Program Director

YMCA of the East Valley•Redlands, CA

9d•$70,304 - $78,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Director will direct and supervise Circus program activities, gymnastics and dance classes to meet community needs and fulfill YMCA mission and objectives. This role involves recruiting, hiring, training, developing, scheduling, and supervising staff, as well as leading and delivering the program through a volunteer workforce of over 100 individuals. The Director will navigate the circus community with diplomacy, build trust with volunteers and stakeholders, and serve as the program’s lead safety officer. They will develop new program activities, stay current with industry practices, and partner with leadership to plan and execute the annual Circus Show. Additionally, the role includes developing and monitoring program budgets, communicating safety and facility issues, recruiting and supporting fundraising volunteers, and analyzing program statistics. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 3+ years of leadership/supervisory experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent.
3+ years of leadership/supervisory experience
Three or more years of experience leading, coaching, instructing, or coordinating circus arts, gymnastics, cheer, dance, performing arts, or another related program involving progressive skill development and participant safety.
Experience overseeing the setup, inspection, safe use, and maintenance of circus, aerial, gymnastics, theatrical, event-production, or comparable specialized equipment. Experience with rigging for classes, rehearsals, performances, or similar activities is highly desirable.
Knowledge of age-appropriate skill progression, instruction, spotting, fall prevention, and participant development gained through circus arts, gymnastics, cheer, dance, performing arts, youth sports, recreation, or a related field.
A minimum of 21 years of age
CPR, First Aid & AED are required within 30 days of hire.
Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

Nice To Haves

Aerial Arts Instructor Certification
Rigging and Equipment Safety Training
Trapeze or Specialty Circus Arts Certifications
Spotting and Skill Progression Training
Equipment Inspection and Maintenance Certification
Experience developing and implementing safety protocols for aerial and circus arts programming
USASF Credentialing (appropriate level for stunts and tumbling)
AACCA Safety Certification (American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators)
USA Cheer Safety & Risk Management Training

Responsibilities

Direct and supervise Circus program activities, gymnastics and dance classes to meet community needs and fulfill YMCA mission and objectives.
Recruit, hire, train, develop, schedule, and supervise staff. Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching to support employee performance and achievement of program goals.
Lead and deliver the program through a volunteer workforce of more than 100 individuals, many of whom also serve as performers, parents, and participants. Recruit, screen, train, schedule, assign, motivate, and hold volunteers accountable across varying levels of experience and skill, providing the direction, coaching, and coordination necessary to achieve program, performance, and safety objectives.
Navigate the close-knit circus community with diplomacy, sound judgment, and political awareness. Build trust with volunteers and stakeholders who bring strong opinions, varied perspectives, and longstanding traditions while maintaining professional boundaries and standing firm on YMCA policies and program decisions.
Serve as the program’s lead safety officer and subject-matter expert for aerial circus systems, with overall responsibility for developing, implementing, and enforcing safety protocols; directing spotting and fall-management practices; overseeing rigging, equipment setup, inspection, and use; and immediately correcting or stopping any activity that presents an unsafe condition.
Maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants, families, volunteers, and staff.
Address and resolve participant, parent, volunteer, and staff concerns promptly and professionally, escalating significant issues to the appropriate YMCA leader when necessary.
Develop new program activities and expand program offerings within the community in alignment with strategic and operational plans.
Stay current with evolving circus and performing arts standards, industry practices, instructional techniques, equipment, and performance acts. Identify and thoughtfully introduce innovative programming, teaching methods, and performance concepts that enhance participant development, audience engagement, operational effectiveness, and safety.
In partnership with the Associate Executive Director (AED) and Executive Director (ED), lead the planning and execution of the annual Circus Show, including theme development, rehearsal direction, parent volunteer recruitment, trainer engagement, and all other responsibilities necessary to ensure a successful year-end event.
Develop and monitor program budgets to meet fiscal objectives, including the financial success of the annual Circus Show.
Promptly communicate any safety concerns, facility issues, or equipment problems to the AED and/or Facilities Director that may pose a risk of injury to participants, parents, volunteers, or staff.
Recruit, engage, and support a team of campaign volunteers responsible for securing annual charitable donations for the Redlands Branch. Serve as an active member of the Redlands Branch campaign support team and participate in campaign meetings, events, donor engagement activities, and other fundraising efforts as needed.
Compile and analyze program statistics, monitor participation levels, and evaluate program effectiveness to support continuous improvement.