Program Director - Youth Development - North Hills

The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, income, national origin, race, sexual orientation, body type/shape, and physical and mental well-being, can reach their full potential with dignity. Guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, we strive to create a welcoming environment for all.

Job Title: Program Director - Youth Development - North Hills

Reports To: Executive Director

Pay Grade: 9

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

Do you have a passion for empowering youth, building stronger communities, and leading meaningful programs that support families? The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Program Director to direct the overall operation, staffing, and quality at our after school programs at multiple Elementary Schools in the North Hills School District and lead one Summer Day Camp during the summer months.

As a key leader on our Youth Enrichment Team, you’ll help children discover their potential while supporting families through high-quality out-of-school-time programming. You’ll guide and mentor a team of dedicated educators, build strong community and school partnerships, and ensure that our programs reflect the highest standards of safety, inclusion, and child development.

Our Culture

At the YMCA, we believe that strong relationships, a sense of belonging, and meaningful achievement help young people reach their full potential. Guided by our core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, we work together to create safe, welcoming, and supportive environments where children, families, and staff can grow, succeed, and make a lasting impact.

Essential Functions

• Lead and manage daily operations of one or more after school programs in the North Hills School District and a vibrant summer day camp

• Supervise, mentor, and support staff, ensuring safety of staff and youth and a culture of belonging for all participants.

• Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate curriculum that supports youth achievement, relationships, and belonging.

• Build positive partnerships with school personnel, families, and community organizations.

• Ensure full compliance with regulations and accreditation standards for high quality care determined by the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Department of Human Services Regulations for Child Care, NAEYC, Keystone Stars, NAA, and ACA.

• Manage budgets, staff schedules, key reports, and documentation with timeliness and accuracy.

• Directly engage with children as needed, including during split shifts or peak hours.

• Represent the YMCA in the community and contribute to the YMCA culture of philanthropy

• Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement through staff training, reflection, and innovation.

• Maintain an ongoing safe, clean facility; including setup, cleanup and program equipment.

• Attend and participate in the Youth Development Cabinet and other YMCA committees, as appropriate.

Qualifications

• A passionate leader with at least 2 years of experience in youth programs and 1+ year of staff supervision.

• An Associates or Bachelor's degree in Education, Child Development, Human Services, or a related field.

• A relationship-builder who connects easily with families, school personnel, and community partners.

• Organized, energetic, and flexible – ready to take initiative and problem-solve in real time.

Perks of Working with the Y

• Family YMCA membership

• Opportunities for professional development, and paid certifications

• Medical, Vision, and Dental benefits options

• 403(b) retirement savings plan with employee contribution options

• A supportive team culture that values innovation, learning, and fun

• A chance to make a real impact in the lives of children and families

What You’ll Need to Join Us

• Must be 21+ years old

• An Associates or Bachelor's degree in Education, Child Development, Human Services, or a related field.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

• Required clearances: Act 33, 34, 151 & NSOR

• Mandated Reporter Certification (within 45 days – paid training)

• Completion of health/TB screening and 10 hours of DHS training within 30 days (paid)

• CPR and Pediatric First Aid within 90 days (paid)

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• The employee needs sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities.

• This position requires reliable access to transportation.

Ready to Lead with Purpose?

Join the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh – where passion meets purpose, and you’ll be part of a movement to uplift youth, families, and neighborhoods every day.

This description is a summary of the functions of this position. Other duties may be assigned as needed. The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh reserves the right to review and adjust this job description as business needs dictate.

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Director is responsible for the development, organization, implementation and evaluation of programs, ensuring that all operations in the department or program run smoothly. Additionally, this position is responsible for creating new and innovative programs that meet the needs of the community. The Program Director is responsible for integrating best practices in applicable programs and serving on relevant Association committees to enhance leadership skills and programs.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Directs all operations of the Department and its programs.
• Develops, administers, achieves and evaluates the annual Department Operating Objectives.
• Develops, administers, executes and expands department annual budget.
• Recruits, employs, develops, supervises, evaluates and terminates (when needed) staff and volunteers while being fiscally responsible and within budget limitations. • Assures that the Programs have well-planned member and volunteer recruitment and retention plans.
• Provides input for the administration, promotion and operation of the branch.
• Monitors the achievement of these objectives through measurable outcomes, taking appropriate action to see they are met.
• Evaluates current programs and class participation to expand or discontinue classes based on customer satisfaction and member retention.
• Provides a cohesive approach to customer service and training that directly impacts the end user's commitment and personal growth.
• Supports branch fundraising initiatives by actively contributing to, educating on, and raising projected goal for the annual campaign.
• Assists in forming community partnerships.
• Local travel required and occasional long-distance travel for training and special events.
• Maintains an accurate system of records and reports. • Greets members by name, introduces self to others and encourages socialization among members.
• Active participation in association groups and committees as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Volunteerism
• Quality Results
• Collaboration
• Project/Initiative Management

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 21 years of age.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience.
• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in a human service field, elementary education, early childhood or child development, or otherwise meet the standard educational requirements as needed for licensing, as well as requirements for accreditation.
• First Aid and CPR (infant, child, adult) training are required. AED Training is required where applicable.
• Skills in the area of programming for children, group work and staff supervision, budget control and working with lay committees are required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Ability to motivate and relate well with people of all ages and must be able to delegate appropriate responsibilities to staff subordinates.
• Possess sensitivity, flexibility, strong character, good judgment, and a positive attitude toward job and colleagues.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The employee needs sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Current driver’s license and access to reliable vehicle for transportation.
• The work is performed both indoors and outdoors and may require travel to various locations. While performing the duties of this job the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.

If you feel your knowledge and skills align with the job opportunity, please click to apply. We would love to consider you for this role.