Program Director - Howard Beach, NY

Harrimanprograms; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Harriman Program is seeking a Program Director to oversee the COMPASS/SONYC after-school program at a NYC middle school. You will supervise staff, ensure compliance, and coordinate with families and school staff to deliver safe, high-quality activities that support academic and social development.

Responsibilities include reporting, staffing, training, and maintaining a positive, inclusive program environment while acting as a liaison among SONYC staff, school partners, and families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in education, child development, social work, recreation, or related field.
• Minimum of two years direct experience with middle school youth; at least one year in supervisory/management capacity.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and execute all phases of the COMPASS/SONYC program in alignment with DYCD and host school standards.
• Hire, supervise, train, and evaluate program staff; ensure adherence to policies and quality expectations.
• Conduct regular staff meetings for guidance, updates and professional development.
• Serve as primary liaison between SONYC staff, school staff, and organizational leadership.
• Ensure DYCD and DOH guidelines are met; complete required reports and track enrollment.

Skills

Leadership

Staff Development

Communication

Program Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

ADP Time and Attendance

HR Cloud Onboarding

Job description

-Monday – Friday
-Generally 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM with 1-hour lunch break
-35 hours per week)

About the Role

The Program Director oversees the daily operations of the COMPASS/SONYC after-school program at the middle school site, ensuring that all programming aligns with the missions of DYCD, Harriman After School Program, and the host school.
The Program Director is responsible for supervising program staff, managing compliance and reporting requirements, and ensuring that students are engaged in safe, high-quality, and developmentally appropriate activities that promote academic, social, and emotional growth.
The Program Director acts as the primary liaison between SONYC staff, school administrators, and families to ensure smooth program implementation and strong communication.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Program Management & Supervision

Oversee and execute all phases of the COMPASS/SONYC program in alignment with DYCD and host school standards.

Hire, supervise, train, and evaluate program staff, ensuring adherence to policies and quality expectations.

Conduct regular staff meetings to provide guidance, updates, and professional development opportunities.

Serve as the primary point of contact between SONYC staff, school staff, and organizational leadership.

Compliance & Administration

Ensure all program operations meet DYCD and Department of Health (DOH) guidelines.

Complete and submit required DYCD and organizational reports, including tracking student enrollment, attendance, and demographics.

Maintain accurate and organized staff files, payroll schedules, and administrative records using systems such as ADP Time and Attendance and HR Cloud Onboarding .

Oversee inventory and procurement of program materials and supplies.

Youth Development & Safety

Ensure the safety, engagement, and supervision of all participants.

Support staff in implementing behavior management strategies and responding effectively to crisis situations.

Create and maintain a supportive and inclusive environment where all students can thrive.

Act as a liaison between the after-school program, host school, community partners, and families.

Foster positive relationships that promote collaboration and student success.

Represent the program at school and community meetings, events, and outreach initiatives.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; degree in education, child development, social work, recreation, or a related field preferred.

Minimum of two years of direct experience working with middle school youth, including at least one year in a supervisory or management capacity within a childcare or youth development program.

Knowledge of DYCD Online or DYCD Connect preferred.

Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Requirements

Ability to pass a comprehensive background check, including fingerprinting.

Must be medically fit to perform job duties and free of active TB.

Professional, reliable, and punctual.

Commitment to the mission and values of the Harriman After School Program.

Core Competencies

Leadership & Staff Development

Program Compliance & Administration

Youth Development & Engagement

Problem-Solving & Crisis Management

Cultural Competency & Inclusion

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.