Program Director

HANDS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE INC; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

HANDS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE INC seeks COMPASS After-School Program Director to lead on-site implementation, supervision, and evaluation of NYC after-school, summer, and extended-day programs for youth.

Responsibilities include planning high-quality activities across STEM, arts, wellness, and SEL; supervising staff; ensuring DYCD and SACC compliance; managing budgets; and collaborating with schools and community partners to support student success and well-being.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field required; Master’s preferred.
• Proven experience in youth development or after-school program management.
• Strong organizational and budget management abilities; knowledge of DYCD/SACC rules.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and evaluate high-quality academic, enrichment, recreation, STEM, arts, wellness, and SEL activities.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff; manage schedules and payroll.
• Ensure adherence to DYCD and SACC regulations; maintain safe, compliant environments.
• Monitor budgets, inventory, and purchasing; allocate staffing and resources efficiently.
• Develop STEM, arts, sports, tutoring, and enrichment workshops with SEL integration.
• Build relationships with schools, parents, and community partners.
• Lead quarterly theme projects, parent meetings, and voucher family recruitment.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Relationship-building

Budget management

DYCD knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

COMPASS After‑School Program Director — Job Description

The COMPASS After‑School Program Director is the on‑site leader responsible for the full implementation, management, and oversight of the COMPASS program, which serves middle or elementary school students in NYC through extended-day, after‑school, and summer programming.

Program Overview

COMPASS is a youth development initiative offering hands‑on STEAM learning, leadership development, wellness activities, and creative exploration. The program fosters student agency, collaboration, and social‑emotional growth in inclusive environments that support diverse learning needs. It integrates project‑based learning, advisory structures, community partnerships, and career‑connected experiences to build confidence, technical skills, and a strong sense of belonging.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Leadership & Management: Plan, implement, and evaluate high‑quality academic, enrichment, recreation, STEM, arts, wellness, and social‑emotional learning activities. Establish and monitor program goals, outcomes, and performance metrics
• Staff Supervision & Development: Recruit, hire, onboard, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff (Group Leaders, Activity Specialists, Youth Assistants). Approve schedules, timesheets, and payroll. Provide coaching, professional development, and guidance on classroom management and lesson planning
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure adherence to DYCD and School‑Age Child Care (SACC) regulations, maintain safe and compliant program environments, and manage program records and reporting
• Fiscal & Resource Management: Assist with monitoring program budgets and expenditures, ensure responsible use of program resources and equipment, support inventory management and purchasing processes, monitor staffing allocations and operational needs
• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of experiencing working in youth development, education, recreation, or community‑based programming. experience managing after‑school, summer, community‑based, or youth development and working with diverse youth and families.
• Partnership & Communication: Serve as the bridge between the program, partner schools, and community stakeholders. Build and maintain relationships with school administrators, parents, and community partners
• Curriculum & Activity Design: Develop and manage STEM activities, creative/performing arts, sports, tutoring, and enrichment workshops. Incorporate social‑emotional learning (SEL) and culturally responsive pedagogy.
• Marketing & Fundraising: Promote the program to target communities and schools; participate in grant writing and fundraising as needed.
• Required Certifications and Clearances: Background check, mandated reporter training, CPR/First Aid Certification, completion of all required DYVD trainings, additional clearances as required by DYCD and organizational policies.
• Special Projects: Manage quarterly theme team projects, host parent meetings, and recruit voucher families.

Reporting & Location

• Reports to: School Partnerships Director or Director of Youth Services, depending on the organization
• Location: On‑site at 263 West 153rd Street, New York NY 10039
• Schedule: Typically, Monday–Friday, 1:00 PM –6:00 PM, with evenings and weekends as needed

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field; Master’s degree preferred
• Experience: Proven experience in youth development, after‑school program management, and working with urban youth.
• Skills: Strong organizational, communication, and relationship‑building abilities; familiarity with DYCD/SACC requirements; ability to manage budgets and multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment

In summary, the COMPASS After‑School Program Director is a central figure in delivering high‑quality, inclusive, and compliant youth programming, balancing leadership, staff management, curriculum design, and community engagement to support student success and well‑being.