Program Director - Manhattan

Position: Program Director - Manhattan

Who we are:  The Police Athletic League (PAL) of New York City is an independent youth development nonprofit organization and has been a vibrant and vital institution, serving as an effective, critical bridge between police and communities across all five boroughs of the City since 1914. PAL operates diverse programs for children as young as 2 years old to young adults. Programs include Head Start, after-school programs and summer day camps for elementary, middle and high school youth, and summer Playstreets. PAL also runs evening teen centers and college readiness programs, youth employment, and juvenile justice programs. Staying true to PAL’s roots, a cornerstone of our youth development strategy includes offering competitive and recreational sports for children of all ages.  At PAL, we’re devoted to empowering communities and building the best places to work, and that goes for our own teams too. 

Position Summary: 

Reporting to the Regional Director, the Program Director is responsible for the planning and operation of the Center in accordance with the Police Athletic League's (the Agency) mission, goals, and policies. Provide leadership, direction, training, and support to on-site staff and volunteers in the safe and structured operation of the center. Program Directors usually manage 2 to 3 direct reports (Associate Program Director, admin support staff).  

PAL has 18 locations located in the Five New York City boroughs. This application is for anyone interested in our Manhattan sites. Please see other borough-specific job applications if you are interested in working in another Borough.  

What you’ll do:  

Major Duties & Responsibilities 

• Under the management of the Field Director, establish goals and objectives for the Center and effectively oversee all programs and operations. 

• Ensure compliance with Agency policies. Prepare and organize financial and program reports on a scheduled basis and as requested by the Field Director. 

• Work with Agency personnel to ensure that organizational objectives are accomplished, and serve as the senior representative of the center. 

• Plan and oversee the effective development and administration of programs and services. With assistance and direction from the Agency, recruit, interview, hire, and train staff and volunteers. 

• Oversee and evaluate programs and staff on a scheduled and consistent basis. Counsel, discipline, recommend for promotions or pay increases, and terminate staff as needed and in compliance with Agency policies. 

• Develop a positive environment for youth development based on the mission and goals of the Agency. 

• Establish and maintain policies and procedures that ensure the safety and well-being of all members, staff, volunteers, and visitors. 

• Establish, implement, and evaluate plans to promote the organization and market programs to the community at large. 

• Ensure that program staff understands and effectively communicates the standards of the program; that they provide safe, functional, clean, and well-lit program areas and that program equipment is appropriately used and maintained. 

• Ensure that a professional, instructional environment exists in all program areas. 

• Ensure that communication and guidance from staff to youth members is carried out professionally, enabling members to make appropriate choices in their educational, personal, physical, social, emotional, and vocational lives. 

• Build and maintain relationships with schools participants come from and work with school staff to ensure programming is reflecting school goals and needs. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Convene meetings with staff, volunteers/interns, program members, parents, and community residents as needed to assist in program delivery, communicate established policies, and promote a positive environment. 

• Develop collaborative relationships with other community-based organizations to enhance program offerings. 

• Organize and/or participate in external special events to promote the Agency's mission and image, cultivate relationships, and generate broad support. 

• Complete the minimum training hours as outlined in the New York State School-Age Child Care (SACC) Regulations.