Program Director

Live near the beautiful beaches of Alabama and enjoy a rewarding mission-focused career!

Job Description

The Snook Family YMCA Program Director provides leadership, development, administration, and oversight of assigned YMCA of South Alabama programs, with primary responsibility for Youth Services and Child Watch. The Program Director ensures that programs are safe, high-quality, mission-driven, financially responsible, and responsive to the needs of YMCA members, participants, families, and the communities served.
In addition to Youth Services and Child Watch, the Program Director may be assigned responsibility for other programs, services, special events, or initiatives as deemed necessary by YMCA of South Alabama leadership. The position requires strong leadership, staff supervision, program development, customer service, risk management, and administrative skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in recreation, education, child development, business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred. Equivalent relevant education and experience may be considered.
• Previous experience in youth programming, childcare, recreation, nonprofit programming, or related program management preferred.
• Previous supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, train, motivate, and hold employees accountable.
• Strong organizational, administrative, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple programs, priorities, deadlines, and responsibilities simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate professionally with children, parents, members, employees, community partners, and leadership.
• Working knowledge of budgeting, scheduling, program planning, and staff management preferred.
• Proficiency with standard computer applications and the ability to learn YMCA software and technology systems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and respond appropriately to emergencies, employee concerns, participant issues, and sensitive situations.
• Must successfully complete all YMCA-required background screenings, child abuse prevention training, and other required training.
• CPR, First Aid, AED, and other certifications must be obtained and maintained as required by YMCA of South Alabama.

Essential Functions

Program Leadership and Administration
• Plan, develop, implement, supervise, and evaluate assigned YMCA programs and services.
• Provide direct oversight of Youth Services programs, which can include before- and after-school programs, school-age childcare, day camps, holiday camps, and no school days.
• Provide direct oversight of Child Watch operations and ensure a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for children and families.
• Develop new programs and enhance existing programs based on community needs, member feedback, participation trends, and organizational priorities.
• Assume responsibility for additional programs, events, services, partnerships, or operational areas as deemed necessary by YMCA of South Alabama leadership.
• Establish annual program goals and objectives consistent with the YMCA mission and strategic priorities.
• Monitor enrollment, attendance, participation, program quality, member satisfaction, and other established performance measures.
• Maintain appropriate program records, reports, schedules, rosters, registrations, and documentation.
Staff Leadership and Development
• Recruit, interview, hire, train, schedule, supervise, coach, and evaluate program employees in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.
• Provide clear expectations, regular communication, and ongoing feedback to assigned employees.
• Ensure adequate staffing and appropriate staff-to-participant ratios for applicable programs.
• Coordinate staff schedules to maintain effective program coverage while appropriately managing labor expenses.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and training as necessary.
• Promote teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and positive communication among employees.
• Address employee performance concerns promptly and work with Human Resources and appropriate leadership when corrective action is necessary.
• Ensure employees complete required YMCA training, certifications, background screening, and other employment requirements.
Youth Services and Child Safety
• Maintain a culture in which the safety, supervision, and well-being of children are the highest priorities.
• Ensure Youth Services and Child Watch employees consistently follow YMCA child protection, supervision, sign-in/sign-out, participant release, emergency response, and incident reporting procedures.
• Maintain compliance with YMCA of South Alabama child abuse prevention policies (Praesidium) and applicable YMCA standards.
• Monitor program spaces and staff practices to identify and correct potential safety concerns.
• Ensure incidents, accidents, injuries, behavioral concerns, and other significant events are documented and communicated appropriately.
• Respond promptly and professionally to parent or guardian questions and concerns-within a 24-hour business period.
• Immediately report suspected child abuse, neglect, policy violations, or other serious safety concerns in accordance with YMCA policies and applicable law.
Program Quality and Member Experience
• Maintain high-quality programs that reflect YMCA values and provide positive experiences for participants and families.
• Develop age-appropriate, engaging, and mission-driven activities for youth participants.
• Build positive relationships with participants, parents, members, employees, schools, community organizations, and other YMCA partners.
• Regularly evaluate programs and recommend improvements based on participation, feedback, community needs, and organizational objectives.
• Support YMCA membership and program retention by creating welcoming and inclusive experiences.
Financial and Operational Management
• Assist in developing and managing assigned program budgets.
• Monitor program revenue, expenses, payroll, enrollment, and other financial performance indicators.
• Manage staffing and program expenses responsibly while maintaining appropriate program quality and safety.
• Maintain appropriate supplies, equipment, and inventory for assigned programs.
• Ensure program areas are clean, organized, safe, and properly maintained.
• Communicate facility or equipment concerns to appropriate leadership promptly.
• Follow YMCA purchasing and financial-control procedures.
Risk Management and Compliance
• Participate in safety inspections, emergency preparedness activities, and risk-management initiatives.
• Ensure employees understand emergency procedures and their responsibilities during emergencies.
• Immediately communicate significant incidents, safety concerns, potential liability issues, or policy violations to appropriate leadership.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding employees, members, participants, children, and organizational information.
Community Engagement and YMCA Mission
• Represent YMCA of South Alabama professionally within the community.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with schools, families, community organizations, governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, and other partners as appropriate.
• Support YMCA special events, community outreach, fundraising, annual campaigns, and association-wide initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for program growth, partnerships, and increased community impact.
• Model the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Promote an organizational culture that is welcoming, inclusive, mission-focused, and committed to strengthening the community.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

• Mission advancement
• Collaboration
• Operational effectiveness
• Program and project management
• Developing and supervising others
• Communication and relationship building
• Community engagement
• Fiscal responsibility
• Inclusion and member service
• Personal growth and professional development

Required Certifications

• CPR, First Aid, AED, and other certifications must be obtained and maintained as required by YMCA of South Alabama.

Ymca Careers
Similar Positions


Director, Youth & Family Programs - West Park YMCA

West Park Fairview Branch YMCA

Director of Child Care, Camp & Early Learning

YMCA of Greenwich

Associate Executive Director

Alamance County Community YMCA