Youth and Family Program Director

Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Associate Executive Director and in accordance with Association policies, the Program Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for youth and family programs, Child Watch, youth sports, Ninja, and specialty instruction at the Rite-Hite Family YMCA. The Program Director develops engaging, inclusive, high-quality experiences that increase participation, strengthen family engagement and member retention, and support community partnerships, and is accountable for quality, safety, enrollment, and financial performance across assigned program areas.

Y Choose Us
Excellent benefits include
• Comprehensive employee benefits
• Employee funded 403b Retirement Savings Plan (No vesting requirements)
• YMCA funded 401a Retirement Savings Plan (Once vested)
• Free individual and household membership
• Discounted YMCA programs including Early Childhood Education.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Recreation, Education, Youth Development, Child Development, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience in youth programming, recreation, childcare, gymnastics, dance, ninja, or related programming.
• Previous experience supervising staff, volunteers, instructors, or program leaders preferred.
• Experience developing programs, coordinating events, building community partnerships, and monitoring participation, enrollment, and financial performance preferred.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain within the first 60 days of employment.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Flexibility to work daytime, evening, and weekend hours based on program needs.

Essential Functions:
• Lead the planning, development, implementation, evaluation, and expansion of youth enrichment, tween and teen programming, family engagement opportunities, and seasonal activities that meet community needs and support branch goals.
• Lead the development and expansion of youth sports, leagues, clinics, camps, Ninja programming, adaptive sports, and inclusive recreation opportunities for participants of all ages and abilities.
• Oversee all Child Watch operations, including staffing, scheduling, safety, risk management, and compliance with YMCA child protection standards.
• Build and expand program participation and enrollment across all assigned program areas.
• Develop, manage, and monitor program budgets, enrollment goals, revenue, expenses, and overall financial performance.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with schools, libraries, municipalities, sports organizations, and youth-serving agencies, and coordinate third-party instruction and private lessons to expand branch-based and off-site programming.
• Ensure program areas, facilities, and equipment remain safe, clean, organized, and welcoming, following YMCA safety and risk management standards.

Professional Expectations:
• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, sound judgment, and a solutions-oriented approach while achieving program and branch goals.
• Communicates clearly and professionally with participants, families, staff, volunteers, schools, community partners, and leadership.
• Ensures compliance with YMCA policies, child protection standards, emergency procedures, and risk management practices.
• Fosters a welcoming, inclusive, and positive environment for all participants, families, volunteers, and staff.
• Collaborates across departments to support branch goals and YMCA mission delivery.
• Models the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, and participates in ongoing professional development

Staff Supervision:
• Recruits, hires, trains, schedules, supervises, develops, and evaluates Child Watch staff, coaches, instructors, officials, volunteers, and program staff across all assigned program areas.
• Provides ongoing coaching, performance evaluations, regular staff meetings, and professional development opportunities to ensure consistent program quality and accountability.
• Establishes clear expectations, delegates responsibilities effectively, and ensures appropriate staffing and operational coverage.
• Fosters a culture of accountability, teamwork, innovation, inclusion, and exceptional member service.