Program Director - DYCD COMPASS After-School Program

COVER LETTER REQUIRED — APPLICATIONS WITHOUT A COVER LETTER WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

The cover letter should answer:

• What makes you interested in House of Futures?
• Why do you believe you are a good fit for this position?

DYCD Credential Requirement: Put this at the top, directly beneath the cover letter requirement. Confirm that candidates meet one of the required qualifications before moving them forward:

• Associate’s degree in child development, education, or recreation + 2 years of experience working with children under 13, including 1 year of supervisory experience; OR
• NYS Children’s Program Administrator Credential + the required experience; OR
• School-Age Child Care Credential + the required experience; OR
• 2 years of college with 18 credits in a relevant field + the required experience.
• For anyone currently being interviewed, confirm whether they meet one of these requirements.

About this job:
We are seeking an experienced, dependable, and organized Site Director to oversee the daily operations of our DYCD COMPASS After-School Program.

The Site Director is responsible for ensuring high-quality programming while maintaining compliance with House of Futures, school, and DYCD expectations. This role supervises staff, manages attendance and enrollment, supports student recruitment, builds relationships with families and school personnel, and fosters a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where students can thrive.

Successful Site Directors understand that strong youth programming is built on consistency, professionalism, communication, accountability, and positive relationships with students, families, staff, and school partners.

Responsibilities:

• Manage daily operations of the after-school program.
• Ensure a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Open and close the program following organizational procedures.
• Prepare classrooms and activity spaces before students arrive.
• Supervise student transitions, dismissal, and overall safety.
• Maintain an organized, structured, and positive program culture.
• Supervise teachers, tutors, teaching artists, and activity specialists.
• Provide daily coaching, guidance, and support to staff.
• Monitor staff performance, professionalism, and attendance.
• Assist with onboarding and training new employees.
• Ensure staff follow House of Futures, school, and DYCD policies.
• Maintain accurate daily attendance and enrollment records.
• Monitor student participation and attendance trends.
• Communicate with families regarding attendance when appropriate.
• Maintain enrollment records and ensure documentation is audit-ready.
• Support student recruitment throughout the school year.
• Participate in school events and community outreach efforts.
• Build positive relationships with parents, guardians, school administrators, and community partners.
• Support homework help, enrichment activities, and youth development programming.
• Ensure classrooms have necessary supplies and instructional materials.
• Complete incident reports, accident reports, and required documentation promptly.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information.
• Assist during DYCD monitoring visits and program audits.
• Communicate professionally with program leadership and school personnel.

Qualifications:

We are looking for candidates who are:

• Reliable and punctual.
• Professional and dependable.
• Strong leaders with excellent organizational skills.
• Comfortable supervising staff and supporting professional development.
• Experienced working with children and youth.
• Strong communicators who build positive relationships.
• Able to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable following organizational procedures and compliance requirements.

Candidates should have:

• Bachelor's degree preferred; Associate degree with relevant experience considered.
• Minimum of two years of experience working in youth development, education, or after-school programs.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience with DYCD COMPASS, SONYC, 21st Century, or similar funded after-school programs strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Ability to learn attendance and student information systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising educational or youth program staff.
• Experience with student recruitment and enrollment.
• Experience maintaining attendance and compliance documentation.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Experience communicating with families and school leadership.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and positive youth development.

Who We Are Looking For:

We are looking for leaders who:

• Show up consistently and follow through on commitments.
• Lead by example.
• Build strong relationships with students, families, staff, and school personnel.
• Maintain a positive, structured, and supportive program environment.
• Communicate clearly and professionally.
• Support staff through coaching, accountability, and collaboration.
• Are organized and detail-oriented.
• Embrace continuous improvement and constructive feedback.
• Care deeply about student success and high-quality programming.

Reliability, leadership, professionalism, and relationship-building are our highest priorities.

Pay: $38.00 per hour

Work Location: In person