Program Director - COMPASS After-School & Summer ProgramP.S. 161 Juan Ponce De Leon School
628 Tinton Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
Organization: Areté Education
Position Type: Full-Time (School Year and Summer Programming)
Schedule: Monday-Friday, approximately 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; evenings and weekends as needed
Location: On-Site, Bronx, NY
Salary Range: 75,000+ annually, commensurate with experience
Position SummaryThe Program Director serves as the on-site leader and supervisor of the COMPASS after-school program, overseeing all aspects of program implementation, staff supervision, compliance, student engagement, and partnership development. The Program Director ensures the delivery of high-quality youth development programming while maintaining compliance with Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) requirements and School-Age Child Care (SACC) regulations.
The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader with strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills who is passionate about supporting elementary-aged youth and fostering positive outcomes for students, families, and staff.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesProgram Leadership & Management- Serve as the primary on-site supervisor responsible for the overall success of the COMPASS program.
- Plan, implement, and evaluate high-quality academic, enrichment, recreation, STEM, arts, wellness, and social-emotional learning activities.
- Establish and monitor program goals, outcomes, and performance metrics.
- Ensure program quality, safety, and compliance with DYCD and SACC requirements.
- Lead annual program planning and support summer programming initiatives as assigned.
- Maintain organized program records, curriculum materials, and digital documentation.
Staff Supervision & Development- Recruit, hire, onboard, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff.
- Approve staff schedules, timesheets, and payroll submissions.
- Conduct regular staff meetings, coaching sessions, and professional development opportunities.
- Provide guidance on classroom management, youth engagement, lesson planning, and instructional practices.
- Ensure proper staff-to-student ratios and coverage throughout program hours.
Student & Family Engagement- Support student recruitment, enrollment, attendance, and retention efforts.
- Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment.
- Build strong relationships with students, families, school personnel, and community partners.
- Coordinate family engagement events, student showcases, and special activities.
Compliance & Data Management- Ensure accurate attendance tracking and reporting using required systems.
- Maintain all program documentation, staff files, certifications, and compliance records.
- Monitor health, safety, incident reporting, and emergency preparedness procedures.
- Submit reports and documentation required by Areté Education, DYCD, and school partners.
Partnership & Community Relations- Serve as the liaison between Areté Education, P.S. 161 administration, community partners, and stakeholders.
- Participate in regular planning meetings with Areté leadership.
- Represent Areté Education at school events, meetings, trainings, and community functions.
- Collaborate across Areté teams to strengthen programming and identify growth opportunities.
QualificationsCandidates must meet one of the following COMPASS Program Director requirements:
- Associate's degree in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field and two (2) years of direct experience working with children under age 13, including one (1) year in a supervisory role; or
- New York State Children's Program Administrator Credential and two (2) years of qualifying experience; or
- School-Age Child Care Credential (or equivalent recognized credential) and two (2) years of qualifying experience; or
- Two years of college with at least 18 credits in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field, plus two (2) years of qualifying experience.
Preferred Qualifications- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum 3-5 years of leadership experience in education, youth development, after-school, or community-based programming.
- Experience managing DYCD-funded programs and/or SACC-licensed sites strongly preferred.
- Experience supervising staff and managing program operations.
- Knowledge of positive youth development and social-emotional learning practices.
- Experience with student data systems and program evaluation.
Skills & Competencies- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Ability to analyze data and use findings to improve program outcomes.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and youth development.
- Ability to build productive relationships with students, families, school personnel, and community stakeholders.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and related technology platforms.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
Physical Requirements- Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to move throughout school facilities and activity spaces.
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds when necessary.
- Ability to support classroom and activity-based programming through movement, bending, and standing.
Benefits- Competitive salary
- Health insurance offered
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
- Retirement plan options
How to ApplyInterested candidates should submit:
Subject Line: Program Director - P.S. 161 COMPASS Program
