After School Program Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this modern era, the focus on After School Program Directors has never been more essential.

Education continues to evolve, and with each development, the demand for competent individuals who can plan, manage, and enhance our after-school programs increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an After School Program Director?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply interested in the nuts and bolts of after-school program management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable After School Program Director job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

After School Program Director Duties and Responsibilities

After School Program Directors manage and oversee the provision of safe, engaging, and educational after-school programs for students.

They are responsible for the overall operation, development, and management of the program.

The duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing program objectives and strategies in line with the organization’s mission and vision
• Leading and managing staff, including hiring, training, and evaluation
• Planning and scheduling a variety of recreational and educational activities for students
• Ensuring a safe and positive environment for students
• Coordinating with school administrators and teachers to ensure alignment with school day curriculum
• Monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness and making necessary improvements
• Managing the program budget and resources
• Communicating with parents and caregivers about program updates, student progress, and any issues or concerns
• Complying with local and federal laws and regulations related to child care and after-school programs
• Arranging transportation for students if needed
• Implementing and enforcing health and safety protocols

 

After School Program Director Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced After School Program Director to oversee the creation, implementation, and evaluation of after school programs.

The After School Program Director will be responsible for managing staff, developing program curricula, and creating a safe and enriching environment for children to learn and grow.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in education or child development, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to successfully manage and develop programs.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an effective after school program curriculum.
• Oversee daily operations of the program including staff management and interaction with parents.
• Ensure a safe and positive environment for children.
• Manage budget and resources efficiently.
• Communicate with parents and community members about the program objectives and achievements.
• Monitor and evaluate staff performance.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and policies.
• Perform regular assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an After School Program Director or similar role in education.
• Bachelor’s degree in education, child development or related field.
• Strong knowledge of child development and latest education theories and practices.
• Excellent leadership and organizational abilities.
• Outstanding communication and people skills.
• First Aid and CPR certification is a plus.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: After School Program Director
• Work Environment: This role involves working in a school setting. It may require some travel for training and meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the School Principal or District Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an After School Program Director Do?

An After School Program Director is responsible for overseeing and coordinating after-school activities and programs for students.

These professionals typically work in schools, community centers, or non-profit organizations.

They are tasked with designing and implementing educational and recreational programs that engage students and enhance their learning beyond the traditional school day.

This includes planning activities, hiring and training staff, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.

Their role also involves managing the budget of the program, securing funds, and maintaining relationships with donors or sponsors.

They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to ensure the program meets the students’ needs and interests.

After School Program Directors may also be responsible for tracking the progress of the students within the program and using this information to refine and improve the program’s effectiveness.

In addition, they ensure that the program complies with all relevant regulations and standards, and they may also be responsible for marketing the program to increase enrollment.

 

After School Program Director Qualifications and Skills

An After School Program Director should possess a diverse set of qualifications and skills, including:

• Strong leadership skills to oversee the operations of the program, manage staff, and deal with various types of situations that may arise.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact with children, parents, staff, and community members.
• Experience in child development or education, understanding the unique needs and interests of children in order to develop appropriate programs and activities.
• Organizational skills to plan and implement daily activities, special events, and overall program schedules.
• Problem-solving skills to address issues that may arise with children, parents, staff, or the facility itself.
• Budget management skills to ensure the program operates within its funding limits.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and emergency procedures to ensure a safe environment for all participants.
• Ability to motivate and inspire staff and children to create a positive, engaging environment.

 

After School Program Director Experience Requirements

After School Program Directors often start gaining experience working in educational or recreational settings as teachers, counselors, or program coordinators.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through roles such as After School Program Assistant or Counselor.

This practical experience helps them understand the structure and operations of after-school programs.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience are often expected to have some level of managerial experience in coordinating programs, curriculum development, and leading a team of educators or counselors.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are typically expected to have advanced skills in program management, financial budgeting, and staff supervision.

They are likely to have developed strong relationships with school administrators, parents, and community members.

Candidates may also benefit from additional experience in areas such as child development, curriculum planning, grant writing, and community engagement.

This allows them to effectively manage the complexities of an after-school program and meet the diverse needs of students.

Most importantly, all After School Program Directors should have a genuine passion for working with children and the ability to lead programs that support their academic and personal growth.

 

After School Program Director Education and Training Requirements

After School Program Directors typically hold a bachelor’s degree in education, child development, or a related field.

These programs provide a foundational knowledge in childhood education, psychology, and developmental milestones.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in educational leadership or administration, especially for those aspiring to take on larger programs or district-wide roles.

Apart from academic qualifications, experience in working with children is a crucial requirement.

This could be in the form of teaching, counselling, or even volunteer work at schools or community programs.

In some states, After School Program Directors need to be licensed or certified.

Certification is often provided by organizations such as the National AfterSchool Association.

Additionally, knowledge in child safety and first aid is highly valued.

Many directors opt to take specialized courses in these areas to better equip themselves for the role.

Finally, having a passion for children’s education, strong leadership skills, and excellent interpersonal communication abilities are key for success in this role.

 

After School Program Director Salary Expectations

The average salary for an After School Program Director is $45,978 (USD) per year.

However, actual earnings can differ based on factors such as years of experience, specific skills, the geographic location, and the specific school or organization for which they work.

 

After School Program Director Job Description FAQs

What skills does an After School Program Director need?

An After School Program Director should possess strong leadership and organizational skills to oversee the entire program effectively.

Excellent communication skills are also essential to interact with students, staff, and parents.

Moreover, they should have the ability to develop and implement creative activities that are both educational and enjoyable for students.

 

Do After School Program Directors need a degree?

Typically, After School Program Directors are expected to have a bachelor’s degree in education, human services, or a related field.

However, some positions might require a master’s degree or a higher level of education.

Furthermore, many employers prefer candidates with experience in childcare or educational administration.

 

What should you look for in an After School Program Director resume?

A strong After School Program Director resume should include a solid background in education or child development.

Look for experience in managing educational programs, working with diverse student populations, and developing and implementing curriculum.

Evidence of strong leadership, budget management, and team-building skills are also desirable.

 

What qualities make a good After School Program Director?

A good After School Program Director is passionate about child development and education.

They should exhibit strong leadership skills, creativity in curriculum development, and the ability to motivate and mentor staff.

Additionally, they should have a thorough understanding of educational regulations and safety guidelines.

Excellent communication and problem-solving skills are also crucial in dealing with any issues that may arise.

 

Is it difficult to hire After School Program Directors?

Hiring an After School Program Director can be challenging as it requires finding a candidate with the right blend of educational background, experience, and interpersonal skills.

They need to be able to handle administrative tasks while also maintaining an educational environment that is engaging and conducive to student growth and development.

Offering competitive salaries and opportunities for professional development can help attract high-quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

We’ve just taken you on a tour of what it really means to be an After School Program Director.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about supervising activities.

It’s about shaping the future, one child at a time.

With our comprehensive After School Program Director job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why end your journey here?

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting impeccable job listings or for perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every activity planned, every child guided, is a part of a larger mission.

Let’s mold the future. Together.

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