Senior Program Director

YMCA
Salary
$65,000.00
$76,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
Grow your leadership career as a Senior Program Director in a mission-driven childcare environment.
Job Description

Imagine going to work each day knowing you are helping children learn, grow, and thrive in a safe, nurturing, and mission-driven environment. The Learning Circle YMCA is seeking a passionate and organized Senior Program Director to lead our Pre-K and All-Day Kindergarten programs while supporting the overall success of our childcare center.

This leadership role provides operational oversight for assigned childcare programs, supports staff development, partners with families, and serves as the Center Director Designee in the absence of the VP of Childcare. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who is passionate about early childhood education, licensing compliance, relationship building, and creating high quality experiences for children and families.

You may be the right fit if you:

  • Are passionate about early childhood education and creating positive experiences for children and families
  • Have experience leading or supervising staff in a childcare or educational setting
  • Thrive in a fast-paced environment and can manage multiple priorities with professionalism and flexibility
  • Are highly organized and detail-oriented, especially with licensing and compliance responsibilities
  • Communicate effectively and build strong relationships with staff, families, and community partners
  • Enjoy coaching and developing others while fostering a positive team culture
  • Believe in the YMCA mission of Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership and operational oversight for the Pre-K and All-Day Kindergarten programs
  • Ensure programs maintain high quality standards, licensing compliance, and a safe, nurturing environment for children and staff
  • Serve as the Center Director Designee in accordance with NJ Child Care Licensing regulations when the VP of Childcare is not onsite
  • Recruit, hire, train, supervise, schedule, and support childcare staff
  • Build positive relationships with children, families, school partners, licensing representatives, and community stakeholders
  • Maintain accurate licensing, program, and staff records
  • Support program budgeting, enrollment growth, and overall program success
  • Participate in Grow NJ Kids quality improvement initiatives and ongoing program readiness efforts
  • Organize family events, support YMCA fundraising initiatives, and assist with program marketing efforts
  • Monitor program effectiveness, participation, and overall operational excellence

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
  • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Recreation, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that meets NJ Dept. of Children and Families Licensing requirements for a Director.
  • Minimum of two years of related experience in a leadership, coordinator, or supervisory role in a childcare program required.
  • Experience supervising staff in a licensed childcare setting preferred.
  • Fulfillment of state-specific hiring standards and completion of YMCA program specific certifications.
  • Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  • Maintains flexibility and adaptability in both time and project management.
  • Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple program areas while maintaining compliance with YMCA and licensing requirements.
  • Valid CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, or ability to obtain within 3 months.
Essential Functions
  • Manages, directs, and coordinates assigned childcare programs, including the Pre-K and All-Day Kindergarten programs, ensuring high quality programming and establishing new program activities. Expands programs within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans.
  • Acts as the Center Director Designee, as defined by NJ Dept. of Children and Families Licensing regulations, and assumes responsibility for center operations and licensing compliance in the absence of the Director.
  • Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules, and directs personnel and volunteers as needed. Reviews and evaluates staff performance. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals.
  • Develops, manages, and controls budgets related to the position. Ensures programs operate within budget and that program fees are collected. Supports and budgets for healthy eating through coaching, mentoring, and monitoring menu quality.
  • Assures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as they relate to program areas, including NJ Child Care Licensing requirements and ADA accommodations where appropriate. Ensures YMCA program standards are met and safety procedures are followed.
  • Participate in and support the center’s Grow NJ Kids initiative, including implementation of quality improvement efforts, maintaining required standards, and assisting with documentation and program readiness.
  • Maintains  accurate and up-to-date licensing documentation, staff records, department files, and other program compliance records.
  • Provides for upkeep of assigned program facilities and equipment and ensures the physical environment supports healthy living and provides a safe, nurturing environment for children, families, and staff.
  • Participates in annual agency-wide trainings, regular staff meetings, and completes required annual training hours.
  • Develops and maintains relationships with state childcare licensing agencies, school administration, parent groups, and other organizations and agencies related to assigned programs. Responds to all agency, parent, and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner. campaigns and committees as assigned.
  • Organizes special events for parents and families. Assists in YMCA fundraising activities.
  • Assists with Program Committee meetings.
  • Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information.
  • Compiles program statistics and monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and participation.
  • Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
  • As an Ambassador for the Y, I communicate to members, volunteers, and the public that the Y is the nation’s leading non-profit committed to strengthening the community through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.
  • As an Ambassador for the Y, communicates to members, volunteers, and the general public that opportunity and inclusion are core to the Summit Area YMCA mission. The SAY is open and inclusive of all people regardless of their ability, age, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and socio-economic background and we must all strive courageously against any discriminatory behavior.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Program/ Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs
Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment
Fiscal Management: Manages the Y’s resources responsibly and sustains the Y’s nonprofit business model
Developing Self & Others: Develops self and supports others, both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.
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 $65,000 – $76,000 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.