The Lead Program Associate provides leadership and support to program staff while ensuring the delivery of safe, structured, and engaging activities across YMCA programs. This role oversees daily operations, mentors team members, supports program quality, and fosters positive relationships with participants and families. The Lead Associate ensures alignment with the YMCA’s mission and values while maintaining high standards of care, inclusion, and program excellence.
Culture Statement
The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose
We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our
time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.
We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own.
We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.
Essential Functions
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Lead and support program staff, providing guidance, training, and fostering a positive team environment.
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Oversee day-to-day program operations during assigned program hours to ensure activities run smoothly and comply with YMCA policies and procedures.
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Plan and facilitate developmentally-appropriate activities that align with program goals.
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Create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all participants, families, and staff.
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Communicate effectively with parents, guardians, and participants, providing updates and addressing concerns.
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Manage and respond to issues such as participant needs, behavioral concerns, and staff support, escalating to leadership as needed.
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Supervise participants or groups as needed to maintain safety ratios.
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Collaborate with leadership and staff to enhance program quality, safety, and participant satisfaction.
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Maintain program spaces, equipment, and materials in clean, safe, and organized condition.
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Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development to improve program delivery and leadership skills.
Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
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High school diploma or equivalent required.
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Minimum 1–2 years of experience working with youth, recreation, childcare, or program delivery.
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Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to mentor staff and engage families.
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Ability to manage conflict, apply positive behavior techniques, and maintain a structured environment.
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Demonstrated ability to organize activities, problem-solve, and make decisions in a fast-paced setting.
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Commitment to the YMCA mission, values, and creating an inclusive environment.
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Flexibility to work varying schedules, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
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Ability to actively participate in program activities, including lifting up to 40 lbs., maintaining adequate hearing and vision, and performing physical movements such as bending, standing, and engaging in active play.
All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.
Preferred Qualifications
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Some college coursework in related fields preferred.
Working Conditions
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Ability to hear and see participants.
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Walking, standing, bending, kneeling, and sitting for extended periods.
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Lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 40 lbs.
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Indoor and outdoor environments, including active recreation settings.
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Frequent interaction with children, parents/guardians, and staff in a dynamic and noisy
environment. -
Act swiftly in the event of an emergency.
Competencies
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COMMUNICATION & INFLUENCE: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that
engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause -
COLLABORATION: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community
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DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers,
members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential -
EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations
To learn more about our Y-USA Leadership Competencies, please click here
2026/2027 School Year: August - June
