Vice President of Programs

YMCA of The Pikes Peak Region•Colorado Springs, CO

15d•$100,000 - $120,000

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer, this position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Vice President of Programs provides strategic direction, vision, and operational oversight for all association-wide program areas, including Aquatics, Learn & Play/Childwatch, Youth & Teens, Day Camp, and Residential Camp (Camp Shady Brook), along with emerging initiatives that support community needs. The Vice President of Programs ensures that all programs are mission-driven, inclusive, safe, and aligned with YMCA standards and the strategic priorities of the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region. This role drives innovation, excellence, program quality, and staff development while fostering strong collaboration with branch leadership, operations, marketing, philanthropy, and community partners to maximize impact and engagement.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
Minimum eight (8) years of progressive leadership experience in program management, preferably within a YMCA or similar nonprofit organization.
Proven success managing large teams, multiple program portfolios, and achieving measurable program, financial, and impact outcomes.
Strong leadership, coaching, supervision, and interpersonal skills with the ability to develop high-performing, mission-focused teams.
Deep understanding of child and youth development, camp operations, aquatics safety, and community-engagement frameworks.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex budgets, forecasting, multi-site operations, and large-scale program initiatives.
Excellent communication, relationship-building, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and function effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Ability and willingness to maintain a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends as required.
Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic backgrounds.
Able to work independently and with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute an association-wide program strategy aligned with the YMCA mission and strategic plan.
Provide leadership and direction to program directors and coordinators to ensure consistency, innovation, high-quality delivery, and impact across all branches and program sites.
Lead planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs using data, participation trends, satisfaction scores, and outcome measurements.
Ensure all programs meet or exceed YMCA quality standards, state licensing requirements, American Camp Association (ACA) standards, and safety and risk-management expectations.
Oversee program growth, enrollment targets, member satisfaction, and community outreach impact.
Support planning and integration for new branches, facilities, and program expansions.
Oversee annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance for all program departments.
Ensure programs operate with fiscal responsibility, sustainability, and alignment with organizational priorities.
Identify and implement revenue-generating strategies and operational efficiencies.
Recruit, hire, develop, coach, and evaluate program leadership and staff across all program areas.
Ensure strong onboarding, ongoing professional development, and succession planning for key roles.
Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, communication, and continuous improvement.
Collaborate with membership, marketing, finance, philanthropy, HR, branch operations, and facilities to support coordinated delivery of services and a seamless member experience.
Build strategic partnerships with school districts, municipalities, camps, community organizations, and nonprofit agencies to enhance program reach and impact.
Represent the YMCA at community events, committees, and external forums.
Lead innovation efforts by evaluating community needs and developing new programs or updating existing offerings.
Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) across all programs and staff teams.
Support association-wide initiatives that strengthen community well-being and advance the YMCA mission.
Ensure effective risk-management practices, child protection policies, aquatics safety protocols, and emergency preparedness standards.
Maintain all required professional development and compliance training.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the success, growth, and mission impact of the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region.