ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the vision, development, implementation, evaluation, and ongoing growth of the World Relief WNY's Child & Youth Program, ensuring high-quality programming that supports the educational, social-emotional, and developmental needs of refugee and immigrant children.
- Provide overall leadership and oversight for all Child & Youth programming, including evening children's programming, morning children's programming, school break programming, summer camps, and any new initiatives developed to meet the evolving needs of refugee and immigrant families.
- Recruit, train, schedule and support volunteers, in coordination with CCE team, through interest forms, interviews, and ongoing communication.
- Plan, organize, and oversee 2-3 annual summer camps from conception through completion.
- Coordinate all summer camp logistics, including curriculum development, registration, scheduling, volunteer recruitment and training, supplies, transportation (if applicable), communication with families, risk management, and program evaluation.
- Serve as the primary on-site coordinator during summer camps whenever possible. When unavailable, ensure trained, prepared, and dependable volunteers or staff are designated to lead programming and maintain program quality and child safety.
- Continuously evaluate community needs and identify opportunities to expand and strengthen Child & Youth programming through new services, partnerships, and innovative programming.
- Collaborate with the ESL Program Coordinator to align volunteer scheduling and training across programs.
- Design and facilitate volunteer training events in collaboration with ESL Program Coordinator (in-person and virtual), to equip volunteers with the skills and knowledge needed for safe, effective engagement.
- Create and manage the weekly volunteer schedule in coordination with the ESL Program Coordinator, ensuring adequate coverage, while maintaining World Relief volunteer-to-child ratios and child safety protocols.
- Communicate with volunteers and families regarding class updates or cancellations.
- Train volunteers on emergency procedures (ICE, fire, active shooter, etc.) and be responsible to implement emergency protocols during hours of program operation.
- Lead training on World Relief and New York State child safety policies and ensure all volunteers complete required screenings, training, and documentation.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all child protection regulations and ensure full compliance within program operations.
- Coordinate with community partners to track family interest and manage enrollment data. • Conduct registration appointments, guide families through consent and documentation processes, and provide translation support as needed.
- Maintain communication with parents regarding program updates, child progress, and special events.
- Manage the program waitlist to ensure fairness and transparency for placement.
- In coordination with local and national resources, develop curriculum and activities that facilitate engaging lessons in visual arts, music, dance, literacy, STEM, health and wellness, life skills, and other enrichment activities aligned with program goals and participant needs
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment that supports creativity, wellness and inclusion.
- Supervise groups of 10–20 children, ensuring physical and emotional safety throughout program sessions. Supervise and schedule program interns, providing clear direction and support.
- Record daily attendance, manage incident reports, and track volunteer engagement.
- Design visual program materials and branding elements for marketing WR WNY’s Child and Youth programming among the community, ensuring alignment with enrollment goals.
- Monitor program data to assess impact and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Manage supply inventory; order approved materials as needed.
- Track program expenditures and ensure adherence to the approved budget.
- Recruit, enroll, and serve approximately 80 children annually while maintaining high-quality programming and participant engagement.
- In coordination with CCE, assist in organizing logistics and volunteer participation for special events.
- Develop annual goals and work plans for the Child & Youth Program, evaluating outcomes and recommending improvements to strengthen program quality, expand services, and meet community needs.
- Engage in ongoing learning in arts education, cultural competency, trauma informed topics, responsive teaching, child development, etc., through WR training, Community of Practice groups, etc., to strengthen program quality and innovation.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Mature and personal Christian faith
- Committed to the mission, vision, and values of World Relief
- Desire to serve and empower the Church to impact vulnerable communities
- Able to affirm and/or acknowledge World Reliefs Core Beliefs, Statement of Faith, Christian Identity and National Association of Evangelicals' For the Health of The Nation document
- Valid drivers license, access to reliable vehicle and ability to pass MVR standards
- Fluent in Microsoft Office applications, especially Word and Excel, and the ability to learn new programs (previous experience with databases desired)
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check
- Fluent in English with excellent oral and written skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bi-lingual ability preferred
- Previous experience running programs and/or previous experience overseeing children and youth in a similar setting
- Previous experience working with children and youth
- Previous cross-cultural experience highly desired
- Highly self-motivated with the ability to work independently and within necessary deadlines
- Ability to problem-solve and multi-task
- Enjoy working in a fast paced, challenging, and fluid environment
- Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail
- Dependable and consistent in attendance and performance
- Ability to work well as part of a team and with diverse groups of people