Program Director COMPASS After-School & Summer Program

P.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: MondayFriday approximately 10:00 AM6:00 PM; evenings and weekends as needed
Location: On-Site Bronx NY
Salary Range: 75000 annually commensurate with experience

About Areté Education

Areté Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving 1500 students and families annually in the Bronx Washington Heights and Bed-Stuy. Through afterschool summer and career-connected programs Areté delivers 5000 program hours per year with a 97% graduation rate and 76% post-secondary enrollment.

Position Summary

The 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 Responsibilities

Program 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.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following COMPASS Program Director requirements:

• Associates 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 Childrens 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

• Bachelors degree required; Masters degree preferred.

• Minimum 35 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 Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• Resume

Email:
Subject Line: Program Director P.S. 161 COMPASS Program

Areté Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and program participants. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.