About DMF Youth
DMF Youth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers underserved students through high-impact dance education and life skill development programs designed to build self-confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self. Our holistic model blends dance, mentorship, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL), providing students with the tools they need to thrive in and beyond the classroom.
We partner with Title 1 schools and homeless shelters across New York City to deliver free afterschool and summer programs that center physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Since launching in 2015 with one site, DMF Youth has grown to seven partner locations and served over 12,500 students across all five boroughs, including East New York, East Harlem, and the Bronx. Our comprehensive, movement-based SEL curriculum supports students in developing key life skills—such as self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation, and responsible decision-making—through joyful, affirming experiences.
About the Role
The Associate Program Director (APD) plays a key leadership role at DMF Youth, combining program oversight with hands-on involvement. Unlike a traditional administrative role, the APD is expected to actively engage in programming as a mentor, teacher, and role model to both staff and students.
The APD reports directly to the Senior Program Director, who reports to the Executive Director. The APD will oversee programming across multiple school and shelter-based sites in East Harlem, East New York, Brooklyn, and the Bronx—supervising multiple groups of teaching artists and ensuring alignment with DMF Youth’s standards, culture, and instructional practices.
To be successful, the APD must be a highly organized, strategic multitasker who thrives in both leadership and instructional settings. This role requires someone with strong classroom experience—especially in dance and arts education—and a deep understanding of Social Emotional Learning. The APD should be confident in giving constructive feedback, leading professional development, and modeling excellent instruction.
Mornings may include curriculum development, staff meetings, or coordination with school leaders; afternoons are typically spent on-site—supporting programs, supervising staff, jumping into classrooms as needed, and ensuring students are engaged and safe.
Key ResponsibilitiesProgram & Staff Management
- Oversee high-quality program delivery at multiple DMF Youth sites.
- Supervise daily operations including staff scheduling, attendance, family communication, and student safety.
- Observe teaching artists and provide real-time coaching and feedback to support professional growth.
- Lead or support staff training and professional development workshops.
- Help develop systems for student management, dismissal, and use of school/shared space.
- Ensure program fidelity and alignment with DMF Youth’s mission and methodology.
Curriculum & Instructional Support
- Work with the Senior Program Director on curriculum development and lesson planning.
- Adapt and align programming to meet specific partner site goals and educational priorities.
- Support and coordinate guest teaching artists, enrichment partners, and special events.
Partnership & Community Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with school and shelter partners.
- Represent DMF Youth at meetings with site contacts and key stakeholders.
- Support recruitment, student enrollment, and family engagement initiatives such as outreach events and performances.
Who You Are
- A passionate, experienced dance and arts educator with a strong background in SEL.
- A confident, hands-on leader who can coach staff toward excellence and model best practices.
- Extremely organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to oversee multiple sites and teams simultaneously.
- Comfortable managing a blend of administrative responsibilities and on-the-ground program support.
- Proactive, flexible, and responsive in fast-paced environments.
- Committed to youth development, arts education, and creating joyful learning spaces for underserved youth.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required
- At least 5 years of experience working directly with youth, including at least 1 year in a leadership or supervisory role
- Strong background in dance, performing arts, or arts education
- Experience writing curricula and lesson plans
- Deep understanding of Social Emotional Learning and youth development principles
- Excellent planning, organization, communication, and multitasking skills
- Proficient in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
- Collaborative, mission-driven, and eager to grow in a leadership role
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $58,500–$65,500, commensurate with experience
- Healthcare: DMF Youth offers a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA), reimbursing up to $6,000/year for health expenses, including insurance premiums
- Time Off: Two weeks paid vacation + all DOE school holidays
- Work Environment: Flexible, creative, and impact-driven team culture
To Apply: Please send your resume, a brief cover letter, and a sample lesson plan or curriculum excerpt to [email protected].
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $58,500.00 - $65,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Ability to Commute:
- New York, NY 10035 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- New York, NY 10035: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person