Assistant Program Director - Far Rockaway. NY Copy

Harrimanprograms; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Harriman Program is seeking an Assistant Director to support the daily operations of the SONYC after-school program for middle school students, ensuring a safe, engaging, and enriching environment. You will work with the Program Director, Group Leaders, and Activity Specialists to plan dynamic lessons, ensure safety, and promote learning and positive youth engagement.

The role requires knowledge of after-school operations, DYCD and DOH mandates, and the ability to plan lessons with staff; a

Qualifications

• Complete 30 hours of professional development annually.
• Minimum two years of experience with middle school youth.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to design engaging activities for middle school students.
• Familiarity with DYCD and DOH program mandates.

Responsibilities

• Develop lesson plans and activity guides aligned with program goals and age-appropriate learning outcomes.
• Collaborate with Group Leaders and Activity Specialists to strengthen curriculum delivery.
• Model effective facilitation techniques and classroom management strategies for staff.
• Assist with program supervision during all activities, including snack/supper, transitions, and dismissal.
• Mentor Group Leaders to support their professional growth and prepare them for leadership or specialist roles.
• Attend staff meetings, training workshops, and special events as required, including those held outside regular program hours.
• Ensure the safety, participation, and positive engagement of all youth during program activities.
• Complete required administrative tasks, including attendance, timesheets, and incident reports.
• Support compliance with DYCD and DOH standards and documentation requirements.
• Contribute to ongoing program improvement and evaluation efforts.

Skills

Youth development

Communication

Teamwork

Classroom management

Education

College degree preferred

Job description

- Monday - Friday
- per schedule assigned by the Program Director

About the Role

The Assistant Director supports the daily operations of the SONYC after-school program, ensuring a safe, engaging, and enriching environment for middle school students. This position requires a strong interest in youth development and expertise in one or more content areas that enhance the overall program experience. The Assistant Director collaborates closely with the Program Director, Group Leaders, and Activity Specialists to plan and implement dynamic lessons and activities that promote learning, leadership, and positive youth engagement.
The ideal candidate will have knowledge of after-school program operations and the mandates of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOH).

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Program Planning & Implementation

Develop lesson plans and activity guides that align with program goals and age-appropriate learning outcomes.

Collaborate with Group Leaders and Activity Specialists to strengthen curriculum delivery and reinforce learning.

Model effective facilitation techniques and classroom management strategies for staff.

Assist with program supervision during all activities, including snack/supper, transitions, and dismissal.

Staff Support & Development

Mentor Group Leaders to support their professional growth and prepare them for leadership or specialist roles.

Promote teamwork, collaboration, and effective communication among staff.

Attend staff meetings, training workshops, and special events as required, including those held outside regular program hours.

Youth Engagement & Safety

Ensure the safety, participation, and positive engagement of all youth during program activities.

Provide strong classroom and behavioral management to maintain a respectful and productive environment.

Supervise youth during field trips, special events, and off-site activities.

Administrative Responsibilities

Complete required administrative tasks, including attendance, timesheets, and incident reports.

Support compliance with DYCD and DOH standards and documentation requirements.

Contribute to ongoing program improvement and evaluation efforts.

Professional Development

Complete 30 hours of professional development annually.

Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, initiative, and a willingness to learn and grow in the field of youth development.

Serve as a positive role model for both staff and participants.

Qualifications

Appropriate training or certification in a specialty area; college degree preferred , but college students are welcome.

Minimum of two years of experience working with middle school-aged youth.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Exceptional group management, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution abilities.

Demonstrated competency in youth development and child care practices.

Ability to design engaging academic or enrichment activities appropriate for middle school students.

Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work collaboratively within a school or community setting.

Familiarity with DYCD and DOH program mandates.

Core Competencies

Youth Development & Engagement

Program Planning & Implementation

Cultural Competency & Inclusion

Communication & Teamwork

Professionalism & Reliability

Physical Requirements

Ability to supervise and engage in active indoor and outdoor activities with youth.

Occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.

About the Company

The Harriman Program is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, and training. The Harriman Program makes employment decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. For more information, please visit harrimanprograms.org.