Program Director - SYEP
New Today
OUR MISSION: Our mission is to inspire and empower all young people to take control of their future.
OUR VISION: We envision a world where everyone has access to an equitable path to success.
PROGRAM DESIGN: RTS facilitates a variety of youth programs including after-school, summer camps, retreats, conferences and summer employment opportunities reaching thousands of young people throughout NYC each year. RTS emphasizes the youth development practice of the Circle of Courage in all our programs; creating an environment of Belonging, where young people can build their Independence, find and develop their Mastery skill, and practice Generosity in their communities. At the core of our programs are staff training strategies that enable our young professionals to develop extraordinarily meaningful relationships with the young people in their care who we call Our Future Leaders because that is what they all are.
PRIMARY FUNCTION: The primary functions of the Program Director are threefold: i) to ensure that the RTS mission and vision of positive youth development is carried into practice at program, ii) to ensure that program staff are clear on program goals, are given the direction and support they need to achieve those goals, are given regular and meaningful feedback on their work, are valued as employees, and are given multiple opportunities to grow and learn, and iii) to build and maintain positive relationships with all key stakeholders.
ORGANIZATIONAL ROLE:
Reports: Youth Workforce Program Manager
Supervises: Summer Youth Employment, Pathways, and Work, Learn, Grow Programs (Ages 14 - 24)
Hours: Fulltime, Monday - Friday
Compensation: $58,500 - 60,000 per year
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Management and Oversight
Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of SYEP, WLG, and Pathways programming serving over 600 participants.
Ensure full compliance with DYCD regulations, benchmarks, and contractual deliverables.
Oversee participant onboarding, payroll, documentation, timekeeping, and attendance processes.
Monitor implementation of all program components, including remote learning, career readiness, and enrichment workshops.
Ensure all DYCD data systems (YEPS, Discover DYCD, STARS, and Worksite Portal) are updated and maintained regularly.
Staff Supervision and Team Development Hire, train, supervise, and support a team that may include Program Coordinators, Instructors, Administrative Staff, and Worksite Monitors.
Oversee the onboarding, coaching, and evaluation of Worksite Monitors assigned to support participants at worksites.
Facilitate weekly team meetings, professional development sessions, and coaching check-ins.
Provide performance evaluations and intervene promptly when additional support or corrective action is required.
Worksite & Stakeholder Engagement Serve as primary liaison with worksite supervisors and employer partners to ensure safe, productive, and meaningful experiences for youth.
Conduct worksite visits to monitor participant progress and support supervisors.
Maintain strong communication with families, schools, city agencies, and community partners.
Address challenges and incidents with care, timeliness, and documentation aligned with RTS and DYCD expectations.
Program Design and Logistics Collaborate with the Education and Curriculum team to ensure programming is age-appropriate, culturally responsive, and engaging.
Coordinate logistics for key program activities including orientation, training, college and career trips, guest speakers, and celebratory events.
Ensure calendar planning and staff scheduling aligns with site capacity and participant needs.
Work closely with the Operations and HR teams to ensure hiring, compliance, and supply needs are met.
Data and Evaluation Maintain accurate and timely data entry across platforms including participant rosters, session attendance, deliverables, and case notes.
Use data to inform decision-making and continuously improve program quality and youth outcomes.
Complete all DYCD and internal reports accurately and on time.
QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in Education, Public Administration, Social Work, or a related field required; Master's preferred.
At least 3 years of experience managing youth workforce programs (e.g., SYEP, WLG, Learn and Earn, or similar).
At least 2 years of experience supervising full-time staff and coordinating multi-site programs.
Strong knowledge of DYCD policies, systems, and compliance frameworks.
Proven ability to manage large programs and adapt in fast-paced, youth-centered environments.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and DYCD systems.
WORKING CONDITIONS Position is based in New York City and may require travel to multiple program sites.
Must be comfortable working in DOE school buildings and community-based locations.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events or trainings.
Must be able to navigate stairs and carry materials up to 25 pounds when needed.
COMPETENCIES Youth Development Expertise: Models and reinforces a positive, strengths-based approach to working with young people.
Operational Leadership: Demonstrates ability to design, monitor, and adjust systems for program delivery and compliance.
Team Leadership: Builds strong team culture through accountability, support, and shared goals.
Partnership Management: Engages stakeholders, employers, and school personnel with professionalism and care.
Equity and Inclusion: Creates a welcoming, inclusive space that reflects and respects participant identities and backgrounds.
Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility and proactive problem-solving in a dynamic work environment.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel welcome and valued. We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to our success in serving youth.
DISCLAIMER
This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and its essential functions. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be assigned to the staff member. The specific duties and responsibilities of the position may change from time to time, as determined by the needs of the organization.
The staff member must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
- Location:
- New York, NY, United States
- Job Type:
- PartTime
- Category:
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, And Media Occupations