Program Director - Teen Center

Title: Program Director, Edgies Teen Center at Manny Cantor Center

Division – Department: Manny Cantor Center

Classification: Non-Union – Full Time – 40 hrs/week

Date: March 2024

Educational Alliance brings together and partners with diverse communities in Lower Manhattan, offering individuals and families high-quality, multi-generational programs and services that enhance their well-being and socioeconomic opportunities. We are a place where everyone is welcome and where progress is powered one relationship at a time. We are proud of our legacy as a Jewish organization, and we provide high-quality, transformational services and programs to all New Yorkers through our network of community centers on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and East Village. As we have for 130 years, we offer best-in-class programming–now across 15 sites—focusing on a mix of education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and civic engagement.

Manny Cantor Center at Educational Alliance brings together a wide range of programs and services to serve the Lower East Side community as well as other parts of NYC. As we have for 130 years, MCC offers best-in-class programming focusing on education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and civic engagement; we are a place where everyone is welcome, and believe that progress is powered by relationships. Offering individuals and families, (infants to Older Adults) high-quality, multi-generational programs and opportunities to enhance their well-being and socioeconomic opportunities, the Edgies Teen Center is a core component of our work.

THE ROLE

The Program Director for the Edgies Teen Center @ MCC is a high-impact leader responsible for the development, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of a high-quality afterschool program designed to provide meaningful enrichment opportunities to Lower East Side teens. Working closely with leaders across MCC and Educational Alliance, this Program Director will collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders to develop and maintain an excellent student-centered program that uses data to reflect on new initiatives and generate best practices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Implement and continually assess a comprehensive center-based Teen program catering to the diverse needs of students aged 13-19 on the Lower East Side
• Collaborate with educators, counselors, and community leaders to integrate college-preparation curricula, career readiness modules, and enrichment activities to complement their academic endeavors at school.
• Stay updated with the latest educational approaches and methodologies to ensure program relevance and effectiveness.
• Oversee daily operations of the Teen Center, located with the Manny Cantor Center, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and productive environment.
• Supervise and develop a diverse staff, including a deputy (Associate Director) who should receive consistent professional development, coaching, and leadership capacity enhancement.
• Promote professional growth and development program staff, interns, and volunteers through regular supervision, observations, training, and staff meetings.
• Maintain student records and actively track attendance, chronic absenteeism, family engagement, program referrals, school performance and engagement, and other relevant metrics.
• Establish a system for tracking individual student success, using data to refine and enhance program offerings.
• Conduct data analysis via multiple sources to understand trends, obtain feedback, integrate student and family voice in programming.
• Liaise with local schools, colleges, and businesses to foster partnerships and create opportunities for teen exposure to real-world experiences.
• Prepare and manage the annual Teen Center budget, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
• Monitor and analyze expenditures regularly, adjusting as necessary to remain within budgetary confines.
• Work with Development to uphold grant requirements and reporting.
• Organize fairs, campus visits, and guest speakers.
• Develop and oversee targeted initiatives to enhance college and career readiness among teens, while proactively identifying and addressing any observed gaps or additional needs within the teen/youth demographic.
• Work with other Program Directors across MCC to support center-wide initiations and creative collaborative programming.
• Other duties as assigned by Associate Executive Director

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, Masters in Social Work Preferred
• At least five to seven years of education or social service leadership experience
• Demonstrated passion for the mission, vision, and core values of Manny Cantor Center, and a proved belief in the innate competence, value, and strengths of teens in our community.
• Experience working with teens in school or program settings.
• Life-long learners who see the potential in every child and can help children see the potential in themselves.
• Strong interpersonal skills, good judgment, and an ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment.
• A commitment to thinking outside of the box – dedication to creativity, innovation, and fun.
• Strong program management skills and a sense of ownership over the programming that drives efficiency and excellence in all aspects of work.
• The belief that parents and families are important stakeholders in their children’s social, emotional, and academic growth.
• Ability to work seamlessly between high-level strategy and detail-oriented work.
• Ability to work well under pressure and keep track of multiple projects/deadlines.
• Passion for driving innovation, disrupting the status quo, trying new approaches, and tackling problems from many angles to find creative solutions.
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications
• Appropriate background checks and clearances

Benefits

• Generous PTO Policy
• Competitive Salary
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurances
• Pension Plan
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Discount Perks for Movies, Broadway Shows, and Amusement Parks, Etc.
• Free Gym Membership to our Manny Cantor Center Gym & 14TH ST Y Gym
• Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

EEO Info

Educational Alliance is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Educational Alliance takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Educational Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For further information about Educational Alliance, please visit https://edalliance.org