Center Director

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 Center 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. As Center Director you will provide leadership, direction, training, and support to on-site staff and volunteers and ensure the safe and structured operation of the center. Center Directors usually manage 2 to 3 direct reports (associate center director, admin support staff).  

PAL has 18 locations located in the Five New York City boroughs. Please visit our website to learn about specific locations and clearly specify which locations are the right fit for you in your cover letter. Candidates will be contacted as openings arise. 

What you’ll do:  

• 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. 

Who you are/What you bring:  

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field is required. Master's degree preferred. 

• Experience with DYCD funded programs.  

• School-Age Child Care (SACC) license is preferred. 

• At least four years of demonstrated successful experience in a supervisory position providing services to youth including program management and staff supervision, with at least three years in a leadership capacity. 

• Demonstrated skills and competency in youth development program planning and administration, and the ability to supervise multiple staff. 

• Leadership skills in conflict intervention, negotiation, decision-making, and delegation. 

• Effective communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to speak effectively and persuasively to staff, members, parents, groups, and community residents. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications. 

Compensation: The range for this role is $58,600 commensurate with skills and experience.  
 

Benefits: PAL offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes health insurance, flexible spending account options, an employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, pet insurance, life insurance, retirement savings options, a generous paid time off policy, training and more!  

Location: This is an in- role; in-office presence is required at our headquarters located at 34 1/2 East 12th Street New York, NY 10003 

At the Police Athletic League, we seek people who are talented, creative and passionate to help create a more inclusive city and better futures for our youth. We’re devoted to empowering communities and building the best places to work, and that goes for our own teams too. 

The Police Athletic League is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected characteristic including, but not limited to, an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy 

Employment with PAL is contingent upon successful completion of all the Agency’s lawful pre-employment checks, which may include a background check.