Youth Development Director

Position Summary:

The Youth Development Director will manage all aspects of the Youth Development services at The Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties. This position maintains all records for the state, federal, and local agencies and assists staff with curriculum development and classroom management. This role requires excellent leadership and management skills to adequately communicate with staff and families, plus knowledge of sound child development practices.

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.

Entry Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education or, alternatively, associate degree in Early childhood Education or Elementary Education and a minimum of three years of experience in an early childhood or elementary program.
• Minimum 3 years of experience of progressive responsibilities in childcare operations, program development, and financial management including staff supervision and volunteer and staff recruitment.
• Previous experience working with childcare licensing regulations and protocols preferred.
• Minimum age of 21 years required.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Intermediate user of Microsoft Office programs required.
• Have at least two years of experience supervising adults.
• Have verifiable knowledge of child development for school age children, as evidenced by a combination of professional references, education, experience, or training.

Essential Functions:

• Manage, direct, and coordinate the Youth Development off-site school age program.
• Ensure high-quality curriculum and establish new program activities.
• Expand program within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans. Assist in the marketing and distribution of program information.
• Assure compliance with state and local regulations as they relate to program areas. Ensures that program standards are met, and safety procedures are followed.
• Develop and maintain relationships with state childcare licensing agency, 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.
• Develop, implement, and manage operating plans to promote program for the YMCA, executes strategies to ensure that program participants connect with one another and connect with the YMCA, including but not limited to organizing special events for parents and program participants.
• Remain current with development trends in the community and surrounding areas.
• Support the Multi-Site Coordinator(s) in recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising of staff and volunteers in assigned areas and conducts annual performance evaluations.
• Facilitate communication and provide leadership over the entire department.
• Assist in development strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals.
• Implement and communicate changes in policies to staff as needed.
• Manage licensing and recorded program requirements.
• Facilitate parent meetings involving participant behavior.
• Model relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions.
• Aid in classrooms, both during staff shortages and resolution of difficult or unique parent/child situations.
• Regularly schedules classroom/ site visits for observation purposes.
• Develop continuing education schedule which includes options relevant to include online courses, on-site seminars, and team building exercises.
• Act as Food Program Administrator: maintains certification. Keeps current on changes to food program, develops relationship with outside food vendor, serves as backup for food service, ordering of meals and submission for State reimbursement.
• Develop, manage, and control budget related to the position. Ensures program operates within budget and that program fees are collected.
• Provide leadership and support to volunteer committees/boards as assigned. Develops and maintains effective working relationships within the community.
• Maintain proper records/department files and develops statistical information reports that aid in analyzing results, assures facilities and programs meet state requirements.
• Follow emergency procedures and safety precautions. Follow procedures for reporting all accidents, incidents, and hazards.
• Adhere to all policies, rules, and regulations as outlined in employee handbook and other communications.
• Obtain and maintain required training(s).
• Accept additional assignments as deemed appropriate, within the scope of the job description.

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 disability to perform the essential functions.

• Sit, reach, and move around the work environment.
• Physical ability and stamina to perform the duties as outlined above, including but not limited to extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, and carrying up to 45 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
• Ability to travel and work in multiple locations.

All candidates must have reliable transportation. Job offers are contingent upon completion of a rigorous criminal history background check.

This job description may not be all inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.