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Afterschool Program Director Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Dixon Family YMCA

After School Program Staff

Dixon, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Make a Difference as an After School Program Staff at Dixon Family YMCA! Are you passionate about working with kids and creating a positive impact in your community? Join the Dixon Family YMCA team ...

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Afterschool Program Director information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$22

$36

How much do afterschool program director jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for afterschool program director in Illinois is $22.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $24.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Afterschool Program Director vs After School Coordinator?

AspectAfterschool Program DirectorAfter School Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in education, youth development, or related field; certifications in CPR and first aidOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications in CPR and first aid
Work EnvironmentLeads program planning, manages staff, oversees budgets, and ensures program qualityAssists with daily activities, supervises children, and supports program staff
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by schools, community centers, and nonprofits to denote leadership rolesCommonly used for staff supporting daily operations in similar settings

The Afterschool Program Director typically holds a leadership role, overseeing the entire program, staff, and operations. The After School Coordinator usually supports daily activities and assists the director. Both roles are essential in providing quality afterschool services, but the director has broader responsibilities and higher qualifications.

What are some common challenges afterschool program directors face when managing staff and how can they overcome them?

Afterschool Program Directors often encounter challenges such as staff turnover, varying levels of experience among team members, and maintaining consistent communication. To address these, successful directors prioritize ongoing professional development, foster a supportive team culture, and implement clear protocols for collaboration. Regular check-ins, team meetings, and mentorship opportunities help staff feel engaged and aligned with program goals, ultimately leading to a more effective and cohesive team.

What does an afterschool program director do?

An Afterschool Program Director is responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and management of afterschool programs for children and youth. Their duties include developing engaging activities, supervising staff, ensuring a safe environment, managing budgets, and communicating with parents and school administrators. The director ensures that the program meets educational and enrichment goals while adhering to all relevant regulations and policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an afterschool program director?

To thrive as an Afterschool Program Director, you need experience in education or youth development, strong organizational skills, and often a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with program management software, budgeting tools, and compliance with child safety regulations is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for managing staff, engaging parents, and fostering a positive environment for students. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safe, enriching, and well-run programs that support student development and community needs.

What are popular job titles related to Afterschool Program Director jobs in Illinois?

For Afterschool Program Director jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Afterschool Program Director jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Afterschool Program Director jobs in Illinois are:

Afterschool Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Afterschool Program Director job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,469 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Site Director- After School Program

Apollo After School

Chicago, IL • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 hours ago

Job description

Site Directors Needed! Immediate start! Multiple jobs available in your area.

Do you have management experience? Have you worked in coordinating a school / afterschool program? Do you love working with children? Apollo After School is looking for you!

Compensation: Starting at $23 per hour (depending on experience).
Location: Chicago, IL
Starting Date: Seasonal position (This position is seasonal and follows the school district calendar for the 20262027 school year.)
Hours:

  • Before Care Monday through Friday between 7 am to 9 am
  • Recess Day Monday through Friday between 10 am to 1 pm
  • After Care Monday through Friday between 2 pm to 6 pm

*Work schedules may vary and are subject to change based on assigned location, program enrollment, school schedules, and operational needs.

Job Description:

Apollo After School is a national curriculum-based enrichment and childcare program. We offer parents before-school and after-school childcare 5 days a week, with a focus on Social-Emotional Learning and Project-Based Learning. We are looking for caring, patient, and enthusiastic childcare professionals to provide a safe, fun, and friendly classroom experience for our students at local PK-8 schools. Our staff is expected to apply their own unique creativity as educators within the framework of our research-based extended-day curriculum. Education is a team effort our staff must work closely with fellow colleagues, parents, and school personnel to provide a positive learning environment for our students.

As an Apollo Site Director, you will be responsible for the implementation of our extended-day program at your site. You will work closely with Apollo senior leadership and support staff to ensure our program exceeds school, parent, and student expectations. Site Directors also coordinate a team of instructors (depending on program enrollment).

As an Apollo Site Director, your responsibilities will be:
  • Provide a high-quality learning environment and manage activities that extend the school day.
  • Manage daily program operations and logistics, in coordination with Apollo leadership.
  • Ensure the safety and security of children enrolled.
  • Supervise all aspects of your site's before and after-school program.
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with all participants, parents, school staff, and administration. Communicate regularly with students' parents/guardians during pick-up times, working together on student successes and challenges.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, attendance, and dismissal data (incident and accident reports, inventory, and parent communication). Meet data entry deadlines. Gather, review, and use program data for program improvement and parent communication.
  • Assess and solve problems associated with the supervision of PK-8 students.
The requirements for our Site Directors are:
  • Minimum of two years of experience working with school-age youth, ages 4-10 in a school/after-school setting.
  • Minimum 1-year experience in management with at least 5 employees as direct reports.
  • Associate's Degree -or- Equivalent Experience
  • Applicants must be 18+.
  • Candidates must possess a current CPR and First Aid certification obtained through in-person training.
Perks:
  • We encourage Career and Professional Development
  • Training in relevant childcare subjects
  • Collaboration, and schedule flexibility
  • Work-life balance
Physical Environment:
  • Able to stay active and on your feet for extended periods.
  • Able to move quickly (walk, jog, or run) to ensure student safety.
  • Frequent bending, reaching, and participating in physical activities with children.
  • Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.

Apollo After School or Chess Wizards is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.