Youth & Family Director (Southwest)

Youth & Family Director

The Youth & Family Director oversees and coordinates a diverse range of programs designed to engage and inspire children, teens, and families to learn, grow, and thrive. This role manages offerings such as Gymnastics, Dance, Kids Play, Cultural & Arts Programs, Camp, and more, many of which are seasonal, ensuring each is delivered safely, creatively, and with excellence.

A key part of this role is driving innovation: identifying opportunities to enhance programs, introduce new experiences, and engage families in meaningful ways. The Director collaborates with staff and partners to implement programs, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure a high-quality experience for all participants. By combining operational management with creative thinking, the Youth & Family Director helps programs evolve, supports staff in executing activities, and delivers experiences that foster confidence, exploration, and lasting connections for children and families.

How You Will Make an Impact

The member relations aspect of this position requires that relationship building be a top priority at all times, attending to the needs and requests of members, program participants, volunteers, and all people associated with the YMCA in a courteous and friendly manner.

Performance Achievement & Results

• Hold program teams accountable for high performance and achievement of organizational objectives.
• Model inclusive leadership behaviors and embrace diversity in all forms.
• Hire, coach, and manage direct reports, ensuring alignment with association people practices.
• Implement a goal-based management approach, ensuring staff are actively working toward center-level objectives and key results.
• Model and ensure adherence to association policies and safety protocols, with a focus on child safety.
• Monitor and maintain all required staff certifications.
• Promote and incorporate the YMCA five core values and attributes.

Member Relations & Experience

• Prioritize relationship-building with members, program participants, volunteers, and all YMCA stakeholders.
• Respond to member and participant needs in a courteous, friendly, and professional manner.
• Ensure all programs deliver excellent customer service and a transformative YMCA experience.

Program Operations & Management

• Guide, direct, and oversee current Youth and Family programs, Kids Play, and new program development.
• Establish operating standards and program objectives to ensure quality, participant satisfaction, and growth.
• Support marketing and promotion efforts to achieve program enrollment and engagement goals.
• Develop and maintain maintenance programs and procedures for facilities and equipment.
• Maintain accurate program records, including registrations and statistics.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations to increase YMCA visibility.
• Develop, monitor, and manage program budgets to meet fiscal objectives, control expenses, and achieve financial targets.
• Coordinate facility use across departments to ensure smooth execution of program activities and events.
• Participate in fundraising initiatives, including the Annual Campaign.
• Contribute to strategic Impact Group meetings and other organizational initiatives.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What you bring to the Y

• Proven experience overseeing diverse youth and enrichment programs such as Gymnastics, Dance, Kids Play, Cultural and Arts Programs, Camp, and other seasonal offerings, ensuring each is delivered safely, creatively, and with excellence.
• Minimum of 2 years of demonstrated supervisory experience.
• Project management experience, including planning, execution, and evaluation of multi-phase or seasonal initiatives.
• Experience developing and managing seasonal and year-round programs.
• Strong knowledge of child and youth development, inclusive programming, and community engagement.
• Ability to innovate, problem-solve, and enhance program offerings.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to apply knowledge of accounting and finance basics.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk and occasionally lift and/or move items, including equipment, furniture and/or children. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.