The Childcare & Youth Services Director is a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic vision, development, administration, and compliance of all YWCA childcare and youth mentoring programs. This role ensures delivery of high-quality, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate services for children, youth, and families in alignment with the YWCA mission and community needs.
The Director oversees all childcare, mentoring and youth initiatives, including one-to-one mentoring, group mentoring programs, early childhood programs, school-age care, and youth enrichment initiatives. The position holds full responsibility for program quality, regulatory compliance, staff leadership, budget oversight, partnerships, grant funding, and community engagement.
Position Responsibilities
A. Program Planning & Development
- Develop, assess, and continuously improve all childcare, mentoring, and youth programs to meet evolving community needs.
- Ensure all childcare programs meet and maintain full compliance with NYS OCFS, NYS Education Department, Department of Health, CACFP, and other applicable regulations.
- Maintain culturally sensitive, developmentally appropriate, and enriched curriculum across early childhood and youth programs.
- Design and implement youth and family enrichment initiatives, including parent engagement programming focused on child development, nutrition, and positive parenting.
- Plan and facilitate staff development workshops and training seminars to meet licensing requirements and promote professional growth.
- Stay current with best practices and trends in child development, mentoring, and youth services through ongoing professional development.
- Identify, pursue, write, and manage grants and funding opportunities from public and private sources to sustain and expand programming.
B. Program Coordination & Implementation
- Oversee day-to-day operations of all childcare and youth programs.
- Maintain accurate program documentation including family files, staff and volunteer records, attendance records, and required assessments.
- Oversee recruitment, screening, training, and supervision of volunteers and mentors using evidence-based and safety-focused practices.
- Match mentors with children based on interests and compatibility and monitor match progress and outcomes.
- Plan and oversee group mentoring and youth programs including:
- Bridges for Kids (1-on-1 mentoring)
- GEMS (Girls Empowerment & Mentoring Series)
- Boys Group / Fun Club programs/ Healthy Now
- Coordinate and oversee youth events and community initiatives such as Backpack Drives, Holiday Assistance, Kidsgiving, Trunk-or-Treat, and similar programs.
- Ensure all program environments are safe, clean, and compliant with regulatory standards.
- Recommend program fees, staffing levels, and schedules in coordination with leadership.
C. Community Partnerships & Engagement
- Lead and maintain partnerships with SUNY Cortland internship programs and other colleges to support student intern and volunteer pipelines.
- Build and sustain partnerships with schools, community agencies, and service providers for referrals and collaboration.
- Represent YWCA youth programs at community meetings, events, and public forums.
- Promote programs through media, presentations, outreach, and marketing efforts to support enrollment and volunteer engagement.
- Encourage and expand community volunteer participation in mentoring and youth services.
D. Administrative & Financial Management
- Develop and administer departmental budgets (childcare and mentoring) in collaboration with the Finance Director and Executive Director.
- Monitor program expenses and purchasing to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Prepare and submit required monthly and annual reports, statistics, and grant documentation.
- Oversee payroll processing and time-off tracking for all staff.
- Manage billing and reimbursement processes including CACFP and Early Intervention where applicable.
- Maintain and renew all program licenses, permits, contracts, and insurance requirements.
- Update program handbooks, policies, safety procedures, and fee structures annually.
- Contribute program updates and success stories to newsletters and publications.
E. Leadership & Supervision
- Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff, supervisors, interns, and volunteers.
- Directly supervise program leaders including childcare supervisors, mentoring coordinators, and related program staff.
- Review and approve evaluations, disciplinary actions, and terminations within the department.
- Facilitate staff and volunteer meetings to maintain communication and program alignment.
- Provide mentorship and professional guidance to interns and emerging staff leaders.
- Foster an inclusive, respectful, and mission-aligned team culture.
Position Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with NYS Teaching Certificate
- OR
- Four-year degree including at least 12 credits in Early Childhood Education
OR
- Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Education, or related field with qualifying experience
Required:
- 2–3 years teaching experience
- 2–3 years supervisory experience (preferably in early childhood or youth programs)
- Significant experience in early childhood education and/or youth program management
- Minimum 3 years working with children and families
- Mandated Reporter Certification
- Administrative and program management experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Basic computer proficiency
- Professional, calm, and collaborative leadership style
Working Conditions
General office and program site conditions. Some evening hours required for meetings, training, and community representation. Occasional travel to off-site program locations and meetings.
Reports To
Executive Director
Pay: $60,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
