Programming Jobs in Newark, NJ

Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ), a world-renowned education and poverty-fighting organization based in New York, seeks an enthusiastic, dedicated, and mission-aligned Program Coordinator to support our After-School Programs.

The Program Coordinator will bring a passion for the mission of Harlem Children’s Zone: breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty through comprehensive, on-the-ground programming that creates opportunities for children and families to thrive in school, work, and life.

The Program Coordinator will join a team that provides academic support, leadership development, and high school and college preparation opportunities for youth across HCZ’s After-School Programs. The ideal candidate will provide effective leadership and support key programmatic functions including operational planning, resource management, staff development, curriculum implementation, and cross-site collaboration. The Program Coordinator serves as an integral member of the management team and reports to the Director and Assistant Director.

For more information, check out Want to Work at Harlem Children’s Zone? Here’s 7 Things You Need to Know.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Education, Youth Development, Human Services, Social Work, Recreation, Nonprofit Management, or a related field
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant professional experience will be considered
• 2+ years of experience working directly with youth in an after-school, education, youth development, nonprofit, recreation, or community-based setting
• Experience coordinating programs, activities, events, or services that support youth development and participant engagement
• Experience supervising, coaching, or supporting staff, interns, volunteers, or program participants
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with youth, families, school personnel, and community partners
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Experience using data, documentation, or reporting tools to track participation, monitor outcomes, and support program improvement preferred
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including after-school hours, based on program need

Who You Are

• Passionate about the mission of Harlem Children's Zone and committed to creating positive outcomes for youth and families
• A relationship-builder who can establish trust and effectively engage students, families, staff, school partners, and community stakeholders
• A strong people leader who can motivate, coach, and develop staff while fostering a positive and accountable team culture
• Student-centered and committed to creating safe, engaging, and inclusive environments where young people can thrive
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate competing demands, and maintain attention to detail
• A proactive problem-solver who can think critically, make sound decisions, and respond effectively to operational and programmatic challenges
• Skilled at using data and program insights to monitor progress, inform decisions, and support continuous improvement
• Strong written and verbal communicator with the ability to adapt communication styles to diverse audiences
• Collaborative and able to work effectively across teams, departments, and program sites
• Adaptable, resourceful, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
• Energetic, motivated self-starter who leads with professionalism, initiative, and accountability

What You'll Do

• Support the day-to-day operations of the after-school program to ensure a safe, engaging, and high-quality experience for participants
• Supervise, coach, and develop frontline staff, providing ongoing feedback, training, and support to promote strong program outcomes
• Monitor student attendance, participation, and engagement, implementing strategies to improve retention and overall program success
• Foster positive relationships with students, families, school personnel, and community partners to support participant growth and achievement
• Assist in the development and implementation of curriculum, enrichment activities, and programming that align with organizational goals and participant needs
• Utilize data and program metrics to monitor performance, identify trends, and support continuous improvement efforts
• Coordinate program events, meetings, and activities that enhance the overall participant and family experience
• Ensure compliance with HCZ, funder, and program policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Collaborate with site leadership and cross-functional teams to strengthen program quality and achieve established goals
• Prepare reports, maintain accurate records, and perform other duties as assigned

Schedule

• This role requires an 8-hour shift Monday through Friday, scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Final hours will be based on program assignment and operational needs of the after-school site/program.
• Summer Schedule: To support summer camp operations, employees work an 8-hour shift within a schedule that may range from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Summer hours are determined by the site and program assignment you support during the school year.

Benefits

As a member of the Harlem Children's Zone team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families — and our staff — thrive. We offer highly competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth.

Our exceptional full-time benefits include:

• Highly competitive base salaries
• Paid time off
• Employee referral bonus
• Career advancement
• No-cost health insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-and long-term disability
• Additional voluntary benefits
• Wellness discounts
• Commuter benefits
• Financial wellness perks
• Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)

The salary range for this position is $55,000-$60,000 per year. To be considered, interested applicants should apply directly through the posting. No telephone inquiries or recruiters, please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. Harlem Children's Zone and Promise Academy Charter Schools will not provide work visas for candidates who require employer sponsorship to ensure work authorization in the United States. Harlem Children’s Zone is an EOE.