Program Director

Grand St Settlement Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Grand Street Settlement is seeking a Cornerstone Program Director for the Lafayette Gardens Community Center in Brooklyn. You will lead the NYCHA Cornerstone Initiative, developing high-quality programs for youth and adults with emphasis on positive youth development and asset-based approaches.

The role requires 5+ years in youth services, supervisory experience, and strong collaboration with DOE and community partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with 5+ years in youth services.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Master's degree in a related field preferred.
• Experience designing, planning, and implementing structured programs.
• Budget, contract, and grant management experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to full-time and part-time staff.
• Recruit, hire, orient, and evaluate program staff for center-based after-school programs.
• Supervise staff and delivery of services to meet goals and outcomes.
• Manage participant recruitment and retention strategies via DYCD online report.
• Coordinate with NYCHA, DYCD, schools, and community stakeholders.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Program design & implementation

Budget/contract/grant management

Public speaking & writing

Microsoft Office Suite

DYCD online

Team leadership

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

DYCD online

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Program Director

LAFAYETTE GDN BKLYN 045035 Regular Full-Time Management Brooklyn, NY, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 2720

Salary Range: $70,000.00 To $75,000.00 Annually

TITLE: Cornerstone Program Director

DEPARTMENT: Youth and Community Development Services

PROGRAM: DYCD Cornerstone Initiative

LOCATION: Lafayette Gardens Community Center,442 DeKalb Avenue,Brooklyn, NY 11205

WORK SCHEDULE: School Year : Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., occasional weekends

Summer: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; at least 3 days out of the summer program weeks PD must close program at 11pm; Saturdays & Sundays (various);

SALARY RANGE: $70,000-$75,000

REPORTS TO: Brooklyn Deputy Director

DATE: September 2026

JOB SUMMARY : Grand Street Settlement Cornerstone Program Directors are responsible for the overall development, implementation, and supervision of the NYCHA Community Center. In addition, there is an expectation of high-quality, innovative programming for our elementary, middle school, high school, and adult participants.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree and equivalent of 5+ years in youth services required; at least 2 of those years are in a supervisory role required; master's degree in a related field preferred
• Familiarity with the community, key stakeholders, and resources
• Experienced in designing, planning, and implementing structured programs
• 2+ years in supervising more than 10 program staff
• 2+ years of budget, contract, and grant management experience
• Ability to work independently, assess priorities, and take initiative
• High level of proficiency in administrative work
• Capacity to thrive under pressure while working on multiple tasks and projects
• Knowledge of the public education system and positive youth development best practices
• Strong public speaking, writing, and organizational skills
• A team player with demonstrated commitment to working with urban youth and young adults from an asset-based perspective
• Ability to set up and maintain a work environment that challenges gender stereotypes and is LGBTQIA+-friendly
• A background in partnering with the Department of Education and local community-based organizations to support programs
• Have skills in experiential learning and group facilitation with youth
• Must be an outstanding strategic thinker
• Must be flexible, cooperative, and willing to work in a team environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficiency in a variety of internet research and communication functions
• Experienced in DYCD programming regulations and DYCD online
• Must obtain NYC Dept. of Health fingerprint clearance and State Central Registry (SCR) clearance ($25 fee)
• Must have NYS Food Handler’s Certificate
• Must be CPR and Advanced First Aid Certified
• Bilingual (Spanish or Chinese preferred) a plus

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program & Community Development

• Required to complete SACC Program Director's (30-hour) credentials
• Provide leadership and strategic direction to full-time and part-time program staff
• Recruit, hire, orient, and evaluate program staff assigned to center-based after-school program, evenings, Saturdays, and summer day camp
• Provide direct/indirect supervision of all program staff and delivery of services on a day-to-day basis, in order to ensure that all goals, targets, and performance outcomes are met on a daily/weekly/monthly basis
• Responsible for participant recruitment and retention strategies by utilizing the DYCD online report
• Serve as the primary liaison for school administration, parents, and other community entities and constituencies
• Prepare and evaluate mid-year performance reviews of program staff
• Work with program staff to improve job performance through ongoing mentoring and coaching, and monthly staff development
• Facilitate bi-monthly team meetings and ensure that all staff meetings are properly executed
• Set, communicate, and enforce clear standards for quality youth development programming
• Actively engage community residents, local businesses, community leaders, tenant association, youth, and Resident Advisor to participate in monthly advisory board and youth council to support to community needs
• Must understand and navigate community culture and dynamics to ensure program quality
• Participate in ongoing efforts to advocate for program needs via community coalition building and via administering feedback surveys and program assessments
• Seek partnership opportunities and bring in at least 3 new partners a year to leverage resources

• Create quarterly community events, special events, and workshop series
• Assess programs quarterly to ensure that community needs are met

Administrative

• Ensure attendance tracking and reporting meet contractual requirements regarding enrollment and attendance.
• Respond to all electronic and phone communication within 2 business days
• Ensure all DOH School-Aged Child Care and DOH Summer Day Camp regulations and procedures are complied with and conduct quarterly self-checklist inspections
• Coordinate and execute all major events and activities along with other GSS’s Program Directors
• Responsible for the CACFP Food Program and all of its components, including reporting and maintaining appropriate documentation
• Communicate with NYCHA and DYCD key stakeholders, as well as participate in meetings
• Prepare monthly calendar of events, programs, meetings, and activities.
• Create a budget plan that supports program needs and ensure timely spending.
• Collaborate on cross-borough and agency/ department wide events and strategic planning efforts

Facility

• Maintain and diligently follow up on facility logs to ensure timely response
• Ensure maintenance and cleanliness of facility and coordinate with agency (NYCHA & DYCD) to proactively and effectively address facility issues
• Bi-yearly beautification/upgrade projects for the center
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Deputy Director/CPO
• SUMMER: Manage MS Expansion program (open seven days a week) as required and be available during off hours to provide additional support as needed to the Assistant Director and Evening Supervisors (including weekends).

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)