Programs Director

The Program Director is responsible for overseeing the program team in the implementation of superior service delivery through each of Playtime’s direct service models. Provides oversight of program and expansion strategy, program operations, project implementation, consistent monitoring and oversight daily site operations, in collaboration with the team and evaluation of systems’ effectiveness and their impact on programming and staff. Lead, coach, and train program staff and volunteers to accomplish established objectives and achieve operational effectiveness by performing the following duties. This includes supporting the implementation and quality control of Playtime’s program model by:

• Ensuring a monthly lesson plan/curriculum and activity guide for children that is rooted in developmentally appropriate practice and promotes resilience by exposing children to activities that highlight Playtime’s three domains: social-emotional development, problem-solving and optimism for the future
• Collaborating with Program Managers and the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure curriculum expectations are communicated to staff and volunteers, ensuring that activities are delivered with fidelity to enrich our free-play program model
• Providing supervision and leadership to Program Managers as they support the implementation of our curriculum to different settings and age groups
• Conducting rotational regular site-visits to observe curriculum and activities in action, collect data and provide recommendations to program staff and volunteers
• Secure strategic partners that aid in moving the needle in Playtime’s domains
• Ensuring the execution of the evaluation and assessment plans and quarterly reporting
• Recommend staffing patterns and site partnerships to Deputy & Executive Directors
• Maintain relationship with site partners and make recommendations for opening and closing sites or growing or reducing Playtime’s presence

Position Responsibilities

Program Supervision: Responsible for assigning tasks and leadership to Program Managers, Site Managers and the Quality Impact Manager. Communicate clearly and extensively with the program team to ensure that they are aware of site responsibilities and program priorities. Schedule weekly check-ins to debrief and provide guidance and feedback to ensure they are effective in their roles. Conduct annual evaluations and create and suggest opportunities for professional development.

Program Partnerships and Field Trips: Secure field trips and special guests exposing Playtime’s children to content that will assist in moving the needle in Playtime’s three core domains. Execute the MOU process for long-term special guests and ensure that all details are outlined in the memorandum and the agreement is signed prior to the partners start date. Schedule and coordinate monthly field trip logistics. Receive input from program team and management team regarding field trip preferences.

Curriculum Implementation: Using research-based sources as a guide; the Program Director is responsible for ensuring the consistent implementation of play-based activities for children in Playtime’s programs that move the needle on Playtime’s three domains: social-emotional skills, optimism and problem solving. The Program Director leads weekly team meetings and monthly curriculum and planning meetings. Provides the necessary tools and instructions for sites to implement curriculum activities and for volunteers to understand the “why” and “how” behind everything we do. During site visits, determine the balance between observing, coaching and supporting to ensure the integrity of our model. Provide feedback to program staff in providing a high-quality program to children.

Training Support: With the Deputy Director and Volunteer Program Manager, the Program Director aids in the creation of training and facilitation materials. Prepare and co-create content for in-service trainings and on-line training to strengthen the quality of staff and volunteer interactions with children in Playtime to align with our goals.

Recruitment & Hiring: Work with the Deputy Director on recruitment and hiring plans for new program staff and Volunteer Coordinator to build relationships with service learning and university career offices, targeted community groups, social organizations, corporate, government and non-profit agencies in an effort to build a solid pipeline of strong and diverse program staff and volunteers and internship positions. Ensure proper application process and documentation procedures through online platforms, including but not limited to applications, background checks, and waivers, and communication with new program staff and volunteers.

Evaluation: Ensure the Quality Impact Manager and program team administers child assessments, parent surveys and volunteer surveys. The Program Director will ensure Program and Site Managers with entering assessment data into Apricot weekly. Assist the Quality Impact Manager in reporting results monthly/quarterly to the Executive Director, Deputy Director and Board through a consistent dashboard to compare results by month, site, and model.

Database Management: Upload revised curriculum and session plans to Office 360 cloud storage. Support the Volunteer Program Manager and Managing Director in building out an on-line portal that will allow volunteers to access archived trainings and perform health checks on database systems to ensure that the cloud is organized and stocked with up-to-date curriculum resources.

Financial Management: Manage program budget, vet and approve supply order requests and professional development opportunities, meet regularly with the Development Director and Deputy Director about restricted grant requirements, budget trends and future plans.