Director, Program (5014)

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Wilmington, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles (LA Y) is seeking a Director, Program to lead, develop, operate, and grow assigned youth development programs. This role is crucial for building stronger communities by providing equitable programs and services that empower all individuals. The LA Y focuses on critical areas such as fighting food insecurity, promoting educational equity, ensuring children can experience the joy of sports, providing safe spaces for kids and teens to grow, and offering health and wellness initiatives including medical and mental health resources. The Director will ensure programs are safe, welcoming, inclusive, and asset-based, supporting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, all while advancing the YMCA's mission. This position is a key member of the Branch Leadership Team, collaborating to achieve operational goals, strengthen community relationships, and increase member engagement.

Requirements

21 years or older
High School Diploma or GED required.
Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in youth development, teen programming, family programming, recreation, or community programs.
Two or more years of supervisory experience.
Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
Experience with program development, budgeting, staff supervision, and community partnerships.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and youth development.
YMCA Approved CPR/First Aid/AED Certification or willingness to obtain within 60 days of employment.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors.
Evening, weekend, and occasional overnight work may be required for programs and special events.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and actively participate in youth and family activities.
Must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Education, Child Development, Human Services, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
Experience managing budgets and multiple program areas preferred.
YMCA Team Leader Certification preferred.
Other certifications as required by assigned program areas.

Responsibilities

Direct the daily operations and strategic growth of assigned Teen, Youth, and Family programs, including Teen Center Programs, Get Summer Youth & Government, Model United Nations, Youth Classes, Resident Camp, Leadership Development Programs, After-school Enrichment, Enrichment programs, Child Activity Center, Family Events, and other assigned initiatives.
Develop and implement annual operating plans to achieve enrollment, retention, participation, and revenue goals.
Ensure all programs provide safe, welcoming, inclusive, child-centered, and asset-based experiences aligned with YMCA standards.
Develop and maintain a year-round calendar of youth, teen, and family programming that responds to community needs.
Regularly evaluate programs through participant feedback, outcomes measurements, and quality assessments.
Visit program sites regularly to monitor quality, compliance, safety, and staff performance.
Ensure facilities, equipment, and program spaces are clean, safe, and properly maintained.
Foster meaningful relationships with youth, teens, families, and members to improve engagement and retention.
Work collaboratively with Membership, Sports, Child Care, Camp, and Healthy Living departments to provide seamless member experiences.
Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, coach, and evaluate program staff and volunteers.
Conduct regular staff meetings, one-on-one coaching sessions, and professional development opportunities.
Ensure all staff maintain required certifications and complete mandatory trainings.
Promote employee engagement, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Develop emerging leaders through mentoring and leadership opportunities.
Maintain staffing levels that ensure quality programming and excellent member service.
Develop and manage annual operating budgets for assigned departments.
Monitor monthly financial performance, including revenue, expenses, forecasting, and variance analysis.
Recommend pricing strategies and new revenue opportunities.
Manage grants, contracts, sponsorships, and required reporting as assigned.
Support branch fundraising initiatives, including the Community Support Campaign, special events, and donor cultivation.
Develop annual marketing and outreach plans to increase awareness and participation.
Build collaborative partnerships with schools, community organizations, municipalities, businesses, and youth-serving agencies.
Represent the YMCA through community meetings, outreach events, committees, and collaborative initiatives.
Develop volunteer leadership opportunities that engage families and community members.
Ensure timely communication of schedules, events, program changes, and promotional materials.
Ensure compliance with YMCA policies, licensing requirements, safety standards, and risk management procedures.
Conduct documented safety inspections and site visits.
Investigate incidents, complete required documentation, and implement corrective actions.
Maintain emergency procedures and ensure staff are properly trained.
Participate as a member of the Branch Leadership Team.
Assist in developing annual operating plans and strategic priorities.
Analyze community demographics and trends to identify opportunities for new programs and services.
Lead innovation and continuous improvement efforts within assigned departments.
Support branch-wide initiatives and collaborative projects.
Recruit, train, supervise, and recognize volunteers.
Support branch committees and advisory groups as assigned.
Develop meaningful volunteer opportunities that strengthen member engagement and community ownership.
Attend staff meetings and training as required.
Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management.
Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, Caring and Fairness) as well as the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility, in all dealings with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff.
Demonstrate competencies in and willingness to develop in the Cause Driven Leadership areas of mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness and personal growth.
Perform all other duties as assigned by your supervisor.