Community Center Director

About Us

Harlem Grown is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability and nutrition. We operate local urban farms, increase access to and knowledge of healthy food for Harlem residents, and provide farm-based development programs to Harlem youth.

Founded in 2011 by Tony Hillery with one school partnership, one urban farm and an idea to help Harlem children, today Harlem Grown’s farms and greenhouses are used as classrooms and as venues to cultivate a connection to the environment and food among young people. Harlem Grown operates 14 urban agricultural sites featuring soil-based urban farms, hydroponic greenhouses, and a mushroom chamber.  All of our sites are located between 122^nd and 152^nd Streets in Central Harlem, Manhattan. 

 

Our Programs

Harlem Grown cultivates deep community roots by growing fresh food, strong youth, and lasting relationships. We meet children where they live, learn, and grow—offering opportunities that extend beyond our farms to the classroom and into their futures. Through Food and Farm Education, we help youth build healthy habits, leadership skills, and a deeper connection to their community. Our urban farms provide free produce and nutritious meals for families while creating joyful spaces for connection and support. Through 14 urban farms and year-round programming, we provide free produce, nutritious meals, and cooking lessons while creating joyful spaces for connection and support. In addition, our programs increase economic opportunity for families and develop leadership and advocacy skills so participants can drive transformational change in their communities.

At Harlem Grown, we grow healthy children and communities through hands-on education, access to resources, and long-term youth support. Our Food and Farm Education —including summer camp, in-school and after-school programs, mobile education, service learning, and farm tours—delivers farm-based lessons to children in our community. We offer free community resources like farmstands, Saturdays on the farm, and events that provide fresh food and create spaces for support and connection. Through academic support, internships, and career readiness programs, we help our young people build confidence and skills to thrive from elementary school through adulthood.

Position Overview 

The Community Center Director will lead the overall management, programming, and operations of Harlem Grown’s community center, with oversight from the Director of Youth Programs. This role ensures the center operates as a vibrant, safe, and welcoming hub for youth, families, seniors, and community partners. The Community Center Director will oversee the high-quality implementation of multiple food and farm programs and uses of the space, including the after-school and summer camp programs, the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), and community partner programming and scheduling. Responsibilities include staff supervision and development, program coordination, enrollment and outreach, evaluation and data collection in alignment with organizational priorities, safety protocols, day-to-day site operations, and hiring onsite staff. 

This role will work closely with Harlem Grown’s operations team and vendors, to maintain a high-quality, functional, and welcoming facility. The ideal candidate brings a passion for Harlem Grown’s mission, excellent organizational and communication skills, strong community center or site-based management experience, a passion for food and farm education, a deep understanding of youth and community development, and a proven ability to manage complex, multi-use programs and spaces. 

 

Responsibilities

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT – 40% 

• Lead the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of Harlem Grown’s Community Center in partnership with the Director of Youth Programs and Chief Program Officer, ensuring it operates as a safe, inclusive, high-quality hub for youth, families, seniors, and community partners. 

• Oversee multiple program areas and uses of the space, including a DYCD after-school and summer camp programs, youth leadership initiatives, community initiatives and  partner-led activities.  

• Ensure high-quality program implementation through effective scheduling, coordination, staff training, and alignment with Harlem Grown’s mission, values, curriculum, and handbook. 

• Ensure all programming is delivered within established timelines and in compliance with DYCD, organizational, school, and safety regulations. 

• Manage participant enrollment, attendance, and engagement strategies, and foster strong relationships with caregivers and community members. 

• Lead youth leadership and workforce development pathways, including the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) and SYEP program. 

• Support and oversee the development and implementation of high-quality food and farm education lessons and activities across programs. 

• Work in alignment with other Harlem Grown programs and calendars, including surveys, professional development, and reporting cycles. 

• Identify opportunities for program growth, innovation, and increased community impact, and contribute to strategic planning. 

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Harlem Grown’s mission and community impact. 

PARTNERSHIP & COMMUNITY RELATIONS – 20% 

• Serve as a key representative of Harlem Grown at the community center, building and maintaining strong relationships with school partners, community organizations, and local stakeholders. 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for community center partners regarding scheduling, space use, coordination, and shared expectations. 

• Coordinate with external partners who use the space to ensure clear communication and effective shared use of the facility. 

• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams including Operations, Youth Programs, Agriculture, Advancement to ensure alignment between site operations, programs, and organizational goals. 

PROGRAM OPERATIONS & COMPLIANCE – 25% 

• Oversee day-to-day site operations, including schedules, space usage, safety protocols, staffing coverage, and resource allocation. 

• Obtain and maintain SACC license. 

• Follow and maintain complete compliance under OCFS guidelines.  

• Serve as the primary steward of the community center facility, ensuring the building is clean, organized, safe, and ready to support multiple programs and partners. 

• Coordinate with Harlem Grown’s operations team and external vendors to address maintenance, repairs, supplies, and facility needs. 

• Develop, implement, and maintain site systems, procedures, and the community center handbook in alignment with Harlem Grown policies and requirements. 

• Track and manage site and program-related budgets in collaboration with organizational leadership, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with funding guidelines. 

• Oversee data collection, documentation, and reporting related to programs and site operations, in alignment with DYCD and HG systems. 

• Ensure compliance with all legal, safety, licensing, and organizational policies, and lead site-level response to incidents or emergencies as needed. 

• Use data and operational insights to support continuous improvement, planning, and decision-making. 

STAFF SUPERVISION & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT – 15% 

• Hire, supervise, mentor, and support a diverse team of staff, including the program coordinator, educators, and group leaders. 

• Manage staff schedules, coverage, meetings, and professional development. 

• Facilitate regular team meetings, coaching, and performance evaluations in partnership with the overall organization and Youth Programs team. 

• Build and sustain a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture aligned with Harlem Grown’s values. 

• Model strong leadership, communication, and youth and community development practices. 

• Develop staff capacity and leadership by fostering a culture of growth, mentorship, and continuous improvement. 

 

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Food or Environmental Studies, Child Development, Nonprofit Management, Community Development, or a related field required; Master’s degree a plus. 

• 5–7 years of experience in youth development, education, community-based programming, or nonprofit program management, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role. 

• At least 2–3 years of experience leading and supervising after-school and/or out-of-school-time programs in a school-based or community-based setting. 

• Must be on the pathway to being OCFS certified site director or already meet the requirements (a bachelor’s degree in a child-related field or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential). 

• Experience managing or supporting multi-generational, community-based programming and/or a multi-use community space, community center, or similar site strongly preferred. 

• Demonstrated experience training, coaching, and supervising adult staff, including performance management and professional development. 

• Experience working with public systems or partners such as NYC DOE, DYCD, or similar agencies is a plus. 

• Strong understanding of youth development principles, trauma-informed and inclusive practices, and family- and community-centered engagement strategies. 

• Commitment to equity and experience integrating racial and social justice principles into program design and team leadership is a plus. 

• Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills, with strong leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities in a fast-paced, multi-program environment. 

• Background in food education, urban agriculture, environmental education, or related fields is a plus. 

• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus. 

• Must be available to work day times, weekends, and evenings, as needed. 

 

 

At Harlem Grown, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. We are an equal opportunity employer, and are committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, where each individual feels as if their identity, experience, and values are represented and supported. We are dedicated to creating a space where children, especially those of color, are given the opportunity and skills to lead healthy and ambitious lives. We strongly believe in building a team that reflects and appreciates the underrepresented population of students, families, and people that we serve. Become a member of our family.