Program Director

Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic; Paterson (NJ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic is seeking a Program Director to lead after-school programs and summer day camps for youth ages 5–18. You will supervise program staff, ensure safety, manage scheduling and payroll, and collaborate with HR to recruit and train staff.

The role focuses on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Good Character and requires strong leadership and communication skills. Bachelor's degree and at least four years in youth development are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; four years of youth development experience preferred.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities; experience in staff supervision and program management.

Responsibilities

• Supervise after-school program staff and ensure a safe, engaging environment for youth.
• Coordinate curriculum development, scheduling, and program activities across priority outcomes.
• Recruit, train, and support staff; manage payroll and performance evaluations as needed.
• Oversee licensing/compliance, parent engagement, and community partnerships.
• Communicate with families, staff, and supervisors to uphold program quality and safety.
• Prepare and maintain program records, reports, and grant-related documentation.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

TYPE: Full-time, Exempt

Salary: 50K to 60K

Company Description:

The Boys & Girls Club of Paterson & Passaic is a youth development organization dedicated to inspiring and enabling young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. The Club provides a safe, supportive after-school environment for children and teens ages 5 to 18, as well as a summer day camp. Professional staff and volunteers deliver a wide range of high-quality educational, social, and recreational programs at an accessible annual membership fee, ensuring broad community participation. Programs focus on core areas such as character and leadership development, education and career readiness, and health and life skills, equipping young people with the tools to build positive relationships, pursue future goals, and maintain healthy lifestyles.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Director supervises and manages the planning, organizing, and conducting of programs, activities, and events, providing individual guidance as needed in the Clubhouse. The Program Director implements and supports engaging and age-appropriate programs within the priority outcome areas of Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Good Character, and Citizenship, and demonstrates to staff how to incorporate youth development principles; provide guidance to club members and their families; and manages behaviors resulting in a safe and positive environment for youth. The Program Director also provides leadership and supervision to assigned program staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direct supervision of the Clubhouse Director, the Program Director is responsible for carrying out staff and program supervision for Clubhouse after-school programs.
• Ensure a positive, healthy, and safe environment for youth members and staff.
• Supervise the performance of assigned program staff and train on all Club Policies and Practices.
• Manage club staff hours, payroll administration, and performance management issues.
• Maintain licensing requirements and documentation on-site to meet standards and protocols.
• Act as temporary coverage for the Clubhouse Director when needed, including driving the club van.
• Participate in organizational meetings and conferences as required.
• Responsible for all program content and acquisition of program supplies and equipment.
• Conduct initial interviews on potential employees, and train program staff in compliance with NJ Bureau of Licensing standards.
• Maintain open lines of communication with direct supervisor and colleagues.
• Communicate any potential issue or concern regularly with the Clubhouse Director or the administrative staff regarding personnel, parents, or Club members.
• Engage parents regarding opportunities and expectations of club members, as well as general club participation.
• Consult with parents concerning member behavior or personal issues.
• Promote and provide information to prospective families for enrollment.
• Communicate changes with staff and families regarding policies and procedures.

PROGRAMS & STRATEGY

• In coordination with the Clubhouse Director, research and develop curriculum; implement lesson plans, program, and activities that meet youth development outcomes.
• Implement Clubhouse program objectives consistent with strategic goals and mission.
• Assist in the development of outcome measurements for fun and engaging Club programming.
• Monitor group instruction and provide feedback to team members.
• Implement creative ways to engage and motivate members to participate in programs, activities, and events.
• Ensure that members are encouraged to participate in a variety of program areas/activities and receive instruction and constructive feedback to develop skills in program area(s).
• Oversee proper recordkeeping and reporting, including activities and events conducted, breakdowns of participation figures, notable achievements, and any problems/issues.
• Implement programs and events that satisfy grant requirements.

SAFTEY & OPERATIONS

• Ensure a healthy, well-lit, and safe environment in all program areas.
• Follow, implement, and enforce all health and safety guidelines and organizational policies.

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

• Collaborate with Human Resources to recruit and train Club staff as assigned.
• Encourage and support staff in their professional development through feedback and coaching to improve program operations, offerings, and culture.
• Require, manage, and provide staff development opportunities and trainings for staff, interns, and volunteers, and conduct regular staff meetings.
• Maintain high performance expectations for all employees that foster a culture of teamwork, respect, excellence, integrity, and innovation.
• Maintain record of staff payroll timesheets and forms, ensuring all required documents are signed and accurate.

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Submit all required reports and records in a timely manner to the appropriate staff member and maintain formal records of all assigned programs.
• Collaborate with BGCPP staff to exceed all grant requirements and deadlines for grants as required.
• Daily/weekly oversight of member billing/payments and data account management/reporting.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS & REPORTING:

• Collaborates closely with all BGCPP employees and engages with members and parents.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or a combination of education and experience in youth development.
• A minimum of four year’s work experience in a Boys & Girls Club or similar organization.
• Planning, conducting, and supervising activities based on the developmental needs of young people, or equivalent experience.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written; proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to recruit, train, supervise, and motivate staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively with young people from diverse backgrounds as w ell as a range of other organizational personnel in a courteous and professional manner.
• Must have and maintain a driver’s license.
• Ability to deal effectively with members, including discipline issues.
• Must be highly motivated and dedicated to the mission of the Boys & Girls Club.

DIRECT REPORTS:

Youth Development Specialists

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

In order to perform this job successfully, an individual must meet the physical requirement necessary to complete the essential job duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards
• Require the mobility to sit, stand, stoop, reach, walk, bend, and lift up to 40 Lbs.
• May be required to drive the clubhouse van to transport personnel.
• May be required to use your personal vehicle in the course of employment.
• May be required to work some evenings and weekends.
• May be required to attend periodic evening meetings.

DISCLAIMER:

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.