Program Director Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

Position Summary

The Program Director provides leadership, management, and oversight for Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens' (YBMKQ) educational and youth development programs, including the Early Learning Center (ELC) and Out-of-School Time (OST) programs.

This position is responsible for overseeing daily program operations, supervising staff, coordinating curriculum implementation, managing student enrollment and retention, strengthening family engagement, and ensuring compliance with applicable licensing and organizational standards.

The Program Director serves as a key member of YBMKQ's leadership team, working collaboratively with organizational leadership to maintain high-quality programming, maximize enrollment capacity, improve operational efficiency, and support the organization's continued growth.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Program Leadership & Operations

• Provide leadership and operational oversight for the Early Learning Center and Out-of-School Time programs.
• Develop and implement program goals, operational plans, and departmental priorities.
• Oversee daily program activities, staffing schedules, classroom coverage, and student placements.
• Ensure programs maintain safe, structured, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environments.
• Supervise program staff and promote accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Identify operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborate with leadership to support program expansion and organizational initiatives.

2. Enrollment Management & Student Retention

• Oversee all aspects of student enrollment across YBMKQ programs.
• Manage enrollment inquiries, facility tours, applications, registration, and student onboarding.
• Maintain accurate enrollment records, student files, and program waitlists.
• Assist families with ELRC applications, childcare subsidies, and enrollment documentation.
• Monitor enrollment capacity, attendance, and student retention.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase enrollment and maximize available program slots.
• Coordinate classroom placements and enrollment transitions.
• Maintain consistent communication with prospective and currently enrolled families.
• Provide weekly enrollment reports and updates to organizational leadership.
• Lead enrollment outreach initiatives, open houses, and community recruitment efforts.

3. Staff Supervision & Professional Development

• Recruit, supervise, evaluate, and support assigned program staff.
• Conduct regular staff meetings, individual check-ins, and performance evaluations.
• Ensure appropriate staffing coverage and adherence to organizational policies.
• Identify professional development needs and coordinate staff training opportunities.
• Monitor completion of required certifications, trainings, and professional development.
• Foster a positive workplace culture emphasizing accountability, teamwork, and professional growth.

4. Curriculum & Educational Programming

• Oversee the implementation of approved curricula across Early Learning and OST programs.
• Review lesson plans, classroom schedules, educational activities, and enrichment opportunities.
• Ensure educational programming aligns with applicable Pennsylvania Learning Standards and organizational objectives.
• Support staff in creating structured, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed learning environments.
• Monitor instructional quality, student engagement, and program outcomes.
• Collaborate with leadership to strengthen educational practices and continuous program improvement.

5. Licensing, Compliance & Program Administration

• Ensure program operations align with Pennsylvania DHS, OCDEL, Keystone STARS, and organizational requirements.
• Maintain accurate and complete student enrollment files, health records, emergency contact information, and required documentation.
• Monitor staff compliance with licensing regulations and organizational policies.
• Coordinate preparation for licensing inspections, quality assurance reviews, and compliance monitoring.
• Address identified compliance concerns and implement corrective actions in collaboration with leadership.
• Maintain accurate records using Brightwheel, Basecamp, Google Workspace, and other organizational systems.
• Ensure confidentiality and proper management of student, family, and staff information.

6. Family & Community Engagement

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with students, families, schools, and community partners.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for families regarding enrollment and program-related concerns.
• Address escalated parent concerns professionally and promptly.
• Oversee family engagement initiatives and communication strategies.
• Coordinate family surveys, program updates, and engagement opportunities.
• Represent YBMKQ during community events, partnership meetings, and outreach activities.
• Strengthen relationships that support student enrollment, retention, and overall family satisfaction.

7. Program Reporting & Grant Implementation

• Monitor enrollment, attendance, program performance, and student outcomes.
• Prepare and submit weekly program and enrollment reports to organizational leadership.
• Maintain accurate documentation to support grant reporting and program evaluations.
• Ensure grant-funded programming is implemented according to approved objectives and deliverables.
• Collaborate with leadership to collect program data and supporting documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational performance and program outcomes.
• Assist with billing coordination and enrollment-related account follow-up as needed.

8. Leadership & Organizational Collaboration

• Serve as a member of YBMKQ's leadership team.
• Participate in organizational planning, departmental meetings, and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with leadership across operations, compliance, development, and administration.
• Communicate program updates, staffing concerns, enrollment trends, and operational needs.
• Lead weekly program meetings and reinforce organizational priorities.
• Support special events, community initiatives, and organizational growth opportunities.

Administrative Expectations

• Work on-site Monday through Friday, with flexibility for occasional evening meetings, trainings, and special events.
• Maintain consistent communication with organizational leadership.
• Utilize Brightwheel, Basecamp, Google Workspace, and designated management systems.
• Submit accurate and timely reports, documentation, and program updates.
• Demonstrate professionalism, confidentiality, accountability, and strong organizational skills.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Youth Development, Nonprofit Management, Social Work, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in early childhood education, youth development, nonprofit administration, or program management.
• At least one (1) year of supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing program operations, enrollment processes, or educational programming.
• Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with children, youth, and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and electronic recordkeeping systems.
• Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
• Commitment to culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and healing-centered programming.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Pennsylvania DHS childcare licensing regulations and OCDEL requirements.
• Familiarity with Keystone STARS quality standards.
• Experience with ELRC applications and childcare subsidy systems.
• Experience using Brightwheel, Basecamp, or similar management platforms.
• Experience supervising educational staff and supporting curriculum implementation.
• Familiarity with nonprofit grant reporting and program evaluation.
• Strong community engagement and relationship-building skills.

Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person