Program Lead Job Description

Position Type: Full-time

Hours: 10 AM - 6 PM with the occasional evening 

Location: Hybrid - must be able to commute to the Lower East Side

Salary: $75,000

Reports to: The Executive Director

Anticipated Start Date: Late November - Early December, 2025

About the Organization

Cobblestone’s mission is to provide opportunities for youth to thrive by partnering with communities to create inclusive spaces and play-based programs for neurodivergent youth and those who support them. To achieve this mission, Cobblestone partners with community-based organizations’ after-school programs to provide truly inclusive programming, accessible spaces, trained staff, and family support. Cobblestone works on a play-based model and believes that play is important, all brains are amazing, and the only limitation is imagination. 

About the Role

Cobblestone's after-school program is launching its inaugural year in January 2026, offering an exciting opportunity for passionate professionals to work closely with the Executive Director and help shape the future of the organization. The Program Lead will collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and manage specialized services and programs within a community center’s after-school program for elementary-aged youth. This is a leadership and client-facing role with significant growth potential. Cobblestone is a newly established organization seeking the right individuals to help shape its future. 

Program Lead Roles and Responsibilities 

Program Management (30%)

• Work with the Executive Director to create a specialized curriculum for neurodivergent youth

• Collaborate with community partners and after-school staff to support more inclusive programming and a cooperative environment

• Keep track of program attendance

• Support caregiver programs 

• Serve as a key member of the program evaluation team 

Team Management (20%)

• Manage a team of two part-time program facilitators

• Support with hiring and onboarding for the team

• Co-lead monthly facilitator and/or community trainings

• Serve as a leader and knowledge base for Cobblestone and community partner staff 

In-program work (50%)

• Use play-based approaches to working with youth in the program

• Deliver the co-created curriculum 

• Support program facilitators in interactions with youth and curriculum delivery 

• Serve as a role model for how to work with neurodivergent youth 

• Support youth having big emotions and coregulate with them

• Maintain a safe classroom environment

• Manage resources between Cobblestone and Community Partner programming

• Support in managing interns on-site

Required Qualifications

• Passion for working with neurodivergent youth

• Two or more years working with elementary-age youth

• Understanding of positive youth development 

• Desire to commit to play-based, non-punitive methods for youth work

• Experience working collaboratively

• Comfort around children and adults from all backgrounds and abilities

Prefered Qualifications

• Experience working with neurodivergent youth and/or youth with disabilities

• Experience with program management and evaluation

• Familiarity with leading a team

• Spanish-speaking is a significant plus

• Experience in the field and a desire to learn are deeply valued and considered along with formal educational markers such as bachelor's and master’s degrees

Physical Considerations:

•  Must be able to actively play and engage with young people in run-around and floor-based games

To Apply: send a resume and cover letter to Michelle@cobblestonekids.org