Director of Curriculum

YMCA of Pierce & Kitsap Counties•Lakewood, WA

23h

About The Position

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is hiring a Director of Curriculum at its Early Learning Center YMCA location. This role leads the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of curriculum across Early Learning Centers and School-Age programs. The Director supports program quality through coaching, training, classroom observations, instructional modeling, and on-site guidance, helping educators deliver consistent, developmentally appropriate learning experiences and create engaging environments where children can thrive. The position collaborates with center leadership, school districts, families, and community partners; monitors educational best practices, regulatory updates, and program quality data; and supports organizational initiatives, accreditation, and continuous quality improvement across program locations. It also supports YMCA fundraising and annual campaign efforts. The role is full-time and exempt, with annual compensation of $80,168.40 to $82,168.40. Compensation is based on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications; most new hires start between the minimum and midpoint of the posted range.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field.
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in early learning and/or elementary settings.
Experience in curriculum design and implementation, instructional practices, child development, learning assessments, coaching, and training or presentation delivery.
Strong knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice.
Strong knowledge of Washington State DCYF licensing requirements and Washington State Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals.
Knowledge of Early Achievers standards and quality improvement systems.
Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and presentation skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and curriculum development tools.
Must pass background and reference checks in accordance with the Washington State Fair Chance Act.
Commitment to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on the first day and other online and in-person training as required.

Responsibilities

Lead curriculum development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement across YMCA Early Learning and School-Age programs.
Design and maintain developmentally appropriate curriculum frameworks, lesson plans, instructional resources, and learning experiences that support children's growth and development.
Ensure curriculum aligns with DCYF licensing requirements, Washington State Core Competencies, Early Achievers standards, and YMCA program expectations.
Conduct classroom observations and program assessments to evaluate curriculum effectiveness, identify improvement opportunities, and promote consistent program quality.
Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and instructional support to teachers and operational leaders through classroom modeling, feedback, and professional development.
Develop and facilitate staff training, curriculum orientations, and instructional resources to strengthen teaching practices and program implementation.
Collaborate with center leadership, school districts, families, and community partners to strengthen program quality and support positive learning outcomes.
Monitor educational best practices, regulatory updates, and program quality data to inform curriculum improvements and maintain compliance.
Support organizational initiatives, accreditation efforts, and continuous quality improvement across all program locations.
Support YMCA fundraising and annual campaign efforts by engaging staff, volunteers, and community partners in advancing the organization's mission.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefit plan options.
YMCA-paid life and long-term disability insurance.
Opportunity to participate in the YMCA 403(b) retirement savings plan; after two years of full-time employment, the YMCA contributes 8% of monthly earnings.
Accrual of 15 days of paid vacation, with accruals increasing with years of service.
Eight paid holidays or floating holidays per year.
Paid sick leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked.
Employee Assistance Plan, digital mental health counseling platform, wellness program, and LifeMart employee discount center.
Professional training, education, and certification opportunities.
20% discount on YMCA programs, child care services, and merchandise.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees.