Director of Programs

Director of Programs

Through the developmental power of performance we transform the lives of youth from poor and underserved communities in partnership with caring adults, giving everyone the opportunity to grow.

The Director of Programs plays a critical role in the growth of ASP of New Jersey through the building of the Development School for Youth (DSY) and other programs in Newark, Jersey City, and the surrounding New Jersey community. This position is responsible for directing and managing all elements of ASP of NJ's programming, including its core programs: the DSY, the All Stars Talent Show Network (ASTSN), and Operation Conversation: Cops & Kids (OCCK). The director oversees and participates in all NJ program efforts, including youth outreach, interviews and onboarding, orientations, workshops, graduation ceremonies and other events and activities. They are able to lead and manage staff, and to interface with students, corporate leaders, board members, community partners and volunteers to ensure the successful running of all programming. The successful candidate organizes corporate leadership bodies to support the programs and secures summer internships for DSY graduates while also playing a central role in the creation of the environment for the financial support of the programs. Critical to the success of this role is the director's ability to lead while utilizing our performance-based methodology for development.

The position is hybrid and requires some in-person attendance in the ASP New Jersey regional office. The ability to have a flexible schedule is required, including frequent evenings and occasional weekends to support afterschool programming.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in the implementation of a vibrant outreach program to attract new students to All Stars youth programs.
• Lead the production of the DSY program and all associated components. This includes outreach and recruitment, enrollment, program production, corporate relations, internship placements, onboarding, and related special events.
• Direct the production of all DSY, ASTSN, and OCCK workshops, meetings, and program events. This includes identifying and securing venues, presenters, speakers, instructors, and business leaders, sourcing and securing appropriate space and staffing needs, and ensuring the smooth execution of each event.
• Lead and participate in performance workshops and activities with large groups of young people, including but not limited to leading improv activities and performance games with youth.
• Manage summer internship placement and onboarding process, and relationships with internship sponsors throughout the internship process.
• Produce quality communications with constituents, including students, parents and families, alumni, program associates, volunteers, donors, community partners, and internship supervisors.
• Organize Development Coaching in partnership with the Market Leader.
• Create and deliver timely and accurate program data reports. Ensure that program plan benchmarks for involvement and programming are met.
• Oversee the annual Programs budget.
• Respond to other requests from the Associate Director (a.k.a. Market Leader) as needed.

Program Development

• Develop expertise in and lead the advancement of the ASP's performance-based approach to human development.
• Expand and develop volunteer participation in all programs, including DSY host trainings and corporate volunteer days, ASTSN production, and overall program management.
• Partner with business leaders, cultural and civic executives, and other community partners to participate in and advance program activities, particularly as DSY and OCCK workshop hosts and ASTSN event venues.
• Work closely with the ASP of NJ Development Team to create high-level involvement opportunities to support the program activities.
• Lead the advancement of existing community partnerships and establish new partnerships.
• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with community leaders and organizations in the afterschool field.
• Partner with the fundraising team to identify and cultivate existing donors to expand their giving as well as to provide new partnerships and opportunities for students in all programs.
• Recruit, train, and manage a faculty of business volunteers to support youth programs, particularly DSY.
• Work closely with the role's counterparts nationally, including the SVP of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives.

Management & Supervision

• Hire, direct, and supervise program staff, including providing regular coaching, conducting performance reviews, and creating onboarding and development plans.
• Recruit and organize program alumni and ASP of New Jersey volunteers to help produce events and provide program support.

Qualifications

• Understanding of poverty-related issues and a commitment to creating educational and developmental opportunities for underserved youth in outside of school contexts.
• Five to seven years of non-profit program management experience is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and strong business acumen.
• Performance background or a strong relationship to performance as a tool for development preferred.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interact and communicate professionally with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to lead large groups of people (youth, corporate partners, staff) through improv and performance activities is required.
• Proven capacity to apply independent judgment in planning, prioritizing, and organizing multiple tasks in a diversified workload.
• Strong intellectual curiosity.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
• Established success working with board members and business leaders.
• Proven managerial experience. Ability to supervise several full-time/part-time staff members and volunteers.
• Superb administrative skills, including the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Community organizing skills and demonstrated ability to lead outreach work in poor communities
• Experience working in databases (e.g., AirTable, Raiser's Edge).
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 10 pounds, carry, or move objects to set up for meetings, events, workshops, etc.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including frequent evenings and occasional Saturdays.
• A valid driver's license is required or the ability to access reliable transportation to travel throughout the city and boroughs.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is required. Master's Degree or advanced certifications preferred.

About All Stars Project

The All Stars Project (ASP) is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to transform the lives of youth from poor and underserved communities using the developmental power of performance, in partnership with caring adults, giving everyone the opportunity to grow. While the ASP's afterschool programs include talent shows, training in theatre and the arts, and programs where we partner with the business community to help young people create a professional performance, we are doing so much more we are building community and imagining possibility. Founded in 1981, the ASP operates in New York City, New Jersey, San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago and Dallas. The ASP is primarily privately funded, with two-thirds of our support coming from individuals.