Program Director 1

YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South•Cordova, TN

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Director 1 provides direct leadership to staff in YMCA School Age programs, ensuring participant safety and fostering children’s social, physical, spiritual, and mental growth. The role maintains positive relationships with YMCA staff, school staff, and participants, and may support cross-area leadership work such as training, interviewing, and personnel recruitment. The director leads assigned sites and is responsible for the successful operation of before- and after-school and camping programs. The role coaches and supervises site directors and group leaders; oversees curriculum, program spaces, licensing compliance, enrollment, records, staffing, and family engagement; conducts site visits and audits; and builds relationships with schools, licensing agencies, community partners, and parents. The director also supports fundraising, community engagement, special projects, and the YMCA’s mission and vision. This is a full-time, on-site position involving office work and visits to program sites. The schedule is generally Monday through Friday evenings, with hours varying according to school and camp schedules. Weekend work may be required, and the position may be called in during inclement weather or other unusual circumstances deemed necessary by association leadership.

Requirements

Passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to the YMCA mission and cause.
Superior supervisory skills and the ability to inspire and motivate staff, volunteers, members, and participants.
Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to relate effectively to diverse groups across social and economic segments of the community.
Professional image, conflict-resolution skills, sound judgment, and initiative.
Strong organization skills and the ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks.
Ability to maintain confidential information.
Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, other software programs, and most office equipment.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Meet one of the stated education and experience pathways: a bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus a Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA) certificate for completing 30 hours of orientation training (or department-recognized equivalent) and four years of child-development or related experience; or two years of college, including 30 hours in business or management, child or youth development, early childhood education, or a related field, and two years of group-setting experience; or a four-year degree and one year of full-time paid or unpaid experience in a group setting.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of YMCA program and/or childcare experience is preferred; comparable experience in other organizations may be considered.

Responsibilities

Lead assigned sites and oversee the successful operation of school-age before- and after-school and camping programs.
Observe, coach, and supervise site directors and group leaders in program planning and implementation, developmentally appropriate curriculum, program spaces, licensing compliance, enrollment, tours and registration events, and recordkeeping.
Plan and conduct parent involvement events in partnership with the direct supervisor.
Develop and maintain relationships with childcare licensing agencies, school administrators, community partners, and parent groups.
Address staff performance and behavior issues in partnership with the supervisor and Human Resources.
Review timecards for accuracy and assist with corrections.
Schedule site staff.
Facilitate community engagement and partnerships.
Conduct daily site audits or visits to assess quality, partnerships, program implementation, and compliance with DHS.
Help drive enrollment.
Support assignments and special projects from supervisors.
Respond promptly to agency, parent, and community inquiries and complaints, seeking guidance as needed.
Evaluate sites for curriculum and lesson-plan implementation, program quality, and participant recruitment and retention.
Ensure compliance with state and local regulations, program standards, and safety procedures.
Model strong communication and leadership for the team.
Provide leadership and support for the annual fundraising campaign at assigned school sites.
Attend and participate in assigned staff meetings and special events.
Perform other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Executive Director, Vice President, or SVP.
Support cross-area leadership activities such as training, interviewing, and personnel recruitment.