After-School Program Director

sMedia; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Sick and Safe Leave

Select DOE holidays

Job summary

sMedia is seeking a dedicated Program Director to oversee a school-based after-school program in the Bronx. The role involves ensuring program compliance with DYCD requirements, managing site operations, and leading a team to foster a nurturing environment for youth development.

We seek a candidate with a bachelor’s degree in a child-related field and relevant supervisory experience. Benefits include health insurance and paid time off. Join us to empower youth in under-resourced schools.

Qualifications

• DOE Fingerprinted.
• SACC Director Requirement.
• Statewide Central Registry clearance.
• Department of Health clearance.
• At least two years of direct experience working with school-age children.

Responsibilities

• Ensure program activities align with DYCD COMPASS and SONYC requirements.
• Oversee daily site operations.
• Manage attendance tracking and documentation.
• Supervise and support site staff.

Skills

Knowledge of DYCD COMPASS and SONYC requirements

Supervisory skills

Strong communication and organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a child-related field

Job description

Start Date: Late August/Early September

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 10:00 am–6:00 pm

Job Type: Full-time, Salary Exempt

Location: Bronx

Organization Overview

Veronica Arts Media, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through high‑quality enrichment programs that support academic success, creativity, wellness, and personal growth. Our mission is to provide students with access to engaging programs such as physical fitness, academic support, social‑emotional learning, STEAM and literacy enrichment, media arts, leadership development, and early exposure to college and career pathways. Visit www.veronicaartsmedia.org.

Why Join Veronica Arts Media, Inc.?

This is your chance to contribute directly to an organization committed to empowering youth through high‑quality enrichment, creativity, wellness, academic support, and life‑changing opportunities.

Position Overview

The Program Director oversees the daily operations of a school‑based after‑school program and provides leadership and supervision to staff to ensure program goals and student outcomes are achieved. As the on‑site leader, the Program Director is responsible for the high‑quality implementation of a DYCD‑funded program (COMPASS/SONYC), with a focus on participant safety, regulatory compliance (DYCD, SACC, and organizational standards), and fiscal accountability. The Program Director serves as the primary liaison with the school principal and represents the program within the broader school community, including NYCPS staff, families, and community partners. The role leads the delivery of a dynamic program that includes academic enrichment, project‑based learning, arts, sports, leadership development, and initiatives supporting students’ academic and social‑emotional growth, including NYC Reads.

This role also includes leading our Summer Rising programming each year, requiring flexibility with scheduling and location adjustments during the summer months. This is a full‑time position based in the Bronx. The school‑year schedule is Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, with additional evening and weekend availability required based on program needs. The Program Director reports to the Executive Director and Site Supervisor.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure program activities align with DYCD COMPASS and SONYC requirements and organizational goals.
• Oversee daily site operations to maintain a safe, structured, and compliant program environment.
• Manage attendance tracking, data entry, and required documentation in DYCD Connect.
• Supervise and support site staff, including the Content Specialist, Group Leaders, and Activity Specialists.
• Conduct staff observations and evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with SACC regulations, including supervision ratios, safety protocols, and staff credential requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with NYCPS school personnel, families, and community partners.
• Lead recruitment and retention efforts to meet DYCD enrollment and attendance targets.
• Support high‑quality programming across literacy, STEM, arts, civic engagement, and NYC Reads initiatives.
• Coordinate inclusion supports and manage Individualized Accommodation Plans (IAPs) for participants with diverse needs.
• Lead the implementation of safety drills, behavior protocols, and crisis management plans.

Requirements

• DOE Fingerprinted
• SACC Director Requirement
• Statewide Central Registry clearance
• Department of Health clearanceBachelor’s degree in a child‑related field (e.g., Education, Child Development, Psychology, Social Work) and at least two years of direct experience working with school‑age children; or a minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or program management experience in youth development or educational settings.
• Two years of college with 18 credits in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation or a related field

Qualifications

• Knowledge of DYCD COMPASS and SONYC program requirements and experience working in partnership with NYCPS schools.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise staff, manage program operations, oversee budgets, and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Experience collaborating with school staff, families, and community partners.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills, with a commitment to youth development, student safety, educational equity, and culturally responsive practices.

Approach to Work

• Strong commitment to educational equity
• Passion for working with students in under‑resourced schools
• Exceptional level of patience and focus to overcome challenges and achieve results

Pay and Benefits

• Commensurate with experience
• Sick and Safe Leave
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Select DOE holidays, depending on OST program operating schedules