Family & Community Programs Director

YMCA
Salary
$50,000.00
$60,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
Help families, seniors, and individuals of all abilities thrive as the Family and Community Programs Director at the SAY.
Job Description

Imagine leading programs that bring families together, create joyful memories, support adults and seniors, and open doors for individuals of all abilities. At the Summit Area YMCA, we believe in building a community where everyone feels welcome, supported, and inspired. We are looking for a leader who can help us bring that mission to life every day.

We are seeking a dynamic, community-focused Family and Community Programs Director to develop, grow, and oversee innovative programs and events that connect people of all ages and abilities. This role supports programs for both the Summit YMCA and the Berkeley Heights YMCA and requires regular onsite presence at both branches to lead programs, events, and community initiatives. From family events and senior programs to birthday parties, adaptive programs, community workshops, and our expanding 21 plus special needs programming, this is a role for someone who thrives in a relationship-driven, fast-paced environment where no two days look the same.

You May Be the Right Fit If…

  • You are energized by creating meaningful experiences that bring people together.
  • You are organized, proactive, and able to juggle events, programs, community relationships, and staff leadership without missing a beat.
  • You have a heart for inclusion and believe programs should be accessible and welcoming for all.
  • You enjoy building something new, whether it is a community workshop series, a signature annual event, or a new adaptive program.
  • You are comfortable collaborating across departments and with external partners to strengthen community impact.
  • You enjoy working with staff, volunteers, families, members, and participants of all ages.
  • You are enthusiastic, hands-on, and willing to roll up your sleeves on event days.

At the Summit Area YMCA, we are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Our main purpose is to strengthen community. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone can reach their full potential and we strive to live our cause with purpose every day. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we believe that we’re stronger when we come together.

Qualifications
  • A bachelor’s degree in a related field, i.e. child development, human services, recreation, or business, is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • A minimum of two years’ experience in project and event management: designing, implementing, developing and evaluating programing for a range of ages and abilities.
  • Demonstrated experience outreach, working with diverse populations and development of community relationships.
  • A minimum of two years’ experience in budget management, staff and volunteer supervision.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
  • Demonstrated maturity and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours.
  • Certified in CPR/ AED and First Aid, or ability to obtain within 60 days.
Essential Functions

Program Development & Implementation

  • Develop or expand and implement programs aligned with the branch and Association’s strategic goals. Enhance programming within and beyond the Summit Area YMCA and Berkeley Heights YMCA.
  • Develop, organize, and implement meaningful programs and special events for families, adults, seniors, and individuals with special needs. Manage all aspects of programs to ensure staffing, communication, effectiveness, and overall operational excellence for all programs.
  • Expand birthday party events, special needs, and adaptive programs as detailed below.
  • Develop and coordinate monthly community health and educational workshops at BH and SU in collaboration with local organizations and subject matter experts.
  • Develop and maintain a well-balanced calendar for both Berkeley Heights YMCA & Summit YMCA of engaging programs and events that serve participants of all ages and abilities.

Birthday Parties

  • Expand services, increase revenue and participation. Create birthday party/event packages, manage reservations and rentals, procure event supplies and manage logistics from start to finish.
  • Deliver exceptional customer service to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests.
  • Coordinate staff, volunteers, and resources to deliver excellent, effective events.
  • Market, promote, and communicate offerings effectively to maximize events and revenue.  

 

Special Needs & Adaptive Programming

  • Research, develop, expand and implement 21+ inclusive programs that meet the needs of participants with diverse/varying abilities.
  • Plan, organize and deliver annual Special Needs Programs, such as Extra Special Prom

 

Event Management & Community Engagement

  • Manage all logistics for special events to ensure a positive, inclusive, and high-quality participant experience.
  • Cultivate strong relationships with members, volunteers, and community partners to support program growth and success.
  • Ensure timely communication with participants and families.
  • Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries and concerns from parents, members, staff, and community partners.
  • Actively contribute to Association Strategic Plan objectives and attend required meetings and trainings.

 

Administrative & Operational Responsibilities

  • Develop and manage program budgets, meet or exceed budget and revenue targets, and ensure effective use of financial and material resources.
  • Oversee the preparation and distribution of marketing materials and program information including flyers and informational materials.
  • Prepare, administer, and monitor online registration processes.
  • Track participation, collect feedback, and evaluate program outcomes/impact for continuous improvement.
  • Maintain accurate records, reports, and schedules for all programs and events.
  • Implement a tech-forward, digital-first process our program management tools, currently Daxko Operations/Engage, Group Ex Pro, JotForm.
  • Create event rosters, order and distribute program materials.

 

Leadership & Staff Development

  • Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and volunteers to ensure quality program delivery.
  • Support staff and volunteers in creating and implementing community service projects.
  • Work collaboratively with the Volunteer Coordinator to enhance volunteer engagement and program delivery.
  • Build and strengthen partnerships with local organizations, current and prospective members and community partners.

 

Ambassadorship & Inclusion

  • Represent the Y as a positive ambassador, communicating its mission as the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
  • Promote and uphold the Summit Area YMCA’s core values of diversity and inclusion, ensuring all programs are welcoming to individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities.

 

 

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Innovation:  Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y’s work and impact in the community

Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.

Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause.

Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations. 

Required Certifications

Salary & Benefits

This full-time, exempt-level position generally works Monday–Friday during standard business hours, with occasional evening or weekend responsibilities. The Salary range for this position is $50,000 – $60,000 annually, based on experience.

The Summit Area YMCA offers a generous benefits package that includes subsidized medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. Paid time off for vacation, wellness, and holidays, Free YMCA family membership, discounts on YMCA programs and services (including childcare), Ongoing professional training and development and a 12% employer contribution to the YMCA retirement plan upon eligibility.