Program Director (Castle Hill YMCA)

Salary: $66,300 Annually

Being part of the YMCA Afterschool staff team is a deeply rewarding job where you support children’s learning, help build strong connections, and have a positive impact on so many in your community. At Y Afterschool, 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 an opportunity to make a real difference and gain invaluable leadership and interpersonal experience.
The Castle Hill YMCA is seeking a Program Director. Under the supervision of the Youth & Family Director, the Program Director serves as the strategic and operational leader for our Afterschool initiative. This multifaceted role requires a dynamic professional capable of managing all aspects of a successful, holistic youth development program.

• Team Leadership: Supervising, mentoring, and leading a diverse staff team to deliver high-quality programming.

• Program Excellence: Designing, creating, and implementing engaging and impactful programming that meets the developmental needs of all participants.

• Inclusion and Mental Wellness: Prioritizing and integrating mental health support, case management, and social-emotional learning initiatives for both program participants and staff. Ensuring programming and day-to-day operations are welcoming to children of all abilities.

• Operational Management: Meticulously managing site budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and maintaining compliance with all contractual agreements and reporting 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 program or related field of work.

— Current Pediatrics CPR or First Aid certification preferred.

— General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

— Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.

Benefits:

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including 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. Click here for more information.

How to Apply:

If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization.