POSITION SUMMARY:
The Program Director is responsible for developing, delivering and
administering programs targeted toward youth and family engagement. This
includes but is not limited to: before care and after school programming, youth
and teen programs, summer camp, family events, birthday parties, other family
programming. The incumbent is responsible for program development and
quality, management of staff and compliance with department policies,
procedures and expectations.
Essential Functions:
Provide strategic leadership and daily oversight for all youth and family
programs.
Develop, implement, and evaluate programs that support the YMCA
mission and meet community needs.
Establish annual program goals, budgets, and performance metrics.
Ensure programs are safe, engaging, inclusive, and age-appropriate.
Maintain high standards for customer service and participant satisfaction.
Collaborate with other YMCA departments to support association-wide
initiatives and events.
Risk Management, State Licensing & Regulatory Compliance
Ensure all applicable youth programs maintain compliance with state child
care licensing regulations and applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Develop and implement policies and procedures that meet state licensing
standards for licensed child care, preschool, before/after-school, and
camp programs, as applicable.
Maintain accurate licensing records, attendance records, incident reports,
medication logs, emergency documentation, and child files.
Ensure compliance with mandatory reporting requirements for suspected
child abuse or neglect.
Maintain compliance with ADA, health department regulations, fire safety
requirements, OSHA standards, and YMCA risk management policies.
Champion YMCA Child Protection Standards and abuse prevention
practices.
Ensure all staff complete required background checks before
employment.
Verify completion of required certifications, including CPR, First Aid, AED,
Child Abuse Prevention, and other required trainings.
Staff Leadership & Development
Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, coach, and evaluate youth program
staff.
Schedule staff to maintain appropriate coverage and licensing ratios.
Provide ongoing professional development and required annual training.
Foster a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven work environment.
Address employee performance issues in accordance with YMCA policies.
Program Quality
Evaluate program effectiveness through observations, surveys, and
outcome measurements.
Implement continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Ensure curriculum and activities align with developmental best practices.
Family & Community Engagement
Build positive relationships with parents, caregivers, schools, and
community partners.
Communicate program updates, policies, and participant progress
effectively.
Address participant and family concerns in a timely and professional
manner.
Represent the YMCA at community meetings and collaborative
partnerships.
Financial Management
Manage program budgets, monitor revenues, expenses, and enrollment
trends.
Ensure accurate payroll approval, purchasing, and financial reporting.
Support fundraising efforts, grant compliance, and special events.
Facility Oversight
Ensure program spaces are clean, safe, and well maintained.
Coordinate maintenance requests and equipment repairs.
Verify emergency equipment and first aid supplies remain current and
accessible.
Required Knowledge & Qualifications
Knowledge of state child care licensing regulations and youth program
compliance requirements.
Understanding of child development principles and best practices.
Experience supervising staff and managing youth programs.
Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and conflict-resolution
skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and program management software.
Bachelor's degree in Education, Recreation, Human Services, or a related
field preferred.
CPR, First Aid, AED, and Child Abuse Prevention certifications (or ability
to obtain upon hire).
Preferred Competencies
Strong commitment to the YMCA's mission, values, and child safety
culture.
Ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.
Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Experience with licensing inspections and regulatory compliance.
Excellent relationship-building skills with families, staff, schools, and
community partners.
Ability to analyze program data and implement continuous improvement
initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Must be 21 years of age.
2. BS degree in education, recreation, childhood development or related
field.
3. Minimum 2 years previous experience in program leadership role.
4. Certifications required within 30 days of hire: CPR/AED, and First Aid,
Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting.
5. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and
economic segments of the community
