The Lincoln Area YMCA is seeking a full-time Program Director – Early Learning to join our team. This position will be responsible for organizing and leading our before and after school program and will work with our Youth Program Director to implement our Summer Day Camp program during the summer.
This Director will be responsible for oversight of the day-to-day operations for our before and after school program, including planning, coordination, and supervision of the program to ensure that families receive quality services which provide for growth in academics, social emotional development, and health and wellness. This position will also be responsible for developing community relationships with area schools, teachers, and administrators as well as being able to articulate the benefits of YMCA programming to the public.
In addition, he/she will provide leadership to the development of a proposed new licensed child care center that will be developed in a new YMCA facility that is in the planning process in collaboration with Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital.
For camp, this position will partner with other Y staff in the development and preparation of activities and events for YMCA Day Camp including special days, outdoor enrichment and overall camp spirit. This position will provide hands-on day-to-day direction and supervision of assigned program areas and staff, ensuring that all programs operate in a quality manner consistent with YMCA guidelines.
- Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules and directs personnel and volunteers as needed. Reviews and evaluates staff performance and use positive behavior guidance. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals. Provide all staff with regular training opportunities including networking meetings with other YMCA Site staff. Maintains proper records and department files to ensure all staff and volunteers have appropriate and valid certifications and background checks.
- Develops, implements, and leads the after school, schools out fun days, and summer day camp with age and developmentally appropriate activities. Ensures that the curriculum is in accordance with the policies and philosophy of the YMCA and teaches the Character Values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
- Administers the annual operating budget and makes adjustments accordingly based on revenue and expenses to meet targets. Develops the annual childcare budget.
- Develops & implements curriculum for child care programs and prepares revenue and expense projections. Monitors financial indicators and member feedback to assess program effectiveness.
- Oversees programs to ensure programs are effective and they meet community needs. Identifies collaborative efforts to utilize facilities and services with local schools and organizations. Develops and nurtures collaborative relationships with schools and community organizations.
- Has prior knowledge of Licensing & Quality Assurance standards for specific program initiatives. Develop and install strong, positive program culture among students and families. Ensure compliance with all regulatory licensing standards.
- Insures program operation is consistent with Association procedures, including emergency procedures, insurance requirements, accident reporting, record keeping, purchasing, personnel/payroll, and accounting system.
- Establishes new program activities, increases participation, and expands programming within the community in accordance with Association strategic and operating plans.
- Participates accordingly in branch projects as assigned as well as staff trainings and meetings, cohort meetings, and special events. Supports Annual Campaign and other special events.
- Monitor all department programs and services and visits all sites on a regular basis. Maintains a visitation log and records observations. Follows up on any needed improvements. Monitors any issues that require conversations or meetings or other follow up with parents.
- Responsible for effective communication with our community. This includes marketing and distribution of program information and effective parent communications. Lead enrollment and recruitment, and retention efforts. Responds to questions, concerns or complaints in a professional and timely manner. Reviews and processes program scholarship applications if applicable.
- Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community agencies including school principals, staff and families.
- Identify children who may have special needs and assist the child in gaining acceptance among peers.
- Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit (at times on the floor with children) and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
- 2 years of work experience related to the care and development of children preferred.
- Knowledge of and ability to facility Early Education regulations and standards.
- Must be motivated, energetic, punctual, responsible, and exhibit a positive attitude to be an excellent role model for children and staff members.
- Ability to lead, teach and interact with parents, staff, teachers, children, and the school community.
- Full commitment to the mission/philosophy of the YMCA Program.
- Personal commitment to creating excellent out of school time programs for kids with learning and enrichment goals that are memorable and aid in the development of youth as leaders in our community.
- Must have the ability to work a flexible schedule that may include morning, evening, and weekend hours.
Salary: $27,000.00 - $30,000.00