Program Director – Day Camp

Description

$63,000 to $65,000 Annually with Generous Benefits Including a Free Family YMCA Membership

Under the general direction of the Associate Executive Director, the Program Director provides leadership and oversight for summer day camp, School’s Out Camp, youth sports, birthday parties, and STEM programming. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and growing high-quality programs that meet the needs of members, participants, families, and the community.

The Program Director leads and develops staff, manages program operations and budgets, ensures compliance with applicable regulations and YMCA standards, and creates safe, engaging, and positive experiences for all participants. This role serves as a key member of the branch leadership team and is expected to model YMCA leadership competencies and uphold the organization's values and mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Program Leadership & Development

· Provide overall leadership and direction for summer day camp, School’s Out Camp, youth sports, birthday parties, STEM programming, and other assigned programs.

· Develop, implement, evaluate, and continuously improve programs to ensure high-quality experiences that respond to member, participant, family, and community needs.

· Identify opportunities to expand participation, strengthen existing programs, and develop new programs and services.

· Establish and monitor program goals, participation levels, quality standards, and outcomes.

· Use participant feedback, enrollment trends, financial results, and other relevant information to evaluate program effectiveness and guide improvements.

· Ensure programs consistently reflect YMCA values and provide welcoming, engaging, and inclusive experiences.

Staff Leadership & Development

· Recruit, hire, train, supervise, coach, schedule, and evaluate staff and volunteers within assigned program areas.

· Provide clear expectations, regular communication, feedback, and ongoing development opportunities for staff.

· Build a strong, collaborative team culture focused on accountability, safety, program quality, and exceptional service.

· Ensure appropriate staffing levels and staff-to-participant ratios are maintained in accordance with YMCA standards and regulatory requirements.

· Conduct staff meetings, trainings, evaluations, and other activities necessary to support effective program operations.

Camp, Safety & Compliance

· Provide leadership and oversight for day camp operations, including staffing, scheduling, program quality, supplies, safety, and regulatory compliance.

· Maintain knowledge of and ensure compliance with applicable New York State Department of Health, OCFS, YMCA of Greater Rochester, and other regulatory requirements.

· Ensure required records, documentation, certifications, inspections, and program standards are maintained accurately and timely.

· Work collaboratively with appropriate staff to achieve and maintain applicable accreditation and quality standards.

· Implement and monitor practices that prioritize participant safety, risk management, program quality, and exceptional customer service.

· Respond appropriately to incidents, concerns, emergencies, and participant or parent issues in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

Financial & Operational Management

· Develop and manage assigned program budgets, including revenue, expenses, staffing, supplies, and other program-related costs.

· Monitor financial performance and make appropriate adjustments to support established revenue and expense goals.

· Drive program participation and revenue growth while maintaining strong fiscal stewardship and program quality.

· Manage purchasing and inventory of program supplies and equipment within approved budget guidelines.

· Ensure program spaces, equipment, and supplies are safe, organized, well maintained, and appropriate for program needs.

· Ensure program operations follow Association policies and procedures related to purchasing, personnel, accounting, emergency response, accident reporting, maintenance, and other operational requirements.

Member, Family & Community Engagement

· Develop positive relationships with members, participants, parents, volunteers, staff, and community partners.

· Serve as a resource for families and respond to questions, concerns, and feedback in a timely and professional manner.

· Promote programs and collaborate with branch and Association staff to increase awareness, participation, and engagement.

· Seek opportunities to develop partnerships that enhance programming and expand the YMCA’s impact within the community.

Association Leadership

· Participate as an active member of the branch leadership team.

· Support Association initiatives, special events, and strategic priorities.

· Assist with the Annual Campaign and other fundraising efforts by serving in assigned leadership roles.

· Attend all required meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.

· Perform other duties as assigned in support of department operations and the YMCA mission.

Requirements

· Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a high school diploma or GED. A bachelor’s degree in recreation, physical education or related field preferred.

· At least three years’ experience in a supervisory role with skills in recruiting, training and staff management.

· Minimum of three years’ experience creating, implementing and managing high quality and large volume programs.

· Must be self-motivated, hands-on team leader with strong communications, networking and collaboration skills.

· Possess knowledge of various resources for programming ideas and the skills to utilize that information in directing daily activities

· High level of attention to detail and quality of service and facilities. Demonstrated commitment to high standards of member service and programming.

· Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage several projects at once and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

· Polished, professional demeanor with excellent written and spoken communication skills.

· Demonstrated success in driving revenue and managing expenses.

· Must have current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Must be able to sit and stand for extended duration of shift.

· Must be able to bend and stoop frequently.

· Must be able to lift up to forty pounds.

· Ability to work in all elements (i.e. outside in all weather).

· Ability to move from program site to branch or site to site, and is required to enter all YMCA environments including, program space, buses, schools, pools, and program area.

· Ability to supervise children by sight and sound at all times.

· Ability to move quickly to react to safety issues in the setting (i.e. aggressive behavior).

· Ability to move around the gym/field to assist children and supervise children with daily activities, social interaction, physical and emotional needs.