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Children Program Director Jobs in Elizabeth, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Program Director

Bronx, NY ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The Assistant Program Director is responsible for assisting with the management and supervision of ... Link children and their families to appropriate and needed services. * Address on-going behavior ...

Being part of the YMCA Afterschool staff team is a deeply rewarding job where you support children ... The Harlem YMCA is seeking a Program Director. Under the supervision of the Youth & Family Director ...

... a Program Director - COMPASS Afterschool Program in Staten Island, NY. The Central Family Life ... for children while fostering strong partnerships with families, schools, and the community.

Program Director

Staten Island, NY ยท On-site

$38.46 - $41.20/hr

... Director - COMPASS Afterschool Program in Staten Island, NY. The Central Family Life Center ... children while fostering strong partnerships with families, schools, and the community. The Program ...

Children of Promise, NYC (CPNYC) is a community-based organization located in Brooklyn that ... Program Description Children of Promise, NYC operate for the entirety of the school year, from the ...

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Children Program Director information

See Elizabeth, NJ salary details

$29.7K

$78.7K

$137.9K

How much do children program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for children program director in Elizabeth, NJ is $78,698.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $93,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a children program director do?

A Children Program Director is responsible for designing, managing, and evaluating programs and activities for children, often within educational, recreational, or community settings. They oversee staff, develop age-appropriate curricula, ensure the safety and well-being of participants, and coordinate with parents and community organizations. Their role involves budgeting, scheduling, and maintaining compliance with relevant regulations to create a positive and enriching environment for children.

What are some common challenges faced by a children program director, and how can they be effectively managed?

Children Program Directors often face challenges such as balancing diverse needs of children, managing staff, and ensuring program compliance with safety and educational standards. Effective management involves maintaining clear communication with team members, staying updated on best practices in child development, and fostering strong relationships with parents and community partners. Proactively addressing staff training and seeking regular feedback can also help create a positive, adaptable program environment.

What are the responsibilities of a Children Program Director?

A Children Program Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing children's activities and educational programs. They coordinate staff, ensure safety and compliance with regulations, and develop age-appropriate curriculum to promote children's development and engagement. Strong leadership, communication skills, and knowledge of child development are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Children Program Director vs Children Activities Coordinator?

Children Program DirectorChildren Activities Coordinator
Develops and oversees overall program strategies and policiesPlans and executes specific activities and events for children
Requires higher-level management skills and experienceFocuses on day-to-day activity coordination
Typically holds a bachelor's degree in education, recreation, or related fieldMay require similar certifications but less managerial experience
Works in community centers, schools, or religious organizationsWorks in similar environments, often under supervision

The Children Program Director focuses on strategic planning and program management, while the Children Activities Coordinator handles the execution of specific activities. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in similar settings, but the director has broader responsibilities and leadership duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a children program director?

To thrive as a Children Program Director, you need a background in education, child development, or a related field, often with a bachelor's degree and experience in program management. Familiarity with curriculum planning tools, child safety regulations, and management software is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you inspire staff, engage families, and respond effectively to challenges. These competencies are essential for creating enriching, safe, and effective programs that support children's growth and well-being.
What job categories do people searching Children Program Director jobs in Elizabeth, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Children Program Director jobs in Elizabeth, NJ are:
Infographic showing various Children Program Director job openings in Elizabeth, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,698 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Associate Director, Children's Program

The Bowery Mission

Bronx, NY โ€ข On-site

$78K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

The Bowery Mission is a Christian, faith-based organization committed since the 1870s to serving people experiencing homelessness, hunger, and poverty. The Bowery Mission meets essential needs and creates transformative communitywith men, women, children, and families in New York so that together we can overcome homelessness and poverty and flourish.

As a key leader of the Children's Program team, the Associate Director supports the Children's Program's Director in providing onsite leadership and strategic planningfor Mont Lawn City Camp, overseeing effective programming for children and youth from urban contexts (6-16 years-old): afterschool enrichment services, Leadership Academy, and community events at Mont Lawn City Camp. The Associate Director leads teams and ensures programming that supports holistic growth (spiritual, social, emotional, academic). Works to achieve desired participation goals and outcomes. Provides direct care to children and their families, including teaching classes, leading groups, tutoring, and mentoring. Collaborates with internal and external partners to enhance available resources. Ensures compliance with TBM policy and city andstatestandards. Travels toMont Lawn Camp in Pennsylvania for a minimum of one to two weeksduring summer camp season (June - August) to provide on-site leadership,anddirect careto children and families.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Lead teams in overseeing daily program operations at City Camp.
  • Work closely with the Director to manage daily program operations. Ensure effective afterschool enrichment and Leadership Academy programming (classes, groups, tutoring, mentoring, field trips, etc.) and community events. Ensure staff understand and comply with health and safety requirements.
  • Model and coach team in reinforcing TBM's values. Serve asaspiritual leader for the team.
  • Ensure programming is Christ-centered, integrated, and empowering, utilizes a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) approach, and aligns with best practices. Promote spiritual growth along with an increased sense of hope, improved social-emotional skills, and academic success.
  • Maintain and increase program participation and success rates.
  • Oversee staff correspondence to families and their children. Oversee transportation to/from field trips and Mont Lawn Summer Camp for campers, staff, tutors, and mentors.
  • Advise and authorize expenditures withinapproved budgetto meet program goals.
  • Ensure teachers/facilitators follow approved curriculum. Develop and write new curriculum as needed.
  • Collaborate with TBM departments/divisions (e.g., Volunteer Services, Program Effectiveness, and Corporate Partnerships) and community partners (e.g., education, ministry, and corporate) to recommend new linkages, enhance working relationship, increase available resources, and coordinate care.
  • Provide direct care:lead/facilitate groups and classesand provide additional coverage when needed.Tutor and mentor children and their families. Communicate with parents/guardians.Assess needs,andmake appropriate referrals
  • Support Director and Children's Program's Recruiter with camper recruitment for City Camp and Mont Lawn Summer Campparticipation.
  • Ensure processes are in place to track program outcomes, monitor staff reports, and facilitate communication between shifts/team members.

Requirements:

  • Embracesthe organization's Statement of Faith.
  • 3+ years' experience in a management position and 7+ in children's ministry, non-profit, human services or other relevant field.
  • Bachelor's degree in relevant field or equivalent educations.
  • Integration of best practices in children's programming and Christian worldview.
  • Program development. Staff development and training. Teaching and mentorship.
  • Proficient in office technology.

Preferred:

  • Master's degree in related field.
  • Nonviolent Crisis Intervention.
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid, CPR/First Aid.
  • F-02 Fire Safety.
  • Mandated Reporter Training.
  • Current Driver's License or license obtained within first 12 months.
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish.


Salary commensurate with relevant education & experience: $78,000-$84,000 annually.


Due to the number of applications, we receive, we are only able to respond to qualified candidates who are selected for interviews. We sincerely appreciate all candidates for their interest in The Bowery Mission.