Director of Programming
17 days ago
Buffalo
Job Description Director of Programming Date posted: January 5, 2026 Position Type: Full-time Compensation: $65,000 - $80,000 annually (commensurate with experience) Benefits: Optional shared health plan, all federal holidays paid, paid time off (1 week first year, increasing after 1 year of service) Position Overview We are seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Programming to lead the expansion and oversight of King Urban Life Center's core programs. This senior leadership position will focus on growing our ParentChild+ program enrollment through direct community outreach and in-person marketing while simultaneously directing and hands-on leading our After School program. The Director will be responsible for program strategy, staff supervision, community partnerships, and ensuring high-quality, evidence-based services that strengthen families and support children's development. Primary Responsibilities ParentChild+ Program Growth & Community Outreach * Develop and implement strategic outreach plans to significantly increase the number of families served by the ParentChild+ program * Conduct in-person marketing and recruitment efforts throughout the East Side Buffalo community to identify and engage eligible families with children ages 16 months to 4 years * Build relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, schools, daycares, WIC offices, social service agencies, and faith communities to establish sustainable referral networks * Represent ParentChild+ at community events, health fairs, neighborhood gatherings, and family-oriented activities * Create and distribute marketing materials and conduct information sessions for potential families * Develop grassroots recruitment strategies including door-to-door outreach, neighborhood canvassing, and community tabling * Oversee program fidelity and ensure adherence to evidence-based ParentChild+ model standards * Monitor program outcomes and implement continuous quality improvement initiatives * Collaborate closely with and provide supervision to the ParentChild+ Program Coordinator * Manage program budgets and ensure responsible stewardship of resources for ParentChild+ services After School Program Leadership & Direct Service * Provide hands-on leadership in delivering After School programming to children * Design and implement programming that supports children's academic, social, and emotional development through structured activities * Supervise and support two adult classroom staff members and teen workers in daily program delivery * Maintain a safe, nurturing environment that promotes positive youth development * Oversee daily program operations and ensure quality programming standards * Build meaningful relationships with children and their families * Track and document program outcomes and child progress * Coordinate with schools and community partners to support children's success * Manage behavior interventions and create engaging, age-appropriate activities for diverse learning styles * Provide training, mentorship, and professional development to After School staff and teen workers Organizational Leadership & Strategy * Serve as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to organizational strategic planning and decision-making * Collaborate with the Executive Director and Director of Operations to align programming with organizational mission and goals * Represent King Urban Life Center at community events, coalition meetings, and with external stakeholders * Lead program evaluation efforts and utilize data to inform program improvements and demonstrate impact * Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources * Support fundraising efforts through relationship building and program storytelling that demonstrates community impact Staff Development & Team Leadership * Work collaboratively with the ParentChild+ Program Coordinator to ensure program excellence and staff support * Supervise, train, and mentor After School program staff (two adults and teen workers) * Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to all program staff * Foster a collaborative, trauma-informed organizational culture that prioritizes staff wellbeing and professional growth * Ensure coordination between programs and build team cohesion * Model cultural humility and equity-centered practices throughout the organization Schedule & Work Environment * Full-time position based at King Urban Life Center with direct service delivery in After School programming * Schedule includes after-school hours for program delivery, plus time for strategic planning, community outreach, and administrative responsibilities * Position requires significant time in the community for in-person marketing, recruitment events, and partnership development throughout the East Side Buffalo service area * Flexibility needed to accommodate family schedules, community events, and occasional evening or weekend commitments for outreach activities Required Qualifications * Master of Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program (required) * Minimum 3-5 years of progressive leadership experience in human services, early childhood, or youth development programs * Demonstrated success in community outreach, grassroots marketing, and program enrollment growth * Strong relationship-building skills with ability to connect authentically with diverse community members * Experience working directly with school-age children in educational or youth development settings * Supervisory experience managing program staff and volunteers * Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to build rapport with diverse children and families * Deep understanding of child development, family systems, and trauma-informed care principles * Experience with evidence-based programming and program evaluation * Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences * Proven ability to manage budgets and program operations * Cultural competency and commitment to serving diverse, historically marginalized communities * Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for community engagement * Ability to balance hands-on program delivery with strategic leadership responsibilities Preferred Qualifications * Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York State * Direct experience with home visiting models, particularly ParentChild+ or similar evidence-based programs * Experience with after-school or out-of-school-time programming for school-age children * Bilingual skills matching the languages spoken by families in the East Side Buffalo community (Spanish, Arabic, Somali, or other languages prevalent in the community) * Experience working in community-based organizations or neighborhood centers * Deep knowledge of Buffalo's East Side community, existing service networks, and cultural dynamics * Strategic planning and organizational development experience * Experience with behavior management and positive youth development approaches * Background in community organizing or grassroots engagement strategies What We Offer * Competitive salary of $65,000 - $80,000 based on experience and qualifications * Leadership role with significant autonomy and opportunity for innovation * Comprehensive paid time off for all federal holidays * 1 week paid time off in first year, with additional time off available after 1 year of service * Flexible time off policy to support work-life balance * Optional participation in shared health insurance plan (available after 90-day probationary period) * Mileage reimbursement for program-related travel and community outreach * Employee assistance program (available after 90-day probationary period) * Optional additional hours for King Urban Family Fun events (last Friday of each month) * Professional development support including conference attendance, training opportunities, and continuing education * Meaningful work making transformative impact on children, families, and community * Collaborative, mission-driven work environment * Opportunity to shape program direction and organizational growth Employment Terms * 90-day probationary period required before benefits eligibility * Benefits include optional shared health insurance plan and employee assistance program Application Process Interested candidates should submit to :resume, cover letter, and three professional references. The cover letter should address your experience with community outreach and program growth, your approach to direct service delivery and leadership, and your commitment to serving communities facing systemic barriers. References should include current or former supervisors who can speak to your leadership capabilities, community engagement skills, and direct service experience. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in our workforce. About King Urban Life Center King Urban Life Center strives to be a resource hub for the East Side of Buffalo by uniting the community and connecting children and families to free and impactful programming. The King Urban Life Center is committed to preserving the historic building it occupies, fostering radical neighborhood transformation, and delivering innovative educational programs to members of all ages, with a focus on young children and families. Located at 938 Genesee Street Buffalo, New York, the center operates as a national historic landmark that provides educational and social services to strengthen families and build community connections. About ParentChild+ ParentChild+ supports families with young children living in historically marginalized communities in accessing a path to possibility. This evidence-based program has been shown to significantly improve school readiness, increase graduation rates by 30%, and help children perform 10 months above their chronological age. ParentChild+ graduates are 50% less likely to need special education services by third grade. Job Type: Full-time Work Location: In person Company DescriptionFind out more about our organization at out more about our organization at