Program Director (La Central YMCA)

National Council of Young Men's Christian Associations of the United States of America; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

retirement benefits

medical

paid time off

free YMCA membership

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater New York is seeking a Program Director for the La Central YMCA to lead the Afterschool program, manage a diverse staff, and ensure high-quality youth development.

You will coordinate partnerships with schools, support mental wellness, oversee budgets, and maintain compliance with OCFS, DOH, and DYCD while delivering engaging, evidence-based activities.

Qualifications

• Must have one of the following: NY-based credentials or education in child development or related field.
• Minimum of two years direct experience with children under 13.
• Minimum of one year supervisory experience in a childcare program or related field.
• Current Pediatrics CPR or First Aid certification preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Direct programs for designated grade bands (K-5 or 6-8) aligned with DYCD requirements.
• Integrate programs into the host community and meet diverse needs.
• Develop strategies to recruit and retain participants and drive attendance.
• Use quantitative measures and external evaluations to demonstrate program effectiveness.
• Analyze data to identify trends, measure outcomes, and drive quality improvements.
• Build partnerships with local schools, funders, and evaluators for program success.
• Lead staff in implementing comprehensive mental wellness support for participants and families.
• Coordinate crisis plans with school social workers and mental health providers.
• Oversee budget, procure supplies, and track expenses.

Skills

Two years of direct experience with孩子?

One year of supervisory experience

CPR or First Aid certification

Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Strong interpersonal skills

Leadership qualities

Education

Associate’s Degree in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field

New York State Children’s Program Administrator Credential

School-Age Child Care Credential or equivalent credential

Two years of college with 18 credits in relevant fields

Job description

The YMCA of Greater NewYork is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, andstrengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse populationof more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive throughprograms and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of theY. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build strongercommunities.

To help fulfill our mission, wecultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhancecommunity impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework(Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed toa people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and developmentfor all.

Being part of the YMCA Afterschool staff team isa deeply rewarding job where you support children’s learning, help build strongconnections, and have a positive impact on so many in your community. At YAfterschool, we will create a safe and fun space for kids to learn and grow,lead creative activities, and help them develop valuable skills. This is anopportunity to make a real difference and gain invaluable leadership andinterpersonal experience.

The La Central YMCA is seeking a Program Director.Under the supervision of theYouth & Family Director, the Program Director serves as the strategic andoperational leader for our Afterschool initiative. This multifaceted rolerequires a dynamic professional capable of managing all aspects of a successful,holistic youth development program.

• TeamLeadership: Supervising, mentoring, and leading a diverse staff teamto deliver high-quality programming.
• ProgramExcellence: Designing, creating, and implementing engaging andimpactful programming that meets the developmental needs of all participants.
• Inclusion andMental Wellness: Prioritizing and integrating mental health support, casemanagement, and social-emotional learning initiatives for both programparticipants and staff. Ensuring programming and day-to-day operations arewelcoming to children of all abilities.
• OperationalManagement: Meticulously managing site budgets, ensuring fiscalresponsibility, and maintaining compliance with all contractual agreements andreporting requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct programs serving the designated grade level band (K-5 or 6-8), ensuring all activities and services are age-appropriate and aligned with DYCD program requirements.
• Ensure programs and services are deeply integrated into the specific community we serve and meet the diverse needs of all community members.
• Develop and execute effective strategies for recruiting and retaining participants, aiming for consistently high attendance rates and sustained program engagement.
• Develop and utilize quantitative measures, quality monitoring tools, and external evaluations to demonstrate program effectiveness.
• Routinely analyze data and assessment results to identify trends, measure outcomes, and implement adjustments designed to continuously improve program quality and meet or exceed all established program goals.
• Successfully establish, maintain, and leverage connections with local community partners, public/private funders, and external evaluators to enhance program services, increase resource availability, and ensure sustained program success.
• Foster and lead staff in the implementation of comprehensive mental wellness support for both participants and families. Provide mental wellness resources to kids and families, and ensure staff are well-trained to create a supportive environment and identify participants who may benefit from mental wellness support/referrals.
• Coordinate and implement a crisis plan to support various participant/family needs in conjunction with NYCPS school social workers, mental health staff, and external behavioral health providers.
• Oversee the selection of an evidence-based SEL curriculum that is adaptable to a dynamic after-school setting (COMPASS Elementary or SONYC). Ensure all SEL programming is deliberate and clearly defines the specific social and emotional competencies that staff seek to develop in participants.
• Manage the program budget, order all supplies in a timely manner, and track all expenses using the tools provided.
• Recruit and retain a strong staff team with diverse abilities and backgrounds. Team skills and schedules must ensure that all aspects of the COMPASS program are delivered with an outstanding level of program quality.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with host school administration and staff.
• Proactively coordinate and discuss planned activity schedules, particularly those related to STEAM and Literacy initiatives, to ensure alignment and integration with the host school's academic goals.
• Maintain accurate program documentation as required by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD), and YMCA of Greater New York.
• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Y Afterschool Program to participants and caregivers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians and caregivers through regular communication regarding their child’s strengths and areas for growth. Manage communications regarding injuries or incidents, as needed.
• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.
• Adhere to all Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of Health (DOH), YMCA of Greater New York, school partner, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Must have one (1) of the following:
  • Associate’s Degree in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field;
  • A New York State Children’s Program Administrator Credential;
  • A School-Age Child Care Credential or other Office-recognized credential specific to the school-age developmental period;
  • Two (2) years of college with 18 credits in Child Development, Elementary Education,Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of direct experience working with children under the age of 13.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a supervisory capacity in a childcare programor related field of work.
• Current Pediatrics CPR or First Aid certification preferred.
• Generalknowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonalskills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youthand adults.

Benefits

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members,

• retirement benefits
• medical
• paid time off
• free YMCA membership
• and more!

Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual's employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work.

Program Director (La Central YMCA)

Full-Time/Regular

$66,300 Salaried

Job ID: req3269

Employment Type: Full-Time/Regular

Location: La Central YMCA

Bronx, NY

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER DRUGFREE WORKPLACE

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities