Job Description
Organization Overview
Horizons New York City at LaGuardia Community College (LGCC) is an affiliate program of Horizons New York City (HNYC). Both the program and HNYC are a part of the larger Horizons National (HN) network of out-of-school-time programs that provide high-quality, tuition-free summer learning for students from under-served communities. Horizons programs focus on mitigating summer learning loss and expanding access to equitable education experiences. At Horizons, students build both academic and social-emotional skills, ultimately discovering the joys of learning in a supportive, community-centered environment. As a part of this growing network, Horizons NYC at LGCC partners with local families, educators, and community stakeholders to ensure students have the tools and opportunities to thrive in school and in life.
Role Description
The Program Director is an integral leader of Horizons NYC at LGCC, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring high-quality programming, and managing a diverse team of staff and volunteers. The Horizons NYC at LGCC program will begin with two cohorts of students in grades Pre-K and Kindergarten, and it will grow by one Pre-K cohort each year. This role is intended to grow with the program, and is pivotal in expanding the program's reach by fostering external partnerships and enhancing visibility within the community. The Program Director will also engage with families, staff, and students to create a dynamic and inclusive program that aligns with the broader mission of Horizons. The Program Director reports to the HNYC Executive Director and designated LaGuardia Community College leaders. The position offers opportunities for professional growth through access to the broader Horizons National network, which provides resources such as strategic guidance, peer learning, and professional development.
This role is a year-round position that from September through June is considered part-time (average of 5-10 hours per month), and transitions to full-time (40 hours per week) for the summer (July-August).
Responsibilities
Administration and Program Planning:
- Collaborate with HNYC staff and the Executive Director of LGCC’s Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) to plan and implement a comprehensive summer program, ensuring alignment with shared standards
- Hire, orient, and supervise a diverse staff of teachers, teaching assistants, and volunteers to support program goals and outcomes
- Develop and maintain a detailed program schedule that includes academic instruction, enrichment activities, swimming, field trips, and other core components of Horizons programming
- Develop and implement clear, consistent operational systems, including student arrival and dismissal procedures, transportation procedures, safety protocols, and daily routines, ensuring an organized and secure environment for both faculty and students
- Ensure all programming meets safety, compliance, and quality standards as set by HNYC and local requirements
- Manage program logistics, including securing spaces, supplies, and resources necessary for program success
- Collaborate with HNYC and any other program staff to plan and execute family-oriented events, such as the End of Summer Showcase and school-year engagements
- Stay informed on current best practices for out-of-school time programming and family engagement
- Collaborate with HNYC and LGCC leaders to plan and develop goals, strategies, and improvements for the next year's summer program
Communication and Evaluation:
- Serve as a primary contact for participating families, addressing inquiries and providing prompt, professional updates on program activities
- Act as a liaison between Horizons at LGCC faculty and HNYC staff, providing timely updates on relevant program information as needed
- Participate in and lead the Horizons at LGCC Advisory Council, in partnership with the Advisory Council Chair
- Report relevant data such as testing results and swim data to HNYC staff in a transparent and timely manner
- Create and maintain systems to collect and analyze feedback from families with the goal of continuously improving program components
Supervision and Management:
- In collaboration with HNYC, lead the hiring process for program faculty and make final hiring decisions
- Oversee the daily management of faculty, ensuring effective communication, clear expectations, and strong collaboration among team members
- Provide guidance, support, and feedback to faculty, fostering a positive, inclusive working environment
- Conduct regular faculty check-ins to assess performance, address concerns, and provide coaching or professional development as needed
- Ensure staff adhere to program policies, safety standards, and operational procedures
- Coordinate with HNYC on any HR-related matters, including payroll and compliance, while maintaining responsibility for team dynamics and staff performance on-site
Qualifications:
- At least 3 years of experience in a leadership role in education, non-profit, or youth development fields, with direct oversight of program operations and staff management
- Demonstrated success in leading, managing, and inspiring growing teams in educational or youth development settings
- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the capacity to manage multiple responsibilities, including staff supervision, program planning, and day-to-day operations
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups, including staff, families, and community stakeholders
- Ability to work closely with HNYC staff, ECLC leaders, Advisory Council members, participating families, and community partners to build and sustain a positive, supportive program culture
- Experience making key staffing and program decisions, including hiring and conducting performance evaluations, in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Passion for promoting education access and equity, particularly for under-served students, and fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment for all