Youth & Teen Program Directors - After School Program (Multiple Vacancies/Part-time/Temp)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Join the Arlington Parks & Recreation Team: Empower Teens, Ignite Change, and Have Fun!

Are you ready to lead dynamic youth and teen programs that change lives, spark creativity, and build the next generation of leaders? We’re looking for energetic, organized, and youth-centered temporary Youth & Teen Program Directors who are passionate about recreation, education, and equity. This is not your average desk job; this is a hands-on, heart-forward leadership role where you’ll design and lead programs that engage young people beyond the school bell.

The Program Director serves as the on-site leader for a variety of DPR’s youth programs including a robust teen after school program, monthly teen special events, youth school break camps, summer camps, and program outreach. Directors ensure all aspects of daily operations run smoothly and in alignment with DPR’s values of equity, inclusion, and youth development. The Director will develop and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate programming; supervise and coach staff; maintain compliance with safety and operational policies; and foster strong relationships with families, schools, and community partners.

Specific duties include: 

• Overseeing daily operations of a school year teen after school program by supervising a team of 3-6 staff members, ensuring effective task execution and active participant engagement;

• Planning and facilitating monthly team meetings, completing activity sheets, assigning staff to specific activities, and ensuring alignment with program objectives;

• Developing program calendars in advance, incorporating team input to ensure diverse and engaging activities, including providing coaching to staff,  performance evaluations, and fostering professional growth and program excellence;

• Maintaining a consistent presence on the program floor, leading activities, supporting staff, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols and behavior management standards;

• Modeling and reinforcing positive behavior management techniques in line with Arlington CARES customer service values to each participant, family and guardian;

• Maintaining a physically and emotionally safe environment for all participants by celebrating differences, creating appropriate relationships with all participants that are under your care, and supporting participants as they navigate social and emotional development;

• Monitoring and tracking participant attendance, registration, and evaluation data;

• Monitoring program budget expenditures, ensuring supplies, equipment, and other programmatic components are on-site in a timely manner, including pick-up and drop-off of items;

• Attending monthly team meetings and school lunch outreach events, including planning and leading monthly evening teen special events and youth school break day camps;

• Working with individuals with disabilities and provide personal care of participants (training provided); and

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned. 

Successful candidates will be able to collaborate and communicate with others, and can complete tasks, take initiative, and work successfully in a team environment. 

Minimums

• High School/GED/Equivalent; plus

• Considerable experience administering recreation programs, including some experience leading/supervising recreation programs.

Substitution: Completion of some college coursework may substitute for the experience requirement.  

Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:  
 

• Working in youth recreation programs in a leadership role;

• Planning and leading recreational activities;

• Willingness and/or experience working with individuals with disabilities; 

• Working with diverse populations; and/or

• Experience evaluating and coaching staff

Special Requirements

Please attach a resume to this application. 

If selected, staff may be required to: 

• Agree to a criminal background check.

• First Aid/CPR/AED Certification, or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire. 

• Possess a driver’s license to travel to multiple site locations daily in