Program Director Jobs in Union, NJ (NOW HIRING)

TITLE: Cornerstone Program Director

DEPARTMENT: Youth and Community Development Services

PROGRAM: DYCD Cornerstone Initiative

LOCATION: Gowanus Community Center; 420 Baltic Street Brooklyn, NY 11217

WORK SCHEDULE: School-Year: Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm, occasional weekend 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); as a non exempt employee, working hours will include non-standard hours

SALARY RANGE: $66,300-$70,000/YR

REPORTS TO: Deputy Director of Brooklyn Youth Programs/ CPO

DATE: June 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 or 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 to 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, 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 demonstrated commitment to working with urban youth and young adults from an asset-based perspective
• Ability to set up and maintain 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
• Bi-lingual (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
• Serves 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 participant on monthly advisory board and youth council to support to community needs
• Must understand and navigate community culture and dynamic 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 program on quarterly to ensure that community needs are met

Administrative:

• Ensure attendance tracking and reporting meets 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 inspection
• 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).