The After-School Program Director is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and quality of education for all children within the program’s care. The Program Director is directly accountable for overall operational management in accordance with well-established guidelines, including curriculum development, staff and facilities management, building community partnerships, and long-range planning. The Program Director also ensures that the needs of the students and the goals of the program are met appropriately, provides leadership and supervision to assigned program and volunteer staff, manages budgets, and controls expenses as assigned. The Program Director oversees the After-School and Summer Camp programs and works with Corps Officers to effectively integrate Salvation Army and Boys & Girls Club programming.

The duties listed below are the primary duties of this position but are not all the duties that may be required. The Salvation Army reserves the right to change, reduce or expand the duties of this position at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Specifically, the primary duties are:

Programming & Outreach

• Collaborate with Corps Officers to establish a schedule, programs, activities, and services for children and families that align with The Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club, NJSACC, state, and local requirements.
• Work with the Divisional Education Director to adhere to state and local regulations for program licensure.
• Research, develop, and implement general educational curricula, collaborating with staff to develop positive learning activities.
• Positively promote the program to expand enrollment to maximum capacity.
• Consistently engage and communicate with parents of current and prospective students through direct conversations, newsletters, and the parent handbook regarding general program participation, expectations, and any outstanding issues.
• Implement community outreach activities to maintain and promote positive community relationships.
• Serve as a point of contact for community partners and agencies as well as for parents in a manner that is representative of the Salvation Army and that promotes the programs.
• Maintain positive relationships with regulatory agencies, ensuring legal and financial compliance with grants.
• Utilize data to assess and evaluate program operations and implement a strategic plan to address program needs.
• Oversee summer camp program development and implementation.

Leadership & Supervision

• Ensure that site staff understands and effectively communicates program standards, that program areas are safe, well-ventilated, and well-lit, and that equipment is maintained in good working condition.

• Collaborate with supervisors on interviewing and hiring staff.
• Meet regularly with supervisor and work closely with other program staff, ensuring all staff is fulfilling duties as described in their job descriptions.

• Allocate and monitor work assigned to program volunteers and staff, providing ongoing feedback and regular appraisal, and identifying and supporting training and development opportunities.
• Maintain an accurate record of staff payroll timesheets and submit them in a timely manner.

• Resolve conflicts to ensure a positive experience for everyone, including corrective action when necessary.

• Communicate any potential issues or concerns regarding personnel, parents, peers, partners, or program participants to supervisors as soon as practicable.

• Conduct regular staff and parent meetings.
• Complete and maintain staff and personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement of all childcare staff.

Administration

• Oversee program administration including but not limited to tuition payments, subsidy voucher payments, managing supplies, and conducting monthly statistical reports in accordance with The Salvation Army policy & procedures and local laws.

• Oversee proper record keeping and weekly/monthly reporting, including activities and events conducted, breakdowns of daily participation figures, notable achievements, and any problems/issues.
• Manage financial resources, assist with the development of annual budgets, and control program and activity expenditures within the approved budget.

• Maintain staff and student records in accordance with established enrollment procedures and state guidelines.

• Receive and maintain food inventory for meals/menu, assisting with menu preparation and serving meals.
• Implement, follow, and enforce all COVID-19 guidelines and organizational policies.
• Assist and support other activities as needed or instructed by the Corps Officer(s), such as with Seasonal Programs, (i.e. Backpack Program, Toys, Coats, Kettle Campaign, etc.), as required.
• Other duties within the scope of the role, as assigned by supervisors.

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Child Development, Physical Education, Recreation, or related field
• Two (2) years of direct experience working with school-aged children between the ages of 5-18.
• Strong technical proficiency with computer applications, including databases, Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint.
• Understanding of state subsidy voucher system and experience in revenue tracking preferred.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.

• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated and the ability to work independently.
• CPR/First Aid certified preferred; must be willing to get certified within the first 90 days.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is strongly preferred.

• Must clear full criminal background check, as well as CARI check and fingerprinting.
• Must provide health screening that includes physical and TB results within the first 90 days.

• Must be willing to support and/or lead faith-based kids’ activities and programming.
• Valid NJ Drivers’ license and clean driving record; must be approved to drive Salvation Army vehicles as needed.
• Must understand and support the mission of The Salvation Army.

NJ Executive Order 264 - Vaccination or Testing Requirement for All Childcare Center Personnel

Effective November 1^st, 2021, all licensed childcare center personnel must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be subject to weekly COVID-19 testing, unless a medical or religious exemption is approved. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. As a condition of employment, new hires will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing until fully vaccinated.