Program Director – P.S. 161 Pedro Albizu Campos School

Overview

About ASPIRA of New York, Inc.

Since 1961, ASPIRA of New York has been dedicated to serving New York City youth and their families, providing opportunities that would otherwise not be available to them, and serving as an effective advocate, fighting to improve education in the Puerto Rican and Latino communities. In the 50 years since it was organized ASPIRA has served thousands of New York City children, youth, parents, schools, and other community based agencies, establishing a record of providing high quality, comprehensive programs and services such as its College Access Leadership Development Program, YES Service Learning Program, Resolution Hall, Parent Empowerment Academy and Middle School Youth Development Clubs.

Roles and Responsibilities

• The Program Director reports directly to the Senior Managing Director and assigned school administration.
• Ensure a strong relationship between the school day curriculum and the afterschool program.
• Supervise staff, lead and facilitate relevant meetings, and make decisions in conjunction with the school Principal, as well as, administrators and pedagogical staff.
• Conduct/attend regular meetings with the Principal and/or school staff, including providing weekly updates, and participate in school and curriculum development trainings.
• Work with the Parent Coordinator to ensure that families have meaningful opportunities and access to programs and services available in the school.
• Maintain all required administrative records and files according to program requirements and applicable regulations.
• Ensure database is updated weekly including attendance, work scope and program schedule.
• Provide monthly supervision meetings with staff to discuss performance, strengths and challenges.
• Hire/dismiss program staff and communicate staffing needs to Senior Manager.
• Drive and support the curriculum development process as it aligns with the mission of the organization.
• Initiate and organize functions such as special events, performances, parent events, field trips, etc.
• Report staff hours to Senior Program Director on a bi-weekly basis.
• Oversee the ordering and maintenance of materials.
• Attend monthly Site Director meetings and participate in and/or lead professional development trainings.
• Manage relationships with subcontractors and other stakeholders.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field required; Master’s Degree preferred.
• At least 4 yrs. experience in a youth development role, academic or recreation setting; experience working with middle school students highly desired.
• Extensive experience working in a DYCD program in a leadership capacity, including at least 3yrs experience supervising program staff.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, contracts, and complex budgets; must work well under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, and balance competing deadlines.
• Must possess the ability to inspire positive teamwork amongst the staff, initiate and follow-thorough with minimal supervision as well as work under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, and balance competing deadlines
• Strong administrative and organizational skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills in addition to strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in technology, including strong computer skills; familiar with Microsoft and Google suites
• Dedicated to ASPIRA of NY’s program’s educational and youth development goals
• Must be willing to learn and implement new strategies to inspire participants to be positive, thoughtful and motivated to work hard and take risks
• Knowledge of New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) School-Age Child Care (SACC) policies & procedures a plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some weekends and evenings.
• Preferably bilingual (Spanish/English)