Program Coordinator

About the Organization

Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education is a youth, family and community serving organization in the Hunts Point and Longwood sections of the South Bronx. We were established in East Harlem in 1934 by Claire and Elizabeth Sullivan and Sister Mary Imelda who observed waves of Spanish-speaking people pouring in from Puerto Rico and in desperate need of services. While settlement houses were in place to address the needs of the poor, this population was made up of predominantly European immigrants. Seeing the barriers and isolation that Spanish-speaking people were confronting, Claire, Elizabeth, and Sister Mary provided essential nutrition, housing, childcare, and educational support. What they could not know at the time is that they were championing social justice for what would become one of America’s most historically marginalized groups.

For 92 years, Casita Maria has expanded its population base to serve everyone in the community and continues to serve as a gathering place for hope and enrichment through arts, culture, and education. Currently, Casita Maria has approximately 15 full-time employees and approximately 35-40 part-time group facilitators, specialists and teaching artists who lead after-school and summer day camp programs.

About the Opportunity

The Program Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of their assigned Casita Maria after-school holiday camp and summer day camp program. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to training, managing, and evaluating a team of professionals, and executing the program’s curriculum and design in a proficient manner in order to meet contractual obligations while maintaining a safe environment in accordance with city and state regulations. Additionally, the Program Coordinator is responsible for the program development, and managing relations with school and program partners.

The Program Coordinator will be supported by a team of Education professionals including the Education (Content) Specialist, Operations Coordinator, Group Facilitators, Arts Department, and Interns/Volunteers. Program Coordinators work in partnership with Casita Maria departments that include Finance, Human Resources, and Arts.

Primary Responsibilities

Implements high-quality programming in literacySTEAM, media arts, physical fitness, wellness, SEL, arts, leadership, and academic enrichment, while fostering a supportive and engaging environment.
Oversees after-school, holiday camp and summer day camp programs, ensuring alignment with Casita Maria’s mission, strategy, and objectives, while ensuring contractual requirements are met including but not limited to the Rate of Participation and enrollment benchmarks.
In coordination with the Education and Arts teams, develop a work scope, and manage and implement a program schedule of activities in accordance with specifications and funding. Support with preparation for and during special events and culminating events as assigned.
Recruit, enroll and retain program participants utilizing approved promotional or marketing methods, such as brochures, flyers or presentations at parent-teacher conferences and school/community events.
Distribute, receive, audit, and manage program files and participant applications to ensure that the required regulations are met and ready for program audits by funders and regulators.
Ensure 100% alignment with DCYD COMPASS/SONYC contract guidelines. Maintains tracking of enrollment and attendance inside required databases including DYCD Connect.
Ensure accurate and timely reporting of incidents or changes on required databases.
Organize program logistics including but not limited to program schedules, supply order requests, maintain and update program supply inventory, space reservations and requests for any resources needed.
Build and maintain positive relationships with schools, youth, other community organizations, program partnerships, and parents and families.
In coordination with human resources, interview, train, manage and evaluate a team of professionals including but not limited to Group Facilitators, Activity Specialists, and the Content Specialist.
Supervise, observe and conduct weekly/monthly staff meetings with direct reports.
Create and maintain a welcoming, productive, and encouraging environment for participants, their families, and members of the community.
Collaborate with families to increase family engagement at all Casita Maria events and ensure the needs of participants are met.
Create a strong sense of community that values Arts and Education, respect, acceptance, and sets high expectations.
Attend weekly Education meetings, bi-weekly Arts and Education team meetings, monthly all staff meetings.
Support with parent orientation and staff training/professional development days.
Comprehensive understanding of Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and School-Age Child Care (SAAC) regulations and safety protocols
Effectively manages and implements Individualized Accommodation Plans (IAPs). Partners with specialists to ensure all activities are accessible to all participants.

Skills & Experience We’re Looking For

Bachelor’s degree and demonstrated supervisory experience; OR,
At least 5 years of relevant experience, three of which were in a supervisory position; and is actively pursuing a BA/BS degree or will be enrolled in a BA/BS degree-bearing program within 6 months of the date hereof.
Exceptional writing and editorial skills required; clear verbal communication skills required.
Highly motivated, detail-oriented, ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Strong interpersonal skills. Team player who expresses joy in the workplace.
Ability to work collaboratively, quickly and under pressure—with a sense of humor.
Ability to meet deadlines, attend meetings and prioritize tasks.
Integrity, professional discretion, and professionalism.
Strong computer skills: knowledge of Google Drive suite and other standard business technology is required.
Bilingual – Spanish/English a plus.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Frequently speaks, reads, writes, and interacts with children and young people.
Requires significant standing, walking, lifting, stooping, bending, and physical activity.
Works in an in-office and classroom (studio) environment.
Willingness to perform activities outdoors and/or during inclement weather.
Must be patient/willing to wait, utilize modeling behavior, be consistent in scheduling and attendance, and act quickly in emergencies.

Work Hours

The Program Coordinator will work Mondays – Fridays, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM with one hour of unpaid lunch in an in-office environment in the South Bronx (Casita Maria’s principal program site and offices). As a direct service organization, our remote work policy is extremely limited and subject to the Executive Director’s approval. The Program Coordinator should be prepared to work some weekends and/or evenings as needed or scheduled in advance.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range for this opportunity is $60,000 to $65,000 commensurate with experience.

Casita Maria benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, Health and Dependent Care Savings Accounts, Commuter benefits, 403(b) and Pension plans, a generous package of vacation (20 days annually), sick days (56 hours annually), and 16 holidays which includes a Wellness Week between December 26 and January 1.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Casita Maria welcomes applicants of all backgrounds. We strongly encourage candidates from the local community to apply for our Program Coordinator role.

How to Apply

Email the required items below to hr@casitamaria.org with Program Coordinator/Your Name in the subject line. Candidates who do not submit the below will not be considered.