Program Director

SQPA is seeking a Program Director to help launch and lead our new Cambria COMPASS Center. This is an opportunity to shape the center’s daily routines, build a strong team, and create a welcoming environment for young people and their families. We are looking for a hands-on leader who can turn plans into dependable daily operations. The Program Director will work with SQPA leadership to establish site operations, support the hiring of program staff, and develop a comprehensive program that responds to the needs of participants and families in the Cambria Heights community.

Primary Job Duties

• Oversee the day-to-day functions of the Cambria COMPASS Center, providing supervision and support for program staff.
• Work with SQPA leadership to establish site procedures and prepare program spaces, materials, and staff for the new location.
• Interview and assist in hiring direct-service staff for the site.
• Open and close the facility; ensure program spaces are prepared for daily activities and properly secured at the end of operations.
• Ensure participants are engaged in daily activities; maintain appropriate staff-to-participant coverage and follow procedures that support the safety and security of participants.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with DYCD and other relevant agencies and community partners.
• Ensure required participant, attendance, and program information is entered accurately and promptly into applicable databases.
• Develop strong relationships with parents and caregivers through targeted involvement and communication strategies.
• Plan and implement functions and events for staff, families, and youth at the program facility.
• Attend agency events and represent SQPA to community partners, public officials, funders, and families; effectively communicate SQPA’s mission and goals.
• Coordinate staff training, development, and site meetings; ensure staff complete required training hours.
• Prepare and present relevant reports as needed; conduct written performance evaluations and annual reviews of site staff.
• Attend SQPA, DYCD, and administrative planning meetings as required.
• Coordinate outreach and recruitment of program participants.
• Collaborate with program leadership and educational staff to research, develop, and modify lesson plans based on organizational and program themes and initiatives.
• Assure the quality of programming through regular staff supervision, program evaluation, data collection, analysis, staff training, and program development.
• Develop relevant resources that improve and enhance programs and services.
• Assist SQPA administration in research and grant-writing efforts relating to program development.
• Perform other tasks assigned at the discretion of the Senior Director of COMPASS & SONYC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, youth development, recreation, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Three to five years of experience in afterschool, summer camp, or youth development programming.
• Strong organization, communication, and staff leadership skills.
• Ability to work on-site and manage facility opening and closing responsibilities.
• Employment is contingent on required clearances and screenings for work with children and youth.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary of $65,000
• Health insurance
• Holidays
• Paid Time Off
  
• Sick Days

About SQPA

Southern Queens Park Association provides programs serving children, youth, adults, families, and seniors in Southern Queens. The Comprehensive Afterschool System of NYC (COMPASS) provides opportunities for young people to participate in engaging activities that support their academic, social, creative, and physical development.

The Cambria COMPASS Center operates under the SQPA umbrella through use of its facilities, programming, and thought leaders. The Program Director will work with SQPA leadership to establish site operations, support the hiring of program staff, and develop a comprehensive program that responds to the needs of participants and families in the Cambria Heights community.

Apply

Submit your résumé and complete the application through this posting. Tell us how your experience would help you establish a welcoming, well-run Cambria COMPASS Center.