Program Director

YMCA Virginia Peninsulas•Heathsville, VA

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Youth & Teen Experience Executive, the Program Director is accountable for the growth and administration of youth and family programs, including sports, youth programs, and special events, in alignment with the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas’ mission, policies, and goals. The role emphasizes high-quality service to members and guests and collaboration with center leaders to welcome, connect, support, and engage members. The Program Director develops and administers programs, oversees program resources and attendance systems, manages department payroll, and coordinates schedules and facility use. The position hires, develops, motivates, and retains staff and volunteers; provides coaching and training; and participates in center and association leadership activities. The Director also supports fundraising, maintains relationships with members, participants, and partner agencies, and helps ensure safe environments and adherence to emergency procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred, or equivalent experience required.
At least two years of experience in youth programming.
CPR, First Aid, AED, and O2 certification required within 30 days of hire.
Complete and maintain required training, including New Employee Orientation (NEO), Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention (CAP), and Sexual Harassment.
Satisfactory criminal background check, Virginia State Police background check, and Child Protective Services check.
Ability to work with diverse populations.
Ability to communicate and work with assigned ages and skill levels and provide necessary instruction to participants.
Ability to build positive relationships with members, staff, board members, and the community.
Ability to communicate effectively in response to inquiries or complaints and address parent concerns.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents.
Ability to apply mathematical concepts and operations to practical situations such as budget preparation and program planning.
Ability to reason through problems with limited direction regarding means and results.
Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to assigned activities.
Physical ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and situations requiring first aid.
Physical strength and endurance to maintain constant supervision of participants.
Ability to often lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds.
Ability to meet physical demands including mobility for facility tours, conference travel, and participation in promotional and special events.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
At least three years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Support the YMCA’s mission, vision, and goals and promote a professional values-based culture grounded in caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Lead programs that advance youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Maintain verbal and written relationships with members, program participants, and partner agencies and encourage membership participation.
Promote and participate in YMCA fundraising, including Annual Giving Campaigns, by recruiting and leading volunteers.
Organize, plan, promote, and schedule youth and family programs and special events in coordination with other department directors and association standards.
Develop and lead age-appropriate sports and enrichment programs.
Assess community needs and develop innovative youth and family programs aligned with center and Association goals.
Evaluate programs for quality and future planning in coordination with the Association schedule.
Manage the purchase, care, maintenance, and storage of program supplies and equipment within the operating budget.
Manage systems for tracking attendance and participants across program areas.
Manage department payroll.
Coordinate scheduling and facility use with department directors and support related center program areas as needed.
Hire, develop, motivate, and retain staff and volunteers committed to the YMCA’s mission and service.
Hold regular one-on-one meetings with staff to assess satisfaction and provide career-development coaching and training.
Conduct regular department staff meetings to train, coach, role-play, and communicate center and association initiatives.
Participate in center meetings and events, association leadership teams, and assigned task forces to support communication, awareness, and quality.
Complete required job-related, supervisory, and other training.
Help ensure members, guests, and program participants are in a safe environment and follow the branch Emergency Operations Plan.
Participate in center leadership activities, including Supervisor on Duty and occasional special events.
Perform other related duties as needed to support excellent member experience and center operations.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities under YMCA policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, training, assigning and directing work, evaluating performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.
Coach staff where improvement is needed and promote performance through ongoing training and standards.
Build positive relationships with Association staff, share information, and cooperate with colleagues.
Communicate with parents and address concerns.
Observe participant behavior, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
Travel to conferences, tour facilities, and participate in Association promotional and special events as required by the role’s physical demands.