The Association Senior Director, Academics will lead and innovate the organization’s childcare, enrichment, family, and academic programming initiatives. This position is responsible for developing and executing strategies to improve program quality, increase academic outcomes and program impact, and enhance the value of YMCA family memberships. With a focus on collaboration, project management, and community engagement, the Senior Director will oversee programs and initiatives to strengthen youth development, family connections, and community partnerships across the association.
Culture Statement:
The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose. We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy. We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible.
Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own. We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree ee in Education, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in program development and management, preferably in youth development, education, or nonprofit organizations.
• Proven leadership skills, with experience managing teams, developing staff, and overseeing multifaceted programs.
• Expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating impactful youth and family programs, including literacy or academic initiatives.
• Strong strategic thinking and project management abilities, with a track record of achieving program goals and meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis to inform decisions, enhance program quality, and demonstrate impact.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to engage families, staff, and community partners effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local leaders.
• Experience managing budgets and supporting fundraising efforts to sustain and grow programs.
• Commitment to the YMCA mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, with flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and
programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.
Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree preferred in Education, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or a related field required.
Working Conditions
• Environment: Primarily indoor setting at YMCA centers and school facilities, with occasional outdoor activities, community events, and work at other non-YMCA locations.
• Travel: Will require frequent travel to multiple locations in personal vehicle.
• Physical Demands: Requires standing, walking, and facilitating activities for extended periods; occasional lifting of program materials (up to 25 lbs.).
• Schedule: Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, based on program schedules.
• Interaction: Frequent engagement with participants, parents, staff, volunteers, and community partners in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Safety: Must adhere to YMCA safety protocols and be prepared to respond to emergency situations as needed.
• Enhance the quality and impact of childcare, enrichment, and academic programs to align with YMCA and community goals.
• Create and execute strategies to improve family programming, increasing the value of YMCA family memberships and driving membership growth and retention.
• Lead efforts to improve academic and social-emotional skills among students, contributing to the achievement of school district goals.
• Facilitate professional development and training opportunities to strengthen staff skills and improve overall program quality and effectiveness.
• Use data and stakeholder feedback to assess and enhance program quality, ensuring continuous improvement and measurable outcomes.
• Oversee project management and program quality for assigned Youth Development programs and initiatives, ensuring successful implementation and alignment with strategic goals.
• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring fiscal accountability and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Represent the YMCA by building and maintaining relationships with schools, community leaders, businesses, and other organizations to support association initiatives.
• Collaborate with the development team to support and execute fundraising efforts that advance program goals and expand reach.
• Provide leadership and supervision to directors in assigned programs to ensure cohesive and impactful program delivery.
Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership