The Associate Director of School Age Programs plays a pivotal leadership role in the implementation, supervision, and evolution of Girls Inc. of Worcester’s licensed programs, including After School, Summer Camp, Vacation Weeks, Evening Enrichment, and Youth Connect. This role ensures high-quality, developmentally appropriate programming that meets EEC licensing requirements while creating enriching, engaging, and safe environments for children and families.
Working closely with the Senior Director of Programs & Wellness, the Associate Director ensures alignment across all licensed programs and enrichment initiatives. This position is ideal for a mission-driven leader with experience in youth development, licensed childcare operations, and staff leadership.
Program Leadership & Development
- Oversee and manage all licensed programming, including After School, Summer Camp, Vacation Weeks, Evening Enrichment, and Youth Connect.
- Ensure programs are EEC-licensed, developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and aligned with Girls Inc. National frameworks.
- Develop and design curriculum that is culturally responsive and adaptive to program needs.
- Collaborate with the Senior Director to assess and improve program curriculum, participant retention, and engagement strategies.
- Lead seasonal and annual program planning, including schedules, activities, and enrichment opportunities.
Staff Supervision & Team Support
- Directly supervise assistant director of after school, summer camp lead staff, vacation week and summer staff, and other assigned program leads.
- Provide coaching, goal-setting, and performance feedback to ensure high-quality program delivery.
- Support staff recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and ongoing professional development.
- Ensure all staff maintain required certifications and comply with licensing standards.
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Serve as a certified First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, responsible for supporting staff compliance by delivering or coordinating internal trainings and maintaining certification standards across applicable teams.
Youth Engagement & Family Relationships
- Build strong, supportive relationships with participants and their families to encourage consistent engagement.
- Oversee family communication, including newsletters, program updates, and event invitations.
- Support positive behavior management using restorative and strengths-based approaches.
- Coordinate family events and engagement opportunities within licensed programs.
Compliance, Safety & Quality Assurance
- Maintain EEC licensing standards across all programs, including ratios, documentation, and safety protocols.
- Conduct regular site visits and program observations to ensure compliance and quality.
- Ensure safety drills, first aid protocols, and incident reports are conducted/documented appropriately.
- Oversee supply and equipment inventories, ensuring materials are safe and age-appropriate.
Partnerships & Enrichment
- Build and maintain partnerships with enrichment providers, vendors, and volunteers to expand program offerings.
- Collaborate with community organizations to bring in special workshops, performances, and field trips.
- Represent Girls Inc. at community events, recruitment fairs, and networking opportunities to grow enrollment.
Data, Evaluation & Reporting
- Track program attendance, licensing documentation, and outcome data.
- Support reporting for funders, board presentations, and stakeholder communications in partnership with the Grants and Development teams.
- Use data to inform continuous program improvement and strategic decision-making.
Light Housekeeping & Organization
- Support the organization of program spaces, ensuring safety and accessibility for youth.
- Assist with event set-up, supply preparation, and general upkeep of shared spaces.
Event & Transportation Responsibilities
- Attend evening and weekend events as assigned to support programming.
- Operate the GIW van for participants and supply transportation (valid driver’s license and clean driving record required).
- Maintain reliable personal transportation for travel to program locations and events.
Physical Requirements
- Walk up to one mile daily for participant pickup.
- Safely lift and carry up to 25 lbs. for program setup and event materials.
- Other duties as assigned to support the team and organization.
This role has 3-schedule options for 10 months out of the year and during the 2 months of summer there are two options.
During Worcester Public School Academic Year:
- Option 1: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10am-6 pm, Tuesday & Thursday: 12pm-7:30 pm, Saturdays 9am-12:30 pm.
- Option 2: Tuesday- Friday 9am-6:30 pm & Saturdays 9am-1pm.
- Option 3: Tuesday-Friday 9:30 am-7pm & Saturdays 9am-1pm. (All options have a 30-minute unpaid lunch break except for Saturdays)
During Worcester Public Schools Summer Break:
- Option 1: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30 pm with a 1-hour lunch.
- Option 2: Monday-Friday 9 am-5:30 pm with a 30-minute lunch break.
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Youth Development, Psychology, Social Work, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- At least 5 years of experience in licensed childcare or youth programming, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
- Preferred experience with Early Education and Care (EEC) licensed programs and requirements.
- Skilled in youth program development, behavior management, and staff coaching.
- High emotional intelligence and cultural humility, with the ability to support diverse youth populations and engage families.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable interacting with youth, families, partners, and funders.
- Must be able to pass a CORI/SORI background check with fingerprinting (cost covered by applicant $30-50) and maintain CPR & First Aid certification.
Pay Range: $58,000 – $65,000
Benefits: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401K; tuition reimbursement; flexible spending account (FSA); Employee Assistance Program (EAP); paid wellness week; and professional development opportunities.
Workplace Culture & Values
Girls Inc. of Worcester is committed to a culture of equity, empowerment, and inclusion. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds including women, BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experiences reflective of the youth we serve—to apply.
To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to:
