USD 214 Ulysses is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and passionate individual to serve as the After-School Program Director. This vital role will lead and manage our comprehensive "Tiger Trails" After-School Program, providing a safe, engaging, and enriching environment for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade after regular school hours. The Director will be responsible for upholding the district's mission to cultivate a learning community where all students engage in learning, strive for excellence, and are supported to achieve their fullest potential.
Position Purpose:
The After-School Program Director is responsible for the overall planning, implementation, and evaluation of the USD 214 Tiger Trails After-School Program. This includes ensuring a high-quality, safe, and engaging experience for all participating students, managing staff, maintaining program compliance, and fostering strong relationships with students, parents, school staff, and community partners.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Leadership & Development:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Tiger Trails After-School Program, ensuring a safe, positive, and structured environment.
- Develop and implement engaging and age-appropriate curriculum and activities focusing on areas such as arts and crafts, career exploration, cultural enrichment, health/wellness, and character building.
- Continuously assess program effectiveness and implement improvements based on student needs, feedback, and best practices.
- Explore and integrate creative ways to engage students in learning activities beyond traditional classroom settings.
- Ensure the program adheres to all USD 214 rules, policies, and regulations.
Staff Management & Supervision:
- Recruit, hire, train, and supervise all after-school program staff (Certified Teachers, Adult Helpers, High School Helpers, Volunteers, Site Coordinators).
- Provide ongoing professional development and support to staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team.
- Maintain appropriate staff-to-student ratios (ideally 1:10) to ensure quality care and safety.
- Conduct regular staff meetings and performance evaluations.
Student Support & Engagement:
- Create an inclusive and supportive environment where all students feel safe, important, and inspired.
- Oversee student registration, attendance, and dismissal procedures.
- Address student behavioral issues in a positive and constructive manner, in accordance with district policies.
- Ensure that homework assistance is effectively provided to students.
Parent & Community Relations:
- Foster strong communication and positive relationships with parents/guardians, encouraging their active participation in the program.
- Collaborate with daytime teachers to ensure continuity of learning and address individual student needs.
- Actively seek and maintain cooperation with all community entities, businesses, and organizations for volunteer support and program enrichment.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the after-school program, school administration, and the Advisory Council.
Administrative & Fiscal Management:
- Manage the program budget, ensuring responsible allocation and expenditure of funds.
- Maintain accurate and detailed program documentation, including attendance records, activity logs, incident reports, and grant-related information.
- Assist the Advisory Council in exploring venues to sustain the Tiger Trails After-School Program, particularly in relation to grant funding and long-term sustainability.
- Prepare and submit all required reports to the district and grant-funding agencies.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Education, Child Development, Recreation, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in youth program management, after-school program coordination, or a similar leadership role.
- Experience supervising and managing staff in an educational or youth-serving setting.
- Proven experience in curriculum development and program planning.
- Skills & Abilities:
- Strong leadership, organizational, and time management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences (students, parents, staff, community).
- Ability to inspire and motivate students and staff.
- Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships and foster a cooperative work environment.
- Knowledge of child development principles and best practices for after-school programming.
- Proficiency in using technology for administrative tasks, communication, and program management.
- Ability to maintain composure and perform responsibilities under pressure.
- CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
Working Conditions:
- Primarily works in a school environment during after-school hours.
- May involve occasional evening or weekend hours for special events or meetings.
- Physical demands may include standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit an online application through the USD 214 Ulysses website, including a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three professional references.
USD 214 Ulysses is an Equal Employment/Educational Opportunity Agency and does not discriminate based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission or access to, or treatment or employment, its programs or activities.
