Job Description

Sterling Community Center

Job Title: Director of Child & Youth Programs

Reports to Executive Director

Position Overview: Position Overview: Sterling Community Center, Inc. (SCC) is seeking an experienced and dynamic youth development professional with a passion to serve, engage, and elevate the youth and families in our community. This individual oversees our Preschool, After School, and Summer Camp programs; in service to more than 500 children and teens year-round with a teacher/youth worker staff of 30. This leader provides effective presence and support to our youth programs, while managing the administrative scope of the role – our “Principal of Sterling House.” SCC is grateful to have a dedicated, mission-driven team and we are excited to welcome our next colleague in this significant role at our organization.

• Location : Sterling House, 2283 Main Street, Stratford, CT
• Hours: Full Time at 40 hrs. wk. | Monday–Friday | Weekly hours are scheduled based on program needs between the hours of 8:00 - 6:00 p.m.
• Compensation: Competitive salary with benefit package including health, dental, SDI/LDI/LIFE, retirement, paid holidays, child care/program incentives, and paid time off package
• Supervision Received:  Reports to the Executive Director

Essential Duties

Program Creation & Quality:

· Ensure curriculum and activities incorporate themes of community, inclusivity, and service in all youth programming at SCC

· Collaborate with respective departments to develop and lead new youth programming and partnerships (example: after school tutoring, leaders-in-training, etc)

· Create and execute plans for the preparation and transition of each program to begin and close

· Continually observe and assess the classroom environment, staff and student interactions, and behavior; apply or recommend appropriate strategies for improvement to ensure a successful experience in the program, including an exit plan for students who can no longer be accommodated in our programs

· Direct programs and activities as assigned, stepping in to support if program requires it or ratios are unmet

· Continually assess safety of program space(s) and report all maintenance needs to the Operations Team

Licensing:

· Ensure all NAEYC criteria and OEC licensing standards are maintained for all programs; including handbooks, program portfolios, online portal, staff and student files, and family communication

· Ensure all First Aid required paperwork, medications, and supplies are stocked safely and prepared before a program begins

· Schedule and host licensing inspectors and consultants and lead the follow-up and potential improvements needed 

Staff:

· Hire and place all levels of staff for youth programs in collaboration with respective administrative/program staff

· Design and facilitate staff training prior to program start dates and throughout the year as needed

· Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to all program staff in order to maintain healthy, productive relationships and learning environments

· Initiate and meet with the leadership team in each program regularly for discussion, coordination, and/or training to improve and enhance the program quality and environment

· Maintain confidentiality with respect to any/all staff, student, or family issues

Financials:

· Create and effectively manage all aspects of program budgets, totaling more than one million dollars

· Ensure retention and organization of staff files, timesheets, training hours, and certifications

· Collaborate with our development department on grant creation and reporting

· Prepare necessary reports for the organization: budgets, annual goals and objectives; tuition changes, updated program handbooks, etc.

· Work with office staff to ensure timely payment from all registered families with financial aid and payments plans, as needed

Community:

· Participate in opportunities to engage our community and represent SCC; School Readiness Council, community meetings, professional development workshops, open houses and outreach events as assigned

· Lead a biannual stake holder meeting external advisors, stakeholders, and partners to welcome feedback and ideas from our community for continued improvement and innovation

Additional responsibilities:

· Embody the values and mission of SCC in all professional interactions and work to promote it in the community

· Represent and inform full organizational staff on the priorities, needs, and best practices of working with youth and families in our community 

· Serve as an exemplary role model to all staff and students in personal language, appearance, and professionalism

· Encourage physical, emotional and social growth, and positive character development in all students and staff

· Work to increase your own cultural competence while creating an environment that values diversity

· Assist with other programs, events, and initiatives at SCC as assigned

Qualifications:

● Relevant Degree: Education Degree, Human Services, Social Work, Non-Profit Management 

● Experience working with children with special needs and exceptionalities

● Experience with accreditation and early childhood learning, OEC Director’s Certification preferred

● Experience supervising, coaching, and supporting youth worker/teaching staff

● Willingness to obtain credential requirements such as; Director’s Certification with Office of Early Childhood; CPR/FA/AED, and Administration in Medications and EpiPen; in addition to any other medical training needed for the safe care of enrolled participants i.e: Diabetes, Seizure Control, etc.

● Strong computer and IT skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google platforms, data management, and utilization of online registration platforms.

● Ability to pick-up 50 pounds if necessary and physically and mentally able to do all tasks of this position

● Second language acquisition valued

Leadership Capacity:

● Strong communications skills, team player, flexible with strong decision-making skills

● Ability to effectively connect with and authentically support a range of stakeholders in any given hour; a student in our preschool, a teen volunteer, a parent or guardian, or a district administrator 

● Proven leadership ability with organizational skills and a talent for developing and leading a team; including both giving and receiving critical feedback

● Driven to take initiative to work toward ongoing improvements and innovation

● Ability to multitask, remain calm, and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment

Application Procedure:  Applications may be emailed to info@sterlinghousecc.org.

Please reference “Director of Child & Youth Programs” in the subject line and submit attachments in Word or PDF format. Please submit the following:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume

Please note: applications without cover letters will not be considered. We want to know more about your interest in joining our team.

Hiring Timeline:

· Resumes accepted through June 15, 2025

· Ideal Start Date: Early/Mid-August

SCC is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe deeply that diversity on our team strengthens our service to the community and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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