Assistant Director, School-Based Youth Programs

Police Athletic League, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 48,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible spending account options

Employee assistance program

Tuition reimbursement

Pet insurance

Life insurance

Retirement savings options

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Police Athletic League, Inc. seeks an Assistant Director to lead afterschool and school-based programming across New York City, reporting to the Program Director. This role focuses on youth development, SEL, and building partnerships with NYPD, NYCPS and community organizations.

The candidate will bring 2+ years of youth-program leadership, strong communication, and a commitment to inclusive practices. Location: Webster Center, Bronx; Start: Sept 7, 2026.

Qualifications

• Two years of direct experience working with youth under 13.
• Minimum of 2 years of leadership experience in program management and staff supervision with at least three years in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated skills in program planning, implementation, or evaluation.
• Open to learning and growing; mental health, SEL and inclusion skills will be integrated into programming.
• Knowledge of DYCD Connect preferred. Microsoft Office skills are required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; bilingual in Spanish, French, or Chinese preferred.
• Able to travel to any PAL location in the 5 Boroughs for training.

Responsibilities

• Foster social and emotional competencies and mental and physical well-being in a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
• Assist with the management of all aspects of PAL School Afterschool Programming including overseeing the implementation of mental health support and inclusion coordination.
• Assist with recruitment, hiring, and supervision and support to all part-time Group Leaders and Activity Specialists.
• Ensure the program is aligned to PAL’s objectives and regulatory requirements including SACC and funding sources.
• Develop a strong Youth Development culture within the Center and coach across programs to implement SEL, mental health and inclusion policies.
• Coordinate with Directors and HQ staff to grow creative programming opportunities per site.
• Collect program data and provide data-driven recommendations to PAL leadership.
• Foster partnerships with NYPD, NYCPS, DYCD, DOH and community partners.
• Plan and coordinate citywide programs, activities, and events.
• Provide mediation and troubleshooting for on-site issues.
• Respond to time-sensitive mental health needs such as suicide prevention and grief.

Skills

Communication skills

Team leadership

Bi-lingual (Spanish/French/Chinese)

Education

Associate’s in child development / education / physical education / recreation or related

NYS Children’s Program Administrator Credential

SACC Credential

Two years of college with 18 credits in child development / education / physical education or recreation

Tools

Microsoft Office

DYCD Connect

Job description

Police Athletic League, Inc. seeks an Assistant Director to lead afterschool and school-based programming across New York City, reporting to the Program Director. This role focuses on youth development, SEL, and building partnerships with NYPD, NYCPS and community organizations.

The candidate will bring 2+ years of youth-program leadership, strong communication, and a commitment to inclusive practices. Location: Webster Center, Bronx; Start: Sept 7, 2026.