Director of Day Camp and Youth Sports

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Inc•Maplewood, NJ

About The Position

The Director of Day Camp and Youth Sports is instrumental in advancing the YMCA’s mission to strengthen community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This role’s primary responsibility is to lead, grow, and manage the branch’s largest Summer Day Camp, ensuring exceptional program development, quality, safety, and an outstanding participant experience. Additionally, the Director oversees the Youth Sports Department, with a direct focus on Pre-K and elementary school programs, and supervises the basketball program operations. Key duties include planning and developing engaging camp programs, youth sports classes, recruiting and training staff and volunteers, implementing risk management practices, managing budgets, supporting the Assistant Director as needed, and handling all administrative tasks. By working collaboratively across departments, the Director evaluates program effectiveness, fosters staff development, and upholds the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, while supporting the Association’s overall goals

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Sport Management, Human Services, Social Services, Recreation, Business, or a related field (preferred).
Minimum of 3+ years of Leadership experience in Summer Day Camp (Assistant Director level or higher).
5+ years of experience hands on experience in implementing camp and/or other relevant youth programs
Ability to oversee multi-site programs, including staff supervision, public relations, program development, and fundraising.
Excellent financial management skills, including budget preparation and project oversight.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Strong time management and organizational abilities.
Knowledge of quality program development and activity coordination.
Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations.
Completion of YMCA Team Leader certification within 3 years of hire.
Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people across all social and economic backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Involvement in camp community networks (preferred).

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the branch’s largest summer day camp, including planning, organizing, and overseeing daily operations to ensure safety, program quality, and a positive camp culture. Maintain direct, on-site supervision throughout the camp day.
Design and implement engaging camp activities that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, adapting programs to meet diverse needs.
Recruit, train, supervise, and support staff and volunteers, fostering a high-performing and motivated team.
Ensure compliance with YMCA policies, state regulations, and risk management practices, including child protection and emergency procedures.
Manage camp scheduling and parent communication, fostering strong relationships and resolving concerns promptly.
Oversee youth sports programming (school year), with a focus on Pre-K and elementary-level activities, ensuring alignment with YMCA standards and creating fun, skill-building experiences.
Provide leadership to Basketball Operations Leadership Team, ensuring program integration and consistency across youth sports offerings.
Build and maintain strong relationships with parents, staff, community partners, and other departments to enhance programming and maximize resources.
Continuously seek opportunities to improve programs and participant satisfaction through feedback and innovation.
Model relationship-building skills in all interactions; maintain collaborative relationships with staff, parents, caregivers, and community organizations (e.g., licensing agencies, schools) to maximize program impact.
Participate in YMCA activities, including committees, special events, and fundraising initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of youth programs and the YMCA mission.