Program Director - Accion Academy

Position Title

Program Director – Accion Academy

Department

Middle School MSE05

Site/Location

977 Fox St, Bronx NY,10459

Job Classification (HR Use Only)

Non- Exempt

Full Time

Salary Range

$50,000 – $55,000

Reports To

Department Director of Middle School Programs

MISSION STATEMENT

East Side House cares for the individuals, families, and communities we serve by expanding opportunities to live more fulfilling lives through education, career, and supportive services.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/ Objective

East Side House (ESH) is a community resource in the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. We believe education is the key that enables all people to create economic and civic opportunities for themselves, their families, and their community.  ESH’s SONYC After School programs aligns with our mission by providing high quality programs and services within community centers and school partnerships. 

Reporting to the Department Director of Middle School Programs, the Program Director is responsible for providing leadership, management, and oversight of the SONYC after-school program to ensure high-quality services, operational excellence, and compliance with Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), Department of Education (DOE), Department of Health (DOH), and organizational standards. The Program Director will oversee the daily operations of the program, supervise and develop staff, manage enrollment and program quality, cultivate partnerships with school leadership and families, and ensure the successful implementation of program goals and contractual requirements.

As a member of the Youth & Adolescent Division team, the Program Director is expected to demonstrate strong leadership, professionalism, collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement while fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for youth, families, staff, and community partners.

This position's direct reports include the Education Specialist, Program Assistant, Group Leaders, Activity Specialists, and other program staff, and regularly interacts with the Human Resources, Finance, Operations, Compliance, and Facilities departments, as well as school administrators and community partners.

With a focus on positive youth development, academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, leadership development, and family engagement, the Program Director provides high-quality after-school programming, effective staff supervision and coaching, operational oversight, and meaningful services that promote student success and strengthen community partnerships.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and day-to-day management of the SONYC after-school program to ensure high-quality services and successful program operations.
• Supervise, coach, evaluate, and support program staff through regular observations, meetings, and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with all Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), Department of Education (DOE), Department of Health (DOH), School-Age Child Care (SACC), and organizational policies and procedures.
• Develop, implement, and monitor engaging academic, enrichment, recreational, leadership, and social-emotional learning activities that meet the needs of participating youth.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with school administrators, teachers, families, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor student enrollment, attendance, retention, and participation to meet contractual performance targets and program goals.
• Maintain accurate program documentation, reports, databases, incident reports, and other required records in accordance with agency and funder requirements.
• Manage program budgets, supplies, purchasing, and inventory while ensuring responsible stewardship of program resources.
• Coordinate staff schedules and ensure adequate program coverage during all operating hours, special events, school breaks, and field trips.
• Conduct staff recruitment, interviews, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance evaluations in collaboration with the Department Director and Human Resources.
• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all participants by maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive program environment.
• Attend required meetings, trainings, professional development sessions, and agency events as assigned.
• Travel between program locations, attend off-site meetings, and provide operational support at other agency sites as needed.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Department Director.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

To perform this position successfully, the program director must be able to fulfill all the elements of the job description to the highest standard and be able to work well with colleagues in a high energy and collaborative work environment.  Additional qualifications include:

Education / Experience

• Minimum Bachelor's degree or the equivalent of 5+ years in youth services preferred, at least 2 of those years are in a supervisory role required
• Master's degree in a related field preferred
• Familiarity with the respective Bronx communities, key stakeholders, and resources
• Experienced in designing, planning, and implementing structured programs
• 2+ years in supervising more than ten program staff
• 2+ years of budget, contract, and grant management experience
• Ability to work independently, assesses priorities, and take initiative
• High level of proficiency in administrative work
• Capacity to thrive under pressure while working on multiple tasks and projects
• Knowledge of the public education system and positive youth development best practices
• Strong public speaking, writing, and organizational skills
• A team player with a demonstrated commitment to working with urban youth and young adults from a strength-based perspective
• Bi-lingual (Spanish preferred) a plus

Competencies

• Project Management
• Problem Solving/ Analysis
• Communication Proficiency
• Customer Service
• Public/Community Relations
• Teamwork Orientation

Clearance

Employees must be clear to work at ESH.  Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background checks and/or screenings.

• Department of Health Fingerprint Clearance
• Department of Education Fingerprint Clearance
• State Central Registry (SCR) Clearance ($25.00)
• Staff Exclusion List (SEL) Clearance
• Health Statement
• COVID Vaccine

Required Online trainings

• Mandated Reporter, 2 hours, https://www.hslcnys.org/hslc/
• Foundations of Health & Safety Training, 5 hours, https://www.ecetp.pdp.albany.e

Supervisory Responsibility

N/A OR

This position is responsible for supervising and managing the performance of all designated employees assigned to the position within the department.

Physical Demands

This role may involve occasional lifting or moving of items up to 25 pounds and routine use of standard office equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Expected Work Schedule
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday and some Saturdays. Maintain flexible hours and workdays. The schedule may be adjusted based on ESH’s operational needs, with notice provided whenever possible.

School Year: 10:00am – 6:00pm

Summer: 8:00am – 6:00pm

EEO Statement

East Side House (ESH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.