Program Director

DEPARTMENT: Youth and Community Development Services

PROGRAM: DYCD Cornerstone Initiative

LOCATION: Lafayette Gardens Community Center, 442 DeKalb Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205

WORK SCHEDULE: School Year: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., occasional weekends 

Summer: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; at least 3 days out of the summer program weeks PD must

close program at 11pm; Saturdays & Sundays (various); 

SALARY RANGE: $70,000-$75,000 

REPORTS TO: Brooklyn Deputy Director

DATE: September 2026

JOB SUMMARY: Grand Street Settlement Cornerstone Program Directors are responsible for the overall

development, implementation, and supervision of the NYCHA Community Center. In addition, there is an

expectation of high-quality, innovative programming for our elementary, middle school, high school, and adult

participants.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree and equivalent of 5+ years in youth services required; at least 2 of those years are in a supervisory role required; master's degree in a related field preferred

• Familiarity with the community, key stakeholders, and resources

• Experienced in designing, planning, and implementing structured programs

• 2+ years in supervising more than 10 program staff 

• 2+ years of budget, contract, and grant management experience

• Ability to work independently, assess 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 demonstrated commitment to working with urban youth and young adults  from an asset-based perspective

• Ability to set up and maintain a work environment that challenges gender stereotypes and is  LGBTQIA+-friendly 

• A background in partnering with the Department of Education and local community-based organizations to support programs

• Have skills in experiential learning and group facilitation with youth 

• Must be an outstanding strategic thinker

• Must be flexible, cooperative, and willing to work in a team environment 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

• Proficiency in a variety of internet research and communication functions

• Experienced in DYCD programming regulations and DYCD online

• Must obtain NYC Dept. of Health fingerprint clearance and State Central Registry (SCR)  clearance ($25 fee) 

• Must have NYS Food Handler’s Certificate 

• Must be CPR and Advanced First Aid Certified 

• Bilingual (Spanish or Chinese preferred) a plus

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Required to complete SACC Program Director's (30-hour) credentials 

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to full-time and part-time program staff

• Recruit, hire, orient, and evaluate program staff assigned to center-based after-school program,  evenings, Saturdays, and summer day camp

• Provide direct/indirect supervision of all program staff and delivery of services on a day-to-day  basis, in order to ensure that all goals, targets, and performance outcomes are met on a  daily/weekly/monthly basis

• Responsible for participant recruitment and retention strategies by utilizing the DYCD online  report 

• Serve as the primary liaison for school administration, parents, and other community entities  and constituencies

• Prepare and evaluate mid-year performance reviews of program staff

• Work with program staff to improve job performance through ongoing mentoring and coaching,  and monthly staff development

• Facilitate bi-monthly team meetings and ensure that all staff meetings are properly executed

• Set, communicate, and enforce clear standards for quality youth development programming

• Actively engage community residents, local businesses, community leaders, tenant association,  youth, and Resident Advisor to participate in monthly advisory board and youth council to  support to community needs

• Must understand and navigate community culture and dynamics to ensure program quality 

• Participate in ongoing efforts to advocate for program needs via community coalition building  and via administering feedback surveys and program assessments 

• Seek partnership opportunities and bring in at least 3 new partners a year to leverage resources 

      to support programs

• Create quarterly community events, special events, and workshop series

• Assess programs quarterly to ensure that community needs are met

• Ensure attendance tracking and reporting meet contractual requirements regarding enrollment and attendance. 

• Respond to all electronic and phone communication within 2 business days

• Ensure all DOH School-Aged Child Care and DOH Summer Day Camp regulations and  procedures are complied with and conduct quarterly self-checklist inspections

• Coordinate and execute all major events and activities along with other GSS’s Program  Directors

• Responsible for the CACFP Food Program and all of its components, including reporting and  maintaining appropriate documentation

• Communicate with NYCHA  and DYCD key stakeholders, as well as participate in meetings

• Prepare monthly calendar of events, programs, meetings, and activities.

• Create a budget plan that supports program needs and ensure timely spending.

• Collaborate on cross-borough and agency/ department wide events and strategic planning efforts

Facility:

• Maintain and diligently follow up on facility logs to ensure timely response

• Ensure maintenance and cleanliness of facility and coordinate with agency (NYCHA & DYCD) to proactively and effectively address facility  issues

• Bi-yearly beautification/upgrade projects for the center 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Deputy Director/CPO

• SUMMER: Manage MS Expansion program (open seven days a week) as required and be available during off hours to provide additional support as needed to the Assistant Director and Evening Supervisors (including weekends).