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Assistant Director, Program

Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) — a world-renowned education and poverty-fighting organization based in New York — seeks an enthusiastic, dedicated, and mission-aligned Assistant Director for our Promise Academy After School Programs.

The Assistant Director will bring a passion for the mission of Harlem Children’s Zone: break the cycle of intergenerational poverty with comprehensive, on-the-ground programming that builds up opportunities for children and families to thrive in school, work, and life.

The Assistant Director will join our Promise Academy After-School After-School program. The programs provide hundreds of students in grades K-5 with a safe, nurturing, and educational environment that fosters self-confidence and personal and social development. Students are exposed to a variety of fun-filled project-based learning, developmental and high-caliber enrichment activities, which include various arts enrichment (e.g., dance, theater, Fashion, music, technolody, culinary, media arts, production, chess, gardening, and much more), as well as health/wellness and physical fitness education. Additionally, students are engaged in leadership development activities, including community service, character education, and conflict resolution, and participate in a number of team sports and recreation activities, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, cheerleading, softball, swimming, and golf. We strive to create strong bonds and partnerships among students, families, and staff to meet the needs of each individual child.

We are seeking an Assistant Director to lead the day-to-day operations and deliver on short-term objectives while keeping the program focused on the overall mission and goals. The successful candidate will be a proven leader with exceptional relationship development and management skills. They will be passionate and committed to improving and enhancing the lives of underserved children. 

For more information, check out Want to Work at Harlem Children’s Zone? Here’s 7 Things You Need to Know.

  • Bachelor's Degree (Master's Degree preferred)
  • 3+ years experience managing a team of employees in an after-school, education, social services, youth development, or community-related program.

Who you are

  • A commitment to the mission and programs of HCZ
  • Bachelor’s degree with preferably 5+ years of progressive educational or social service experience; Master’s degree preferred
  • Knowledge of and sensitivity to issues prevalent in underserved communities of color
  • Strong belief that all students should be on a path to college and career success
  • Demonstrated record of meeting and exceeding goals and positively impacting children, their families, and the community as a whole
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written, including the ability to navigate and manage multiple stakeholders
  • Strong direct management skills, including the ability to effectively supervise coach and develop a staff
  • Excellent time management skills, coupled with a strong sense of urgency to get things done without sacrificing accuracy and ethical behavior
  • Strong qualitative and quantitative data analysis and problem-solving skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Outlook
  • Ability to work flexible hours, as required by the demands of the program

 

What you'll do

  • Oversee daily operations of an extensive program to ensure 400-500+ students with a wide range of levels of preparedness and engagement receive balanced academic and enrichment programming.
  • Work closely with the HCZ Promise Academy Principals and leadership to ensure afterschool program student policies and procedures are coordinated and appropriately aligned with day school.
  • Ensure all students are safe, engaged, and supervised by adults at all times.
  • Partner and collaborate with other program leaders, including Promise Academy after-school Directors and Assistant Directors serving students in grades K-12
  • Ensure the program stays on track to meet program goals and objectives consistently
  • Manage a team comprised of various supervisory and program support roles designed to support and enhance students academically, artistically, and socio-emotionally
  • Clarify work policies for staff and ensure they are consistent with HCZ policies and procedures.
  • Develop programs, procedures, and processes where needed, including student services, operations, staffing, and budgets.
  • Foster strong relationships and effective communication and collaboration with students, parents, staff, and HCZ leadership.

Schedule

  • Monday-Friday  11 AM - 7 PM (flexibility will be required based on the after-school program's needs)
  • During our Summer Camp Program, full-time employee's schedules shift to 8 AM - 4 PM daily

As a member of the Harlem Children's Zone team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families — and our staff — thrive. We offer highly competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth.

Our exceptional full-time benefits include: 

  • Highly competitive base salaries
  • Paid time off 
  • Employee referral bonus 
  • Career Advancement
  • No-cost health insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Short-and long-term disability
  • Additional voluntary benefits
  • Wellness discounts
  • Commuter benefits
  • Financial wellness perks
  • Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)

 

The salary range for this position is $70,000-$75,000 per year. To be considered, interested applicants should apply directly through the posting. No telephone inquiries or recruiters, please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. Harlem Children's Zone is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Average salary estimate

$72500 / YEARLY (est.)
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$70000K
$75000K

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What You Should Know About Assistant Director, Program, Harlem Children's Zone

Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) is on the lookout for an enthusiastic and dedicated Assistant Director to join our Promise Academy After School Programs. This role is perfect for someone who is passionate about breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty through impactful education and community engagement. As the Assistant Director, you'll oversee day-to-day operations for our vibrant after-school program, ensuring that hundreds of students from K-5 receive a rich variety of educational experiences that nurture their growth, from arts to sports and leadership development. Your leadership will keep our program aligned with its mission while cultivating a safe and engaging environment for all children. With a strong focus on relationship building among students, families, and staff, you'll help create partnerships that reflect our commitment to enhancing the lives of underserved children. If you’ve got a bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred), and at least three years of experience managing teams in educational or community settings—plus an unwavering dedication to student success—we would love to hear from you. Join HCZ and be a part of a supportive community dedicated to empowering children and families to truly thrive in life!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Assistant Director, Program Role at Harlem Children's Zone
What are the main responsibilities of the Assistant Director at Harlem Children’s Zone?

The Assistant Director at Harlem Children’s Zone oversees the daily operations of the Promise Academy After School Programs, ensuring that 400-500 students engage in a well-rounded mix of academic and enrichment activities. This includes collaborating with school leaders to align policies, managing a diverse team, and fostering relationships among students, parents, and staff to create a supportive environment.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Assistant Director position at Harlem Children’s Zone?

To be considered for the Assistant Director position at Harlem Children’s Zone, applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree, with a master’s degree preferred. A track record of at least three years managing educational or community programs is essential, alongside proven leadership skills and a commitment to the mission of HCZ.

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How does the role of Assistant Director impact students at Harlem Children’s Zone?

The Assistant Director plays a crucial role at Harlem Children’s Zone by ensuring that students receive a high-quality after-school experience. This individual is responsible for overseeing all programming and promoting an environment that fosters academic achievement, personal development, and social skills—all vital elements for student success.

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What is the work schedule for the Assistant Director position at Harlem Children’s Zone?

The Assistant Director's schedule at Harlem Children’s Zone typically runs Monday to Friday from 11 AM to 7 PM, with flexibility required based on program needs. During the summer camp program, full-time employees shift to an earlier schedule of 8 AM to 4 PM.

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What benefits can I expect as an Assistant Director at Harlem Children’s Zone?

As an Assistant Director at Harlem Children’s Zone, you can expect highly competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, generous paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and health insurance—all designed to support both employees and the families they serve.

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Common Interview Questions for Assistant Director, Program
What leadership style do you employ as an Assistant Director?

When discussing your leadership style, emphasize adaptability and collaboration. Highlight examples from past experiences where you successfully led a team, engaged staff in decision-making, and fostered an inclusive environment—showcasing how you can inspire and motivate others to meet objectives.

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How do you handle conflicts among staff or students?

To effectively answer this question, describe a specific conflict situation you managed in the past. Discuss your approach to communication, active listening, and mediation, demonstrating your commitment to resolving issues fairly while maintaining a positive environment for students and staff.

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Can you provide an example of how you've improved a program in the past?

Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to detail a specific program you improved. Outline the challenges you faced, the actions you implemented to improve the program, and the positive outcomes that followed, emphasizing your ability to drive change and enhance experiences for students.

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What steps do you take to ensure the safety and well-being of students?

Explain your commitment to student safety by discussing policies and procedures you would implement or support. This could include regular safety drills, training staff in emergency response, and promoting a culture of openness where students feel comfortable reporting concerns.

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How do you align after-school programming with day school curricula?

Discuss your approach to collaboration with school principals and teachers. Highlight how regularly communicating and sharing goals helps ensure that after-school programs complement classroom learning, making the transition between the school day and after-school activities seamless for students.

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What strategies would you use to engage parents in the Promise Academy program?

Talk about the importance of parent engagement and describe strategies such as regular communication, newsletters, hosting family nights, and feedback sessions. Mention your commitment to building strong relationships with families to enhance student support both at home and school.

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What experience do you have in managing budgets for educational programs?

Discuss your financial management experience within an educational setting. Provide examples of how you've handled budgeting, secured funding, or managed resources efficiently while ensuring program objectives were met and supported.

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Can you explain your approach to team development and staff training?

Detail how you prioritize team development by conducting regular training sessions, providing constructive feedback, and promoting professional growth. Emphasize your belief in empowering staff to excel and your understanding of the impact their growth has on program success.

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Describe a time you had to overcome a significant challenge as a leader.

Share a specific challenge you faced, focusing on your problem-solving processes, decision-making strategies, and the eventual positive outcome. This demonstrates your resilience and capacity to lead through adversity.

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What do you believe are the key components of a successful after-school program?

Outline the critical elements that contribute to a successful after-school program, such as comprehensive academic support, diverse enrichment activities, safety and supervision, and strong community ties. Share your vision for how these components work together to support student development.

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DEPARTMENTS
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
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HQ LOCATION
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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 27, 2025

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