Arete Program Director Job Description

Job Summary

The Program Director will build partnerships in support of, evaluate, and monitor a specific program, or set of program activities, for youth at our summer site in Washington Heights. 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Act as liaison for Arete, partnership schools, and supporting partners

• Participate in weekly planning call with Executive Director

• Approve payroll hours and schedules for direct reports

• Oversee student and staff attendance procedures; support daily reporting of this data to the Executive Director and Community School Director. 

• Organize and maintain program curriculum binders and digital files.

• Identify needs, make recommendations for, and facilitate the high quality program activities.

• Keep program files organized and up-to-date using Arete Google Apps for staff and student access. Where appropriate, use School-based Google Apps.

• Set and monitor semester SMART goals for personal and program success.

• Coordinate and manage all aspects of assigned projects to ensure timely completion within the available budget.

• Support active recruitment of students and staff for programming

• Attend and participate in program-specific events, training, and staff meetings. 

• Practice empathetic listening and actively works to build a culture of transparency and trust across the organization.

• Collaborate with other program teams across the organization.

• Share photos, videos, and captions with Arete social media team.

• Regularly use Areté online tools daily: Google Apps, PayCom, Youth Services Database (Cityspan), Jotform, etc.

• Make recommendations to the Areté team on new projects, research opportunities, and funding sources to improve and expand programming.

• Demonstrate exceptional services skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, professionalism, a positive and encouraging demeanor and a "can do" attitude.

• Always represent the Arete Education and Partner schools in the best light, consistent with organizational standards of conduct. 

• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability to lesson plan, coach, and give feedback to educators and partners

• Ability to support the social and emotional development of adolescents

• Ability to manage data and lead team to see trends in data to support growth of students

• A commitment to excellence in your work with others as demonstrated by your positive and caring presence with colleagues and members of school community

• Willingness to reflect on strengths and areas for growth to improve individual and team performance

• Willingness to learn new systems, skill sets, and capacities to improve problem-solving and leadership skills

• Ability to work effectively with school aged youth, educators, families, and communities from a wide range of cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. 



• Ability to work collaboratively, with strong relationship building and communication skills. 

• Ability to be polite, positive, and professional in all communications

• Ability to manage time effectively

• Willingness to go the extra mile or try something new

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to be empathetic and listen to others well 

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Proficient with all Google Education Apps, Microsoft Office, Zoom Video Conferencing, Social Media apps, video and photo editing apps

Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree 

• 5-8 years of leadership experience in education and/or afterschool industry

• Prior internship or work experience working with Arete Education preferred

• Mandated Reporter and Foundations in Health and Safety online trainings required (7-hours) 

• Department of Health and Department of Education background clearance

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. 

• Must be able to traverse classroom and adjust one’s tone and height, by bending or leaning, in order to support program activities  

Organization

Areté Education is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization that trains and empowers youth to lead successful lives, by partnering with local schools and community groups to grow investment in New York City youth. Areté designs afterschool and summer programming that exposes youth to diverse career pathways; builds academic, wellness, and leadership skills; and expands access to the arts and culture. For more information, please visit www.areteeducation.org 

*This position is grant-funded and subject to budget considerations