Before/Aftercare Program Director
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Before/Aftercare Program Director
Job Summary
The Before/Aftercare Program Director is an integral part of the Academic team, managing all aspects of programming at their campus during split-shift hours from 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. This role partners closely with school leadership teams, teachers, and the campus operations team to deliver a joyful and inclusive experience for students. The starting salary range for this role is $59,442-$63,540. This is a full-time, fully on-site role based at KIPP DC’s Webb, Benning, or Wheeler campus with an anticipated start date of July 2026.
Please note: Given our commitment to ensuring that our schools are fully staffed for our students during the academic year, current KIPP DC school-based employees are not eligible to apply for this position.
About KIPP DCFor 25 years, KIPP DC has partnered with students, families, and the community to create joyful, academically excellent schools across the nation’s capital. Today, our network of 22 schools educate more than 7,500 students in grades PreK3-12, supported by 1,500 dedicated teachers, leaders, and staff.
Our work is grounded in five pillars–Academic Excellence, Joy & Sense of Belonging, Highly Effective Teachers and Leaders, Safe, Structured, and Nurturing Learning Environments, and Commitment to College Readiness–which ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue success in college, careers, and beyond. Our schools combine high expectations with joyful, affirming environments that nurture academic success and personal growth for students and staff alike.
As part of the national KIPP network, we share best practices and innovations while maintaining deep roots in Washington, D.C. Together, we strive toward a future without limits for our students, alumni, and community.
About the Role
KIPP DC’s Extended Learning Team will offer high-quality before and after school programming for students in grades PK – 8 during the 2026-2027 school year. Programming will take place at the Benning, Wheeler, and Webb campuses. The Extended Learning team is seeking Program Directors to create a safe, structured, and engaging environment where students thrive beyond the school day. Program Directors report to the Managing Director of Extended Learning and Enrichment and collaborate closely with the Director of Enrichment to ensure high-quality culture and regulatory excellence.
The Program Director is a mission-driven leader responsible for the successful operation of a program aligned to KIPP DC’s commitment to academic excellence, character development, equity, and joy. The Program Director leads daily operations, ensures student safety and licensing compliance, coaches staff, and serves as a key partner to school leadership and families.
Location and Type of Work
This is an exempt position and will report to the Managing Director of Extended Learning and Enrichment. As a headquarters team that is focused on being responsive to our schools and meeting the needs of our students and families, we approach our work in a way that reflects these priorities. Schools operate in person and our students and families rely on us for in-person support which requires this position to be fully onsite. This role is currently required to be onsite or in schools during regular work hours.
Responsibilities
The percentages for each key responsibility are estimates, and other duties may be assigned. Flexibility and responsiveness are encouraged to accommodate organizational needs.
Program Leadership (20% of time)
- Own the goals and overall success of the before and aftercare program on the campus.
- Translate regional enrichment priorities into clear program-level systems and execution.
- Motivate staff to meet ambitious student engagement, culture, and attendance goals.
- Model and coach staff to create a joyful and affirming classroom culture.
- Ensure predictable systems and routines aligned with the values of the program.
- Create celebration and activity calendars that include D.E.I. principles.
- Maintain emotional constancy in predictable and potentially stressful interactions.
Staff Management & Development (30% of time)
- Supervise, coach, and support Group Leaders and Assistant Group Leaders.
- Provide ongoing feedback and modeling to ensure high-quality program implementation and supervision.
- Ensure staff meet all mandatory training, certification, and compliance requirements.
- Lead daily staff huddles and weekly planning sessions.
Safety, Compliance & Data Systems (30% of time)
- Serve as the on-site leader responsible for student safety and emergency response.
- Ensure full compliance with OSSE and Washington D.C. childcare licensing regulations.
- Maintain accurate documentation, incident reports, and inspection readiness at all times.
- Implement and monitor safety protocols, including arrival, dismissal, and emergency procedures.
- Track and manage daily attendance records, site supplies, and food program requirements.
- Support data collection and reporting as required by OSSE and regional leaders.
Site Operations and Community Engagement (20% of time)
- Own the execution of site operations, including schedules, transitions, and staffing coverage.
- Design smooth handoffs between the school day and afterschool programming.
- Maintain appropriate staff-to-student ratios at all times.
- Manage the enrollment and voucher process for students.
- Build strong, respectful relationships with families through consistent communication.
- Collaborate with school administrators and teachers to align programming with school-day priorities.
- Represent KIPP DC professionally at school and community events.
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED
- Must meet OSSE state childcare licensing requirements, including one of the following:
- Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in a related field.
- 20 college credits (semester) plus at least one year of experience with children.
- Two or more years of qualifying leading experience in DC licensed childcare.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Proven track record of strong relationships with students and families.
- Demonstrated record of timeliness, strong attendance, reliability, and responsiveness.
- Demonstrated ability to create a positive, predictable, and productive program culture.
- Must complete and pass a background check and drug test upon receipt of a conditional job offer.
Preferred Qualifications
- One or more years of qualifying experience leading and coaching adults.
- Prior experience managing inspection readiness under OSSE’s childcare licensing standards.
- Familiarity with restorative practice models.
- At least one year of experience working in a charter school network.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to actively supervise students and lift up to 40 pounds as needed.
- CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
Demonstrated Excellence in the Following Areas:
- Commitment to Students and Schools: Demonstrates commitment to education reform, believing in every child's potential for success and prioritizing students, schools, and the essential role of families.
- Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving: Finds creative solutions to challenges that achieve broader goals of team and organization.
- Project Management: Sets a high bar for own work and supports others to achieve desired team outcomes.
- Communications and Influence: Demonstrates adept communication skills and influence to advance work by adjusting content and style.
- Teamwork: Contributes to a supportive team culture, fostering diverse work styles and maintaining a high performance standard.
- Trust and Collaboration: Establishes and nurtures effective relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders to support the best outcomes for our work.
- Cultural Humility: Advances KIPP DC’s commitment to anti-racism by creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all stakeholders.
- Continuous Learning: Commits to continuous learning through feedback, self reflection, humility, and action.
Benefits & Compensation
KIPP DC offers an extremely competitive compensation and benefits package:
- The anticipated starting salary range for this position is $59,442-$63,540. At KIPP DC we strive for clarity, equity, and to be highly competitive. When determining salaries we look at benchmarks in the education and non-profit sector.
- KIPP DC offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurances; various voluntary benefits; and employer paid benefits such as short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, and a membership to One Medical.
- KIPP DC also offers a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution and a 3% match with vesting after three years.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law.
Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information.
Please Note: If you encounter difficulties submitting your application or fail to receive a confirmation email after applying, kindly reach out to Danica Cunningham at danica.cunningham@kippdc.org. Please include your name, resume, and specify the role you are applying for in your email. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused.