Program Director (West Side YMCA)
Full-Time / Regular
$66,300 - $70,000 Salaried
The YMCA of Greater New
York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and
strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population
of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through
programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the
Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger
communities.
To help fulfill our mission, we
cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance
community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework
(Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to
a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development
for all.
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 West Side 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