Assistant Program Director - Howard Beach, NY Copy

Harrimanprograms; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Harriman Program is seeking an Assistant Program Director for Howard Beach, NY to support daily operations of our after-school program for middle school students.

You will plan engaging activities, supervise staff, ensure youth safety, and align with DYCD and DOH mandates while collaborating with the Program Director and specialists to deliver high-quality programming.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience working with middle school-aged youth.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of DYCD and DOH program mandates.
• Ability to design engaging activities for middle school students.
• Team-oriented and collaborative in school or community settings.

Responsibilities

• Develop lesson plans and activity guides aligned with program goals.
• Collaborate with Group Leaders and Activity Specialists to strengthen curriculum delivery.
• Model effective facilitation techniques and classroom management.
• Assist with program supervision during snack, transitions, and dismissal.
• Mentor Group Leaders to support their professional growth.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and special events as required.
• Ensure safety, participation, and positive engagement of all youth.
• Complete attendance, timesheets, and incident reports.
• Support compliance with DYCD and DOH standards.
• Contribute to ongoing program improvement and evaluation.
• Complete 30 hours of professional development annually.

Skills

Youth development

Curriculum planning

Staff leadership

Communication

Classroom management

Field trips supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

College students welcome

Certification in specialty area

Tools

DYCD knowledge

DOH compliance

Job description

Assistant Program Director - Howard Beach, NY Copy

• - 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.