Early Childhood Education Director

Do you love seeing firsthand the impact the Y can make on one to five year olds? Then this job is for you!
Job Description

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Early Childhood Education Director at YMCA of Southern Arizona is responsible for assisting the Youth Development Executive Director and/or VP with the administration and operation of the early childhood centers and branch child watch programs. Responsibilities include leadership for the development of high quality early learning initiatives, while providing opportunities to shape values and encourage lifelong learning for children. The incumbent must embrace the Association’s matrix management system and demonstrate collaborative philosophy.

Qualifications
  • Must be 21 years of age.
  • Three (3) to five (5) years related experience preferred.
  • At least six (6) months experience in a supervisory role.
  • Completion of assigned online training at time of hire.
  • Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program activities.
  • Previous experience with diverse populations and/or the ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
  • Understands the YMCA of Southern Arizona is a public accommodation committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Bilingual preferred.
Essential Functions
  • Provides leadership and models excellent customer service to provide a welcoming environment for all staff, members, and guests by following customer service best practices. This includes (but is not limited to) adhering to the “ten-foot rule” and maintaining eye contact.
  • Delivers a personalized approach when engaging with participants that creates a positive experience. This includes (but is not limited to) introductions to other YMCA program areas and services.
  • Ensures that staff actively engage YMCA members, program participants, and guests through different forms of media including in-person and over the phone.
  • Takes ownership through seeking to understand concerns and successfully takes actions to resolve each unique situation. Notifies appropriate leadership in a timely manner to ensure the best outcome for all parties involved.
    Has the ability to respond appropriately to emergency situations while adhering to the safety policies and procedures set by the YMCA of Southern Arizona.
  • Is adept at utilizing the current operating software system to maximize an individual’s experience through program registrations and other software functions; including training other staff as needed.
  • Creates preventative maintenance plans. Initiates and oversees maintenance of program supplies and equipment to ensure high program quality and creates proposals for leadership about programmatic needs.
  • Provides supervision for and initiates appropriate actions to maintain safety, cleanliness, and organization throughout the facility with priority in assigned program areas.
  • Ensures early childhood programs and services meet community needs to include supervising existing program activities, establishing new program activities, and expanding the program within the community as needed. Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information.
  • Recruits and hires diverse staff and volunteer teams across multiple dimensions of diversity. Onboards and develops them for success. Develops continuing education schedule which includes options relevant to early childhood education.
  • Models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations and within each branch location. Maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within area of responsibility.
  • Manages early childhood programs, including developing and monitoring the program budget to meet fiscal objectives; compiling program statistics to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of and participation in program.
  • Assures compliance with state and local regulations as they relate to program areas. Ensures that program standards are met and safety procedures followed. Develops and maintains relationships with state childcare licensing agencies.'
  • Provides leadership and support to the annual fundraising campaign and volunteer committees/boards as assigned.
Required Certifications
  • Cuurrent Fingerprint Clearance Card.
  • Current CPR, First Aid, AED certifications or completion within thirty (30) days of hire.
  • Bachelor’s Degree required, one in Early Education or closely related field preferred.
  • NAC, CDA, CCP, or CPC credentials preferred.