Program manager – school age

This is a summary of the role, not the full job description. Candidates who move forward will get the complete job description for this position.

Program Manager – School Age | The Sunshine Academy, Downtown Laurel | Part-Time

When a kid walks in after school, they should feel like they've arrived somewhere that's theirs. You'd be the person who makes that happen.

We're looking for a Program Manager to lead our before- and after-school program in Downtown Laurel. You'd be the on-site leader for our teachers, the kids, and their families, and you'd report directly to our Director of Operations. This is a hands-on role. Some days you're coaching a teacher, some days you're running a club, and some days you're driving the van because that's what the day needs.

What you'd own

• Building a program older kids want to be part of
• A space made for school-age kids, not a preschool room with bigger chairs: clear areas for homework, reading, building and STEM, art, games, and active play
• A steady daily rhythm the kids can count on: snack, homework, choice time, outdoor play, and wind-down before pickup
• A weekly calendar of clubs, projects, enrichment, and free choice, plus full-day plans for school breaks, early-release days, and summer
• Homework help where teachers actually sit down and help
• Outdoor or active play every day the weather allows
• Real voice and choice for kids in what they do and how the room is set up, along with chances to lead
• Every child known by name, greeted at the door, and connected to a trusted adult

Leading and supporting the team

• Coach teachers on positive guidance for older kids: relationships, respect, clear expectations, and problem-solving
• Set clear expectations, give useful feedback, and notice when someone's doing great work
• Help train new teachers and support scheduling and coverage with the Director of Operations
• Step into a classroom, a hallway, or a van route when it's needed

Being there for families

• Be the go-to person for Laurel families during program hours
• Build real relationships with parents and guardians and answer their questions directly
• Keep families, teachers, and leadership on the same page
• Build working relationships with Laurel schools on schedules, early-release days, and shared students

Running a safe, smooth program

• Keep supervision, ratios, sign-in and sign-out, and authorized pickup tight every day
• Keep attendance and program records accurate
• Support safe, organized transportation and transitions
• Keep the space clean, organized, stocked, and welcoming
• Report incidents, safety concerns, and facility issues to the Director of Operations right away

Planning Laurel events

• Own Laurel's events and family engagement from start to finish: plans, budgets, staffing, family communication, setup, and debrief
• Look for ways to bring our families, teachers, and the Laurel community closer together

Growing what we've started

• Help grow enrollment and keep the families we have
• Bring new program, event, and partnership ideas to the table
• Own and meet quarterly goals

Who you are

• You like older kids, and they can tell
• You lead by example and you're comfortable having direct, kind conversations with adults
• You stay steady when the day gets busy and you take ownership of problems
• You communicate clearly, follow through, and ask for help when you need it
• Able to drive van routes when needed (driving records will be checked)