Program Director

About

Carter Burden Network promotes the well-being of older adults aged 60 and older through a continuum of services, advocacy, arts and culture, health and wellness, and volunteer programs. We are dedicated to supporting older adults to live safely and with dignity. CBN is partially funded by NYC Aging (formerly the NYC Department for the Aging).

Position Overview

The Program Director of the Lehman Village Older Adult Center leads one of Carter Burden Network’s most active community hubs, serving a diverse population of older adults through daily programming, congregate meals, social services, and community engagement.

This individual oversees all aspects of center operations—including program planning, staff supervision, compliance, facility management, and community partnerships—ensuring the center remains welcoming, safe, and aligned with NYC Aging (DFTA) standards.

The Program Director sets out the tone for culture, hospitality, and accountability, modeling CBN’s core values of Responsibility, Boldness, Heart, Respect, and Community while supporting a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Staff Supervision & Leadership

• Supervise and support the Program Coordinator, Maintenance Worker, and all program subcontractors.
• Provide regular individual supervision and coaching to direct reports.
• Maintain staff schedules, track required training, and ensure strong communication across the team.
• Foster a culture of hospitality, respect, and excellence in service delivery.

Program Management & Compliance

• Plan, implement, and oversee all program elements, including exercise, health management, nutrition, arts and culture, technology, recreation, and education.
• Ensure all programming meets NYC Aging (DFTA) contract requirements and internal standards.
• Oversee the congregate lunch program, ensuring compliance with food safety and nutrition guidelines.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of all required documentation, including attendance, statistics, VIVE reporting, and monthly vouchers/invoices.
• Maintain proficiency with Vive, and other required systems.
• Coordinate Cooling Center operations in accordance with NYC Aging requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Finance team for all Lehman Village program budget matters, including monthly unit tracking, consultant agreements, and contract-related financial reporting.
• Monitor program expenditures, ensure alignment with budgeted units, and communicate variances or emerging needs proactively. Coordinate the preparation and submission of monthly financial documentation, including consultant invoices, program vouchers, and supporting materials required by Finance or NYC Aging.

Facility & Operations Management

• Ensure the center is clean, safe, welcoming, and well-maintained at all times. Serve as a liaison with NYCHA for repairs, maintenance, and facility needs.
• Oversee inventory and tracking of office supplies, cleaning supplies, pantry items, and equipment (including Dega computers and Canon printers).
• Maintain and manage the CBN bus and transportation schedules for both drivers.
• Maintain oversight of kitchen operations in alignment with NYC Food Protection standards, including daily compliance checks, temperature logs, sanitation practices, and safe food handling procedures.
• Ensure the center’s kitchen facilities meet all regulatory requirements and are prepared for inspections at any time.
• Maintain strong familiarity with NYC Aging emergency preparedness standards and serve as the primary point of contact for all emergency preparedness requirements, including incident reporting, Cooling Center activation, safety protocols, and communication procedures. Ensure the center’s emergency plans are current, compliant, and accessible to staff. Provide training and guidance to team members on emergency procedures, safety expectations, and NYC Aging protocols to ensure consistent, agency-wide readiness.

Client & Community Engagement

• Ensure all participants are properly registered and maintain accurate client records.
• Build strong relationships with center members, promoting engagement, inclusion, and community-building.
• Support special initiatives such as the Andrew Fund, including application processing, order tracking, and coordination of pet-related services at Harlem Animal Hospital.
• Represent the center at community events, inter-agency meetings, and local partnerships.

Strategic Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with the Associate Executive Director, Program Directors, and other CBN departments (Finance, Development, HR, Volunteer Services) to support center operations and reporting.
• Communicate program needs, trends, and challenges proactively and transparently.
• Participate in agency-wide meetings, training, and strategic planning efforts.

Core Values Embodied in the Role

• Dignity & Belonging: Creates an environment where older adults feel respected, valued, and connected.
• Hospitality-Forward Service: Ensures every interaction reflects warmth, attentiveness, and care.
• Accountability: Upholds compliance, safety, and operational excellence with integrity.
• Equity & Inclusion: Honors cultural and individual differences, ensuring services are accessible and responsive.
• Community Connection: Builds meaningful partnerships that strengthen independence and reduce isolation.

Competencies

• Team Leadership & Staff - Development -Builds a cohesive, motivated team and provides clear supervision, coaching, and accountability.
• Emotional Intelligence -Models calm, ethical leadership and navigates sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.
• Program Operations & Compliance - Ensures high-quality program delivery, accurate documentation, and adherence to NYC Aging (DFTA) standards.
• Strategic & Transparent Communication - Communicates effectively with staff, participants, and cross-functional partners to support center goals.
• Cultural Competence & Inclusion - Creates an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of the community and upholds participant dignity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with older adultsand1 year of supervisory or administrative experience.
• Strong program management and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel , and ability to learn additional software systems.
• Spanish fluency required.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Flexibility, dependability, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity withNYC Aging (DFTA)standards; NYC Food Protection Certificate required or willingness to obtain.
• FDNY Certificate of Fitness and CPR/AED certification, Food handler license required or willingness to obtain.

Supervisory Duties

• Directly supervise all site employees (2), including Assistant Directors, Maintenance staff, and subcontractors (3).

Physical Working Environment & Work Hours

• General hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour unpaid lunch, in alignment with contractual obligations under NYC Aging.

The Program Director role requires the ability to work safely and effectively within the Lehman Village Older Adult Center, located on the first floor of a NYCHA residential building. The Director must be able to move throughout all spaces independently, including navigating common areas, doorways, and any stairs or building features necessary to access program spaces, staff areas, or storage locations.

This position operates in a standard office environment and requires the ability to perform typical administrative tasks such as working at a computer, attending meetings, and managing program materials. The role also involves occasional light physical activity, including lifting or carrying supplies or equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.

What We Offer

The hourly rate for this role is $24.00–$26.37 (annualized equivalent $43,680–$48,000), with final placement based on experience, skills, and internal equity.

CBN provides a generous benefits package, including:

• Multiple health and dental plan options (including 100% employer-paid coverage)
• 15 vacation days, 4 personal days, 10 sick days, and paid holidays
• A 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer contribution and a matching opportunity after one year
• Professional development, mentorship, and growth opportunities

How to Apply

Please submit an application that includes:

• Your resume
• A cover letter sharing why you’re drawn to aging services, what makes you a strong fit, and how you hope to learn and grow with us

We encourage applications from individuals who may not meet every qualification but feel aligned with our mission and values.

Applicants who meet the position requirements will be contacted by a member of our search committee. Candidates advancing in the process will be asked to provide three professional references (including one former supervisor) and complete a pre-hire background screening.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Carter Burden Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, familial status, marital status, partnership status, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or conviction record, credit history, salary history, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, religious observance needs, pregnancy-related conditions, and other protected circumstances.

CBN provides a generous benefits package, including:

• Multiple health and dental plan options (including 100% employer-paid coverage)
• 15 vacation days, 4 personal days, 10 sick days, and paid holidays
• A 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer contribution and a matching opportunity after one year
• Professional development, mentorship, and growth opportunities

Spanish fluency required