After School Program Director

Job description

About ASPIRA of NY, Inc.

Since 1961, ASPIRA of New York, the founding ASPIRA organization, has been dedicated to serving New York City youth and their families, providing opportunities that would otherwise not be available to them, and serving as an effective advocate, fighting to improve education in the Puerto Rican, Latino, and diverse communities. In the 50 years since it was organized by a group of concerned community leaders led by Dr. Antonia Pantoja – a 1996 Presidential Medal of Freedom Awardee - ASPIRA of New York has served thousands of New York City children, youth, parents, schools, and other community-based agencies, establishing a record of providing high quality, comprehensive programs and services.

Position Overview: PROGRAM DIRECTOR

ASPIRA currently administers more than 20 programs in NYC public schools, serving nearly 6000 students, the majority of which come from low-to-moderate income households. The Program Director will be responsible for the overall operation of the afterschool program. He/she will lead all relevant program operations, budget management, partner engagement, and programmatic evaluation. The Program Director will work closely with the Managing Director to create dynamic DYCD SoNYC afterschool programs, utilizing youth development best practices in providing Academic Enrichment, Service Learning, Arts, and Physical Education activities.

Responsibilities

• Align Common Core curriculum and ASPIRA program curriculum to foster academic rigor in students.
• Lead and support the curriculum development process following the mission of the organization.
• Provide and ensure quality programming; ensure that programming fosters academic and social skills that broaden students' horizons as well as develop leadership skills.
• Collect and organize data to ensure that all program outcomes and milestones are achieved, determine appropriate staff ratios following NYC Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOH) regulations, generate reports, track student progress, and to maintain attendance and activity records.
• Plan and implement activities for students that build upon the skills necessary for academic success, and increase opportunities outside of the school environment; organize functions such as special events, performances, parent events, field trips, etc.
• Work closely with families, parents, and guardians to ensure the needs of students are met.
• Maintain all required administrative records and files following the NYC Dept. of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) program requirements and applicable regulations.
• Ensure the database is updated weekly, including attendance, work scope, program schedule, and staffing.
• Conduct regular meetings with the Principal and school-based staff, and attend school and curriculum development training.
• Collaborate with Principal, school-based staff, and parents to ensure program cohesiveness and strong partnerships; manage relationships with subcontractors and other stakeholders.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate all program staff; communicate staffing needs to Managing Director and report staff hours on a bi-weekly basis.
• Conduct monthly supervisory meetings with staff to discuss performance, strengths, and challenges; Create staff development plans to cultivate and engage staff.
• Attend monthly Site Director Meetings and participate in and lead professional development training.
• Perform other duties and tasks as deemed necessary by the Managing Director.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field or Bachelor's Degree, including 18 credits in Education required; Master's Degree preferred.
• Must have 4-6yrs previous experience working in a DYCD program in a leadership capacity, including at least 3yrs experience supervising program staff.
• At least 4 yrs. Experience in a youth development role, academic or recreation setting; experience working with elementary or middle school students highly desired.
• Dedicated to ASPIRA of NY's programs, educational and youth development goals.
• Extensive experience with program development; must be willing to learn and implement new strategies to inspire students to be positive, thoughtful, and motivated to work hard and take risks.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and contracts; must work well under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, and balance competing deadlines.
• Must possess the ability to inspire positive teamwork amongst the staff, initiate, and follow-through with minimal supervision; team player excited about the opportunity to work in an environment dedicated to the growth and development of youth.
• Knowledge of New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) School-Age Child Care (SACC) policies & procedures a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Spanish and English in addition to strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, including intermediate level computer skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in technology, familiar with Google suite and apps a plus.
• Knowledge of New COVID-19 Interim Guidelines as set forth by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services
• Knowledge of remote learning platforms to create hybrid and/or remote learning programs that will align with host school vision
• Identify outside resources that will enhance program activities and collaboration with host school
• Must pass pre-employment background investigation including but not limited to employment history and criminal background check
• Must be adaptable to the work environment such as hybrid program model availability: onsite and remote including ability to work from home or other non-school site location readily and throughout the day.
• Must be remote access prepared which includes: including web/internet/broadband accessibility and reliable cell phone devices equipped for texting and talking.
• Must possess and be able to maintain throughout the assignment; the technology (hardware, software, internet access and working cell phone) required to perform the duties of the position including communications with supervisor and other staff members.
• Physical requirements including ability to wear all PPE required, climb stairs, lift children, perform CPR, communicate by voice, monitor and evaluate events visually and aurally.
• As an essential worker it is expected at this time, that you have schedule flexibility based on State, Local and Federal pandemic management conditions and requirements (e.g. school closures, training, emergency orders)

Program Director will be required to report to the school building and interact with staff, students, parents and school administration while following DOH and DOE Covid-19 guidelines such as wearing PPE and remaining socially distant. ASPIRA of NEW YORK staff are required to have Covid 19 vaccine and boosters to comply with the Federal, State, and City agencies requirements.

At time of offer and acceptance, the job requires safety and security clearances through the Department of Education and Department of Health.

ASPIRA of NY is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Disclaimer: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

Job Type: Full-time