Program Director

TITLE:

Cornerstone 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:

Program & Community Development:

• 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

Administrative:

• Ensure attendance tracking and reporting meet…