Program Director

Imagine being part of one of the most respected human services organizations in the world-a place where your work positively influences the lives of others, a place where you thrive in a values-based environment, a place where you are building a better future for yourself and your community.

General Function :


Under the supervision of the Center Executive, and in harmony with the mission and purpose of the established policies and goals of the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas, the Program Director is accountable for the growth and administration of all youth and family programs to include sports, youth programs, and special events. With an emphasis on ensuring the highest quality service to members and guests, Program Director will work closely with other center leaders in efforts to welcome, connect, support, and engage all members.

Qualifications :

1. Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred or equivalent experience required; at least two years of which must be in programming for youth.
2. Minimum of three years supervisory experience preferred.
3. Certification in CPR/First Aid/AED/O2 required within 30 days of hire.
4. Complete and maintain required trainings to include: New Employee Orientation (NEO), Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention (CAP), and Sexual Harassment.
5. Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check, Virginia State Police background check, and Child Protective Services check.

Essential Functions :

• Support the mission, vision and goals of the YMCA.
• Promote a professional values-based culture by leading with the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Lead in a manner that advances our cause to strengthen the foundations of community through programs that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
• Maintain relationships with members, program participants and partner agencies through verbal and written communications and to encourage the growth of membership participation.
• Promote and participate in YMCA fundraising efforts to include Annual Giving Campaigns through recruitment and leadership of a team of volunteers.

Program Development

• Organize, plan, promote, and schedule programs and special events for youth and families in coordination with other department directors, following association standards.
• Develop and lead age-appropriate sports and enrichment programs.
• Survey communities' needs on an ongoing basis that result in the development of new and innovative youth and family programs to meet center and Association goals.
• Evaluate all programs to ensure quality and successful future planning in coordination with Association schedule.

Program Administration

• Responsible for the purchase, care, maintenance, and storage of program supplies and equipment in accordance with the operating budget.
• Manage system for tracking attendance/participants in all program areas.
• Manage payroll for department.
• Work in partnership with department directors to coordinate scheduling and facility usage. Provide support to other related center program areas as needed.

Team Leadership

• Hire, develop motivate and retain a committed staff and volunteer team passionate about the YMCA's mission and service to members.
• Hold regular one-on-one meetings with all staff members to learn about, gauge satisfaction, and provide career development coaching/training.
• Hold regular department staff meetings to train, coach, role-play, and provide updates on center and association initiatives.
• Provide leadership to the center by participating in center meetings and events, association leadership teams and task forces as assigned to increase communication, awareness and quality in the organization.
• Complete all job-related, supervisory, and other trainings as required.
• Ensure all members, guests, and program participants are in a safe environment and actively follow branch Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
• Actively participate in center leadership activities (to include Supervisor on Duty and occasional special events).
• Carry out other related duties as deemed necessary by center operations to ensure an excellent member experience.

YMCA Competencies (Team Leader):

Engaging Community, Communication & Influence, Inclusion, Collaboration, Emotional Maturity, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy

Supervisory Responsibilities :

1. Administer supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the YMCA's policies and applicable laws.
2. Interview, hire, train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance, reward and discipline employees, address complaints and resolve problems.
3. Evaluate the performance of staff, counsel in areas where improvement is needed and continually strive to improve the level of performance through continuous training and performance standards.
4. Build positive relationship with other Association staff members; share information with appropriate associates; cooperate with others in the Association.
5. Communicate with parents and address concerns as they arise.

Skills and Ability Requirements :

1. Ability to work with diverse populations.
2. Ability to communicate and work with assigned ages and skill levels and provide necessary instruction to participants.
3. Ability to build positive relationships with members, staff, board members and the community.
4. Ability to observe participant's behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
5. Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to assigned activities.
6. Physical ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and those situations requiring first aid.
7. Physical strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of participants. Employee must often lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds.
8. Ability to read, analyze and interpret documents. Ability to respond effectively to inquiries or complaints.
9. Ability to apply mathematical concepts to practical situations. Must be able to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as budget preparation and program planning.
10. Ability to reason and define problems with limited direction as to means and results.
11. Ability to meet the physical demands of this position, which include mobility for touring facilities, travel to conferences, and participating in promotional and special events sponsored by the Association.

Effect on End Result:

1. Deepened impact in the community as reflected by increased membership numbers and member retention.
2. Deepened impact in the community as reflected by growth in program participants.
3. Strong member loyalty to our brand is achieved as measured by NPS and retention rate.
4. Staff feel a loyalty to our cause as measured by Association Satisfaction Survey.
5. Staff believe our YMCA is a charity as measured by their contributions to the Center's Annual Campaign.
6. Program Participants have a deeper connection to our cause as reflected by their contributions to the Annual Campaign.

Excellent benefits, including 12% retirement upon meeting the requirements of the National YMCA Retirement Fund. 65% employee paid health/dental insurance, FSA, $25,000 Life/AD&D policy, vacation and sick leave. Includes YMCA Family Membership.