Afterschool Program Director (Multiple Positions, Manhattan/Harlem Locations)

Summary

Why You’ll Love Working at LEAP

At LEAP, we don’t just build great programs,  we build a great place to work. You’ll thrive here if you’re excited to be part of a mission-driven, people-centered, and joy-filled team.

We are:

 🌱 Community-oriented, believing in a shared moral responsibility

 🎨 Creative, flexible, and open-minded
🚀 Collaborative and mission driven
✅ Accountable to ourselves, each other, and our goals

 🌟 Committed to feedback and clear, consistent communication
🌍 Champions of a compassionate and inclusive culture

 💖 Supporters of self-care and the well-being of others
🎉 And above all… FUN!

At LEAP, you’ll be empowered to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact, all while being part of a community that values who you are and what you bring.

About the Role

The Afterschool Program Director is the overall supervisor of the LEAP Afterschool arts integrated programming, and is responsible for managing/training the staff, streamlining program curricula by working closely with LEAP internal departments and Education Specialists, building capacity through community and stakeholder partnerships, and establishing an organizational structure for the program. The Afterschool Program Director will work closely with LEAP senior staff and internal departments in alignment with LEAP’s vision and mission, and in strong partnership with school partners. 

Qualifications

• Supervisory Experience: Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team of staff, including recruitment, training, & performance management
• Program Development and Implementation: Experience in planning, developing, and implementing educational programs that align with organizational goals and meet the needs of the program
• Problem-Solving: Addressing any issues that arise within the program, including student behavior, staff conflicts, or community partner concerns
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain accurate records
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Strong verbal & written communication, active listening & conflict resolution; relationship building with students, parents, staff, and community partners

• A New York State Children’s Program Administrator Credential OR
  • A School-Age Child Care Credential OR
  • An associate’s degree in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation or a related field.
• Minimum of two years supervisory experience required
• Experience working with elementary and/or middle school students in a school-based or community-based setting; prior afterschool experience preferred 
• Familiarity with diverse ethnic and cultural communities
• Sensitivity to parent concerns and child development issues
• Enthusiasm, creativity, initiative and the ability to adapt quickly to change
• The proven ability to serve as a dynamic team leader

Duties

• Stakeholder Management: Work cooperatively with school leadership (Principals, APs, etc.) and LEAP staff/departments (Portfolio Manager, Program Ops Team, Finance Team, etc.)  to assess school needs, evaluate budget, plan programming, share evaluation tools, and oversee quality delivery
• Staff Management: Hiring, training, and supervising part time staff members, providing guidance and support, and ensuring staff are meeting program, organizational and regulatory objectives
• Curriculum Development & Program Planning: Ensure part-time Activity Specialists and Teaching Artists design, submit, and deliver engaging, educational lesson/project plans aligned with program goals and youth needs.
• Budget Management: Overseeing program finances, including managing budgets, tracking expenses, submission of receipts, staff timesheets and ensuring staff are working within the approved amount of hours allocated.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensuring the program meets all DOH and LEAP safety regulations and implementing procedures to maintain a safe environment for children. 
• Community Engagement: Building and maintaining relationships with principals, parents, youth, LEAP’s various departments, external vendors, and various other stakeholders.
• Data Collection & Reporting: Tracking attendance, event participation, surveys, and other organizational data asks, supporting the generation of reports to assess the program's effectiveness