JOB TITLE‍

Youth Programs Director

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Youth Program Director provides strategic and creative leadership for the design, implementation, and evaluation of our after-school and summer programs, Semillas del Futuro and Raíces de Cambio. This position leads and supports the youth program team, manages program partnerships and budgets, and works closely with the Youth & Family Services Manager to ensure successful program operations, strengthen youth and family engagement and compliance with funding requirements. 

This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and hands-on leader to shape meaningful programs that help young people develop their voices, creativity, skills and connection to their community. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Design, Implementation, and Oversight

• Ensure youth programs align with NSNP’s three pillars of youth leadership development, land stewardship, and cultural preservation.
• Develop lesson plans and implement cycles of project-based learning activities that support academic enrichment and 21st-century skills development, consistent with OST and C2L-PHL goals/ objectives, through a creative approach integrating technology, arts and culture, and urban agriculture..
• Engage in professional learning to ensure programs include up-to-date pedagogical best practices.
• Builds positive relationships and works closely with community elders and garden team members to ensure programming includes regular engagement with NSNP’s urban gardens, where youth learn about Afro-Puerto Rican foodways and cultural traditions, agriculture, sustainable living, and holistic community health.
• Support  Semillas Instructors in the development, organization, and scheduling of daily activities, field trips, guest teachers/artists, and workshops, as well as three student showcases per year.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Garden Educator, and Semillas Instructors on developing entrepreneurship, apprenticeship, service learning, and community civic engagement opportunities with youth and for youth.
• Recruit, supervise, and support instructors and teaching artists with project-based learning and lesson planning; teach classes as needed.
• Provide leadership, guidance and supervision to NSNP instructors/ educators through weekly check-ins and annual evaluations. 
• Facilitate regular team meetings to discuss classroom activities, planning, successes, and challenges. Provide resources, support, and coaching as needed.
• Monitor and evaluate youth program effectiveness, using a logic model and other evaluation tools to measure program outcomes, conduct needs assessments, identify gaps, strengthen programming and ensure goals are met.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, volunteers, stakeholders and organizations to foster a program that offers youth education and empowerment opportunities to enhance program effectiveness and community engagement.  
• Manage program-related budgets & track expenses; maintain financial and operational records as appropriate.

Youth Recruitment, Retention, and Program Compliance

• Work collaboratively with the Youth and Family Services Manager to design recruitment and retention strategies; actively recruit 45-60 youth (consistent with current OST contract) in schools, community programs, public events, and other agencies
• Manage and facilitate day to day operations of all youth programming.
• Work collaboratively with the Youth & Family Services Manager to ensure that:
  
  • Youth programs are promoted through school tabling events, etc.
  • Student needs are met, and a support network exists to address emotional, behavioral, and safety issues.
  • Students are registered and enrolled in after-school and summer programming.
  • Student files are accurate and up-to-date.
  • Attendance is up to date and meets funder requirements
  • Parents receive needed information and orientations
  • Field trip logistics are coordinated and executed
  • Local schools and community partners are informed about student needs and challenges.Oversee the development of student handbooks & policies and communicate that information to staff, youth, and parents.

Evaluation & Reporting

• Complete required reporting documentation for funders as needed, as well as periodic  program reports for the Executive Director.
• Keep the Executive Director informed on program updates through weekly meetings.
• Work with the Grants & Impacts Specialist on developing & implementing evaluation strategies (including surveys and data collection) and identifying improvement needs.
• Collaborate with Development and Communications staff to share program updates, success stories, and visual content that highlight the impact of youth programs.
• Actively participate in the Board-staff Program Committee.

Administrative / Other

• Ensure all program activities comply with internal policies and funder guidelines, including required training and meetings with the Office of Children & Families (OCF).
• Represent NSNP at public events, community meetings, conferences, and workshops.
• Together with NSNP’s Executive Director, maintain communication with key after-school and summer funders, including but not limited to OCF and PHMC.
• Provide grant proposal support (development, writing, feedback) as requested.
• Support the NSNP community and fundraising efforts as needed.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education or the human services field; Masters preferred.
• At least three (3) years experience working with youth in high-needs communities
• Experienced with youth and program development, implementation and bringing programs to scale
• At least three (3) years of supervisory experience 
• Ability to develop and manage budgets
• Ability to develop organizational systems that strengthens work flows and accountability
• Proficient in data gathering and program evaluation best practices
• Experience with Philadelphia OST/OCF a plus.
• Understands,embraces and has the ability to implement trauma-informed practices
• Familiar with local youth development network of organizationsAbility to create and maintain a welcoming environment that fosters positive youth development; a passion for working with young people as they navigate adolescence
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills (collaborative, gives and receives constructive feedback, proficient in conflict resolution)
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills; ability to navigate crisis intervention
• Excellent leadership skills and team management skills
• Works with an open mind and heart; empathetic, understanding, and respectful
• Culturally aware; embraces racial, gender, and sexual orientation equity, diversity, and inclusivity
• Proficiency in English and Spanish preferred
• Ties to the local community desirable

SUPERVISED BY

Executive Director

WORK HOURS

• Full-time, Exempt. 35 hours per week (this may fluctuate depending on the work week) with flexibility to work off-site, evenings, and weekends as needed. 

COMPENSATION AND APPLICATION DETAILS

The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $58,000-$61,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Some evening and weekend hours will be required as needed. Full-time employees receive up to 15 days of paid time off (PTO), earned on an accrual basis; this amount increases to 20 days after 4 years of service and 25 after 8 years. Additionally, the office is closed two weeks per year and there are 14 paid holidays.

Benefits include dental coverage, partial reimbursement of health insurance costs, monthly cell phone stipend of up to $50, monthly health & wellness reimbursement of up to $50, and eligibility for a Simple IRA account with 2% monthly employer contributions.

TO APPLY 

Please  submit  a  cover  letter  and  resume  by  email  with  “[YOUR NAME] Youth Program Director Application”  in  the  subject line to jobs@myneighborhoodproject.org. Electronic submissions only.  No phone calls please. 

Deadline: August 7, 2026

‍

Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP)  is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. 

‍