of Greater New York, school partner, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.

Desired Skills & Experience

• One (1) 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.
• Minimum of two (2) years of college with 18 credits in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of direct experience working with children under the age of 13.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a supervisory capacity in a childcare program or related field of work.
• Current Pediatrics CPR or First Aid certification preferred.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable 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, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work.

How to Apply

If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization. If you are a current YMCA employee, please submit your application through the Internal Career Site in Cornerstone.