Program Director

Full-Time | $60,000-$65,000/year | Rhinebeck & Red Hook, NY

CultureConnect is hiring a full-time Program Director to help guide, organize, and strengthen our youth and family programs in Rhinebeck and Red Hook, NY. This role is ideal for someone who loves building relationships, keeping programs running smoothly, and making sure young people feel supported and seen. You’ll work closely with our board, Program Coordinators, volunteers, and school partners to help our programs stay aligned with our mission and continue to grow in impact, visibility, and connection.

This is a hands-on, community-based role for someone who is organized, values-driven, people-oriented, and excited to help a small nonprofit do meaningful, high-quality work.

About CultureConnect:

Founded in 1994, CultureConnect is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps empower youth and families to build a future rooted in justice, global awareness, and cultural understanding. We serve students and families in Rhinebeck and Red Hook through after-school enrichment, college access support, arts and culture programs, and international exchange.

CultureConnect is guided by an all-volunteer board of directors and supported by a small staff team and a network of committed community volunteers. Our work is grounded in the values of diversity, collaboration, connection, dynamism, bravery, and joy.

About Our Programs:

CommunityConnect:

After-school and summer academic enrichment for K–5 students for whom English is not the primary language spoken at home. Focuses on supporting English as New Language Learners and their families through literacy, confidence-building, and wrap-around connection. Led by part-time staff Program Coordinators.

CollegeConnect:

Free college access support for first-generation students, including coaching, essays, financial aid guidance, college visits, and connection to volunteers and pro-bono college counselors.

ArtsConnect:

Hands-on arts programming for middle school students, offering creative experiences that help youth explore identity, expression, and understanding of others. Includes the annual Veterans Day Arts Crawl and other pop-up arts activations.

WorldConnect

Hands-on multicultural learning experiences that help students and families build cultural awareness and curiosity through food, storytelling, hands-on workshops, and community-based collaborations.

MadagascarConnect

A travel-based global learning program connecting Hudson Valley students to Malagasy culture, people, and environments. Delegations of Rhinebeck High School students have traveled to Madagascar every other year.

Humanities Grants:

Mini-grants that support student–educator collaborative projects that advance CultureConnect’s mission in schools and the community.

The Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate enjoys working with youth, families, educators, and volunteers, and is energized by helping programs run smoothly. They are organized and reliable, an effective communicator, and skilled at moving between logistics, relationship-building, and big-picture mission thinking. They value cultural diversity, lifelong learning, and creating welcoming spaces for all students—especially English as New Language Learners and first-generation college students. They bring curiosity, follow-through, and a collaborative spirit, and are comfortable working both independently and as part of a small, values-driven team..

Key Responsibilities:

35% – Program Oversight & Administration

  • Ensure all CultureConnect programs operate in alignment with our mission, values, and goals

  • Maintain communication with the board, including monthly written updates and occasional verbal reports

  • Oversees development of informational materials, family outreach, website updates, and newsletters

  • Work with the Treasurer to prepare and manage program budgets

  • Maintain participant and volunteer databases; uphold confidentiality standards

30% – Program Management & Youth/Family Support

  • Support CommunityConnect Program Coordinators in planning, logistics, communication, and assessment

  • Coordinate CollegeConnect program. Organize college visits, workshops, and family events for high school students

  • Assist in recruiting students, volunteers, and program partners

  • Help track outcomes and stories of student growth across programs

  • Provide hands-on administrative and relational support where programs need it most

15% – Community Partnerships & Outreach

  • Build and maintain relationships with schools, teachers, ENL staff, guidance counselors, and local organizations

  • Represent CultureConnect at school events, community gatherings, and partner meetings

  • Collaborate with board and partners to develop new opportunities that increase access and connection

10% – Staff & Volunteer Support

  • Train, supervise, and support staff; provide annual written feedback

  • Help recruit, onboard, and support volunteers

  • Coordinate shared resources, calendars, and communication across programs

10% – Communications & Fundraising Support

  • Collaborate with Administrator on social media, newsletters, and storytelling

  • Assist with grant writing, events, donor communications, and sponsor engagement when needed

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree

  • 3-5 years experience in education, youth development or nonprofit work

  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills

  • Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently

  • Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Gmail, Forms, etc.)

  • Valid driver's license, car, clean background screening.

Preferred:

  • Spanish language proficiency (strongly preferred)

  • Experience working with English as New Language learners and/or first-generation college students

  • Experience supervising staff or volunteers

  • Comfort working with families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

  • Compensation: This is a full time exempt position. Pay is $60,000-$65,000/year and includes paid vacation and wellness/sick days. Some evenings and weekend hours may be required for programs or events.

How to Apply:

Please complete the form via this link [form in progress]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equity & Inclusion:

CultureConnect is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage Black, Indigenous, and people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, people with disabilities, first-generation college graduates, and people from all socioeconomic backgrounds to apply. We believe a diverse team strengthens our work and reflects the values we ask young people to embody.