Overview
*This position will commence May 12th, 2025*
Join The Salvation Army as our Middle School Program Director in our Brownsville, Brooklyn location! The Middle School Program Director will play a vital role launching and leading the new Middle School program. The Middle School program will be a hybrid of educational, recreational, and faith-based lessons and activities. The Program Director will report directly to the Brownsville Community Center Directors and Pastors (Corps Officers) and will collaborate closely with the Assistant Complex Administrator.
This position is responsible for the overall operation and management of the middle school afterschool program, which includes developing engaging activities, supervising staff, ensuring student safety, maintaining communication with parents, budget oversight, and ensuring compliance with program regulations while fostering a positive learning environment for students. The director will oversee the program year-round, moving to a full day of programming in the summer when school is out, effectively integrating with other Salvation Army programming.
Additionally, the Middle School Program Director is responsible for maintaining records and reports for funding sources, following required protocols and procedures to pass compliance inspections, and achieving the goals and objectives related to assigned curriculums. They will also collaborate with the Assistant Complex Administrator to ensure full administrative and programmatic compliance for both internal and external entities.
Responsibilities
- Involvement in the total program with willingness to help in all areas as needed, including food service, outdoor/indoor activities, classroom coverage, cleaning of classrooms and all program areas etc.
- Promote observance of the moral and ethical code affecting program participants and staff.
- Must be comfortable leading children and families in daily devotions from the Bible and praying.
- Collaborate with Corps Officers to establish a schedule, programs, activities, and services for children and families that align with The Salvation Army.
- Create and implement the full day summer program, including, but not limited to, activities, field trips, volunteers, meals and curriculum.
- Provide classroom coverage as needed.
- Ensure that all program staff appropriately react to children who present with complex issues stemming from living in poverty, difficult home situations, and the possibility of learning differences.
- 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.
- Liaise with external and off-site (Divisional Headquarters) personnel, as needed for the operations or funding of the program.
- 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.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Ensure that all communications and concerns related to the operation of the program are handled in accordance with the proper protocols for the Brownsville Corps Community Center.
- Work with the Brownsville Corps Community Center staff to foster cooperative relationships, in meeting the holistic needs of the community, such as referring students’ families to the food pantry or case workers if needed.
- Must attend and contribute to Corps Community Center Leadership Team Meetings.
- Is responsible for sharing with the Corps Officers all matters of mutual concern relating to the total welfare of the Program.
- Under the direction of the Corps Officers, the Program Director will work with the Assistant Complex Administrator to ensure that the program remains fiscally and administratively strong, sharing information constantly and meeting regularly.
- Positively promote the program to expand enrollment to capacity.
- Work with the Corps Officers to bridge the Middle School program children to church and other Salvation Army Programming.
- Accompany students on trips.
- Sign off on weekly attendance sheets. Prepare the payroll and submit it to Assistant Complex Administrator.
Program Development
- Design and implement a diverse curriculum of activities that align with student needs and interests including academic support, enrichment programs, and recreational activities.
- Create a daily schedule and manage program flow to ensure efficient use of time.
- Develop and maintain program policies and procedures to ensure student safety and well-being.
- Plan, implement and maintain a comprehensive curriculum that not only aligns with the learning standards, goals, assessments, and instructional strategies but also addresses the educational, social, developmental and health needs of the groups, as well as the individual child.
- Ensure that staff understand the educational and developmental needs of each child in the development of lessons, plans and activities.
- Keep equipment and material accessible and in good condition to encourage maximum constructive use by the children; remove or report any damaged or hazardous equipment to the Assistant Complex Administrator so that necessary action may be taken.
- Ensure that staff document the behavior and progress of each child and utilize these records with staff for program planning and referrals, as needed.
- Handle all internal and external incident reporting for the Program.
- Handle all participant discipline concerns with approved mechanisms, whilst informing the Corps Officers and the Assistant Complex Administrator of major situations.
Personnel Management
- Supervise and train middle school program staff.
- Oversee staff performance, provide ongoing feedback, and address any concerns.
- Delegate tasks and responsibilities to ensure efficient program operation.
- Collaborate with Corps Officers to interview and hire staff.
- Coordinate staff work schedules to ensure coverage of after-school and summer hours.
- Resolve conflicts to ensure a positive experience for everyone, including corrective action when necessary.
- Develop staff’s understanding of the framework of the community in which they work, and the Program's role in fulfilling the mission of The Salvation Army.
- Responsible for the professional growth and development of staff through regularly scheduled individual conferences, group and monthly staff meetings, and frequent observation and discussion of staff’s performance with their groups.
- Maintain professional relationships in dealing with staff.
- Conduct Annual Performance Evaluations for staff according to the assigned schedule (These must be reviewed by the Corps Officers before submission to Divisional Headquarters.)
Administration
- Oversee program administration, including, but not limited to managing supplies and conducting monthly statistical reports in accordance with The Salvation Army policy and procedures and local laws.
- Interpreting of policies and programs of The Salvation Army, pertinent to parents’ relationship with the Program.
- Maintain staff and student records in accordance with established enrollment procedures and state guidelines.
- Coordinate with the local schools to obtain report cards, attendance updates, or speak with school counselors as needed.
- Develop and maintain positive ongoing relationships with parents, through informal contacts or planned conferences and appropriately shared information about children’s progress.
- Plan and conduct regular group meetings with parents and staff.
- Responsible for the ongoing marketing of the Program, to ensure that Program remains at full capacity, year-round.
- Assist and support other activities as needed or instructed by the Corps Officers, such as with seasonal programs (i.e. backpack, toy, and coat distributions, etc.) as needed.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisors.
Qualifications
- Must have Associate or BA/BS degree in child development, elementary education, physical education, recreation or a related field AND two years direct experience working with children under the age of 18 years, including at least one year in a supervisory capacity.
- Must have experience in lesson planning, curriculum development and implementation of structured programming for students in elementary and middle school; and preferably teaching credentials and teaching experience.
- Understanding and compassion for children who may be living in poverty, experiencing difficult situations at home, or have learning differences.
- Strong oral and written communication skills to interact with students, parents, and staff.
- Strong organizational skills to coordinate curriculum, activities, staff schedules, etc.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
- A valid driver’s license and ability to drive a 12-passenger van.
- Must possess an appreciation for and understanding of the mission of The Salvation Army.
- CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to become certified.
- Flexibility! Enthusiasm! High Energy!
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