Program Director - Before & After School Care

Crossroads YMCA•Griffith, IN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for the success of YMCA School Age programs serving children and families across multiple sites. You'll lead a large team of staff, oversee daily operations, and ensure every child has a safe, engaging, and enriching experience. This role is hands-on, fast-paced, and highly visible. You'll spend your time supporting staff, building relationships with families and school partners, managing program operations, developing employees, and creating exceptional experiences that advance youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Requirements

A people-first leader who enjoys coaching, mentoring, and developing others.
Someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment where every day brings new opportunities and challenges.
A relationship builder who enjoys connecting with children, families, schools, and community partners.
A strong communicator who leads with empathy, professionalism, and accountability.
An organized leader who can successfully balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
Someone passionate about creating meaningful experiences that help children succeed.
A mission-driven professional committed to strengthening communities through youth development.
Associate's degree in education, recreation, child development, human services, or a related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
Minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience in youth development, school-age programming, childcare, recreation, education, or a related field
Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Experience supervising, developing, and motivating employees.
Ability to build relationships with children, families, schools, and diverse community members.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and other business technology.
Ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple priorities.
Commitment to safety, inclusion, and exceptional customer service.
Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, or occasional holidays.

Nice To Haves

You prefer a slow-paced or highly predictable work environment.
You're looking for a position that is primarily office-based or administrative.
You don't enjoy leading, coaching, and holding staff accountable.
You prefer working independently rather than collaborating with families, schools, and community partners.
You're uncomfortable managing multiple priorities, schedules, and staffing needs simultaneously.
You avoid difficult conversations, conflict resolution, or performance management.
You don't enjoy being actively involved in programs and supporting staff in the field.

Responsibilities

Lead the day-to-day operations of before school, after school, school break, and camp programs.
Recruit, hire, onboard, train, coach, schedule, and develop a team of staff members.
Foster a positive, inclusive culture where children, families, and staff feel welcomed, supported, and valued.
Implement curriculum and ensure programs meet YMCA quality standards and licensing requirements.
Build collaborative relationships with schools, community organizations, families, and volunteers.
Monitor program quality, participant satisfaction, enrollment, and retention.
Develop and manage program budgets while supporting financial goals and sustainable growth.
Coordinate program schedules, staffing, supplies, equipment, and facility needs.
Market programs and promote YMCA opportunities throughout the community.
Respond professionally to parent concerns, staff questions, and operational challenges.
Compile program statistics and evaluate program effectiveness to support continuous improvement.
Support YMCA fundraising initiatives, special events, leadership meetings, and organizational priorities.
Maintain a safe environment by following YMCA policies and responding appropriately to emergencies.