Program Director – DYCD COMPASS After-School Program

PROGRAM DIRECTOR – DYCD COMPASS AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

**READ BEFORE APPLYING — Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.**

STEP 1: Confirm you meet ONE of these four credential requirements.

DYCD's Program Director role has *non-negotiable, non-waivable* credential requirements. You must meet at least one:

1. Associate's degree in child development, education, or recreation, **PLUS** 2 years working with children under 13, including 1 year in a supervisory role

2. NYS Children's Program Administrator Credential, **PLUS** the same experience as above

3. School-Age Child Care Credential, **PLUS** the same experience as above

4. 2 years of college with 18 credits *specifically* in child development, elementary education, physical education, recreation, or a closely related field, **PLUS** the same experience as above. *"Closely related" is defined narrowly by OCFS — a degree title alone is not enough; see Step 3 before selecting this option.*

STEP 2: Submit both of the following, or your application will not be considered:**

• Current resume

• Cover letter that explicitly states WHICH NUMBERED REQUIREMENT ABOVE YOU MEET (write the number) and includes:

• Relevant leadership experience

• Experience working with youth or after-school programs

• Supervisory experience

• Why you're interested in House of Futures

• What strengths you'd bring as a Site Director

STEP 3: If you selected Requirement #4, here's what happens next. OCFS — not House of Futures — makes the final determination on whether your coursework qualifies. If selected for an interview, you must bring:

• Official transcripts

• Course descriptions for the relevant coursework

• A written narrative explaining how your coursework meets the requirement

This packet gets submitted to OCFS's licensor/registrar for evaluation. If you selected Requirement #1, #2, or #3, bring your official credential documentation to the interview instead.

ABOUT US

House of Futures is where young people come to shine — a nonprofit built on education, creativity, mentorship, wellness, and after-school programming that actually feels like something kids want to show up for.

We're looking for a Site Director who brings real energy to the role: someone dependable and organized who also knows how to make a program feel alive. If you love building a space where students feel seen, staff feel supported, and every day runs like it's supposed to — this is your seat.

The single most important thing we're looking for: reliability. Everything else — the fun, the creativity, the culture — depends on someone showing up, every day, ready to lead.

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're looking for someone who is:

• **Reliable and punctual** — this is non-negotiable, and it's what everything else is built on.

• Professional and dependable.

• A strong leader with excellent organizational skills.

• Comfortable supervising staff and supporting their growth.

• Experienced working with children and youth.

• A strong communicator who builds real relationships.

• Able to juggle a lot without losing your cool.

• 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'RE LOOKING FOR:

Leaders who:

• Show up. Every day, on time, no exceptions — reliability is everything here.

• Lead by example, not just by title.

• Build real relationships with students, families, staff, and school partners.

• Bring structure *and* make it feel fun — kids should want to be here.

• Communicate clearly and with warmth.

• Coach their team up, not just manage them.

• Stay organized without losing the spark.

• Take feedback well and keep growing.

• Genuinely care about student success — not just checking boxes.

If reliability is your love language and you know how to make a room full of kids feel excited to learn, we want to hear from you.

Pay: $38.00 per hour

Application Question(s):
*
Which of the following four credential paths do you meet for the DYCD Program Director role? Read carefully before answering - Option 4 requires coursework specifically in the fields listed, not just "some college." (Answer with the number only: 1, 2, 3, or 4)

1. Associate's degree in child development, education, or recreation + 2 years working with children under 13, including 1 year supervisory
2. NYS Children's Program Administrator Credential + same experience as above
3. School-Age Child Care Credential + same experience as above
4. 2 years of college with 18 credits specifically in child development, elementary education, physical education, or recreation + same experience as above (a degree in an unrelated field does not qualify, even with 18 total credits)

Work Location: In person