Director of Programs & Services

Department: Programs & Operations

Primary Location: 2 Cain Road, Salem, MA

Reports To: Senior Director of Operations Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Work Schedule: Full-Time, with flexibility based on program needs

Programs Overseen: Facility-Based Preschool, After-School, School Vacation Week, Summer Camp, and Special Programs

Position Summary

The Director of Programs & Services manages and leads school-year, school vacation week, summer, and special programs operated at Camp Fire North Shore facilities. This position provides direct leadership for preschool, the after-school program at 2 Cain Road, summer camp, and other facility-based programs as assigned.

Based primarily at the organization's 2 Cain Road location in Salem, Massachusetts, this position ensures that facility-based programs operate effectively, maintain high standards of safety and quality, and comply with applicable Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) requirements and Department of Public Health requirements for recreational camps for children, including applicable local Board of Health licensing.

The Director directly supervises facility-based program staff, including preschool staff, and collaborates with Human Resources, Finance, executive leadership, and the Senior Clinical Director and clinical team on staffing, programming, child support needs, compliance, enrollment, and family engagement. Clinical and inclusion services remain under clinical leadership.

This position requires a strong, hands-on leader who can balance strategic planning with daily operational responsibilities while promoting consistency, accountability, and continuous improvement across programs.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Program Leadership & Operational Oversight

· Provide direct leadership and operational oversight for preschool, the 2 Cain Road after-school program, school vacation week programming, summer camp, and other programs operated at Camp Fire North Shore facilities.

· Ensure consistent implementation of organizational policies, procedures, and program expectations.

· Oversee daily operations and provide direct guidance, supervision, and accountability for staff assigned to facility-based programs, including preschool teaching staff.

· Conduct regular program evaluations and site visits to assess quality, safety, and operational effectiveness.

· Identify areas requiring improvement and implement corrective action plans when necessary.

· Establish clear operational goals, expectations, and accountability measures.

· Collaborate with executive leadership to support organizational growth, program development, and long-term planning.

· Ensure adequate staffing, resources, and operational support across all assigned programs.

2. Staff Supervision, Leadership & Development

· Directly supervise assigned facility-based program personnel, including preschool lead and assistant teachers, camp leadership, and other designated staff.

· Provide coaching, mentoring, performance feedback, and professional development to facility-based program staff.

· Establish clear performance expectations and monitor employee accountability.

· Conduct regular supervisory meetings, performance evaluations, and program check-ins.

· Partner with Human Resources regarding recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance concerns, and corrective action.

· Support staffing plans, employee scheduling, and appropriate coverage.

· Promote positive workplace communication, teamwork, and professional conduct.

· Ensure all facility-based staff follow organizational policies and established reporting procedures.

3. Regulatory Compliance, Licensing & Safety

· Ensure assigned programs comply with applicable Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) regulations, licensing standards, and organizational requirements.

· Ensure recreational summer camp operations comply with applicable Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations, local Board of Health licensing requirements, inspections, and related health and safety standards.

· Collaborate with Human Resources to ensure employees maintain required qualifications, training, certifications, and background record checks.

· Monitor child supervision, attendance, authorized pickup, incident reporting, and emergency preparedness procedures.

· Conduct routine compliance reviews and support regulatory inspections.

· Ensure appropriate documentation and corrective action when compliance concerns are identified.

· Work with leadership to maintain safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environments.

· Ensure program personnel understand and follow mandated reporting responsibilities and child protection procedures.

4. Preschool Program Oversight

· Serve as the accountable on-site program leader for preschool operations, including teacher supervision, classroom quality, staff scheduling, family concerns, and EEC compliance.

· Assume direct responsibility for preschool leadership, daily operations, staff supervision, and accountability; separate preschool leadership positions are not part of this reporting model.

· Ensure preschool programming meets applicable licensing requirements and organizational quality standards.

· Monitor classroom operations, staffing levels, curriculum implementation, and daily schedules.

· Directly address preschool classroom management, staff performance concerns, and consistent instructional and behavioral expectations.

· Oversee enrollment coordination, family communication, and program improvement initiatives.

· Ensure appropriate supervision, classroom coverage, and staff accountability.

· Lead preschool staff in maintaining positive learning environments, age-appropriate curriculum, and developmental outcomes.

5. After-School Program Oversight

· Oversee the facility-based after-school program at 2 Cain Road and school vacation week programming; external school-based after-school programs fall under the Director of External Programs.

· Directly manage facility-based after-school staffing, scheduling, child supervision, and program implementation.

· Monitor curriculum quality, enrichment activities, and student engagement.

· Ensure appropriate communication among facility-based program staff, families, and relevant community partners.

· Review enrollment, attendance, and operational performance.

· Address staffing shortages, parent concerns, and operational challenges.

· Coordinate with other program leaders to ensure clear division of responsibilities and consistent organizational standards.

6. Summer Camp Operations

· Provide leadership and operational oversight for Camp Fire North Shore summer camp programming.

· Coordinate annual camp planning, staffing projections, program schedules, and operational readiness.

· Work with Human Resources on seasonal recruitment, onboarding, and training.

· Ensure summer camp is operated in compliance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health recreational camp regulations, applicable local Board of Health licensing requirements, health and safety procedures, and organizational policies.

· Oversee camp enrollment, staffing, program activities, and resource allocation.

· Direct and support camp leadership in managing daily operations, staffing, behavioral concerns, and family communication.

· Participate in post-season evaluations and planning for future camp sessions.

7. Clinical Collaboration & Inclusive Program Support

· Collaborate with the Senior Clinical Director and clinical team to integrate appropriate supports into facility-based programs; this position does not operate or supervise the inclusion program.

· Coordinate with qualified clinical personnel on accommodations, staff guidance, and appropriate support strategies for participating children.

· Promote inclusive programming that accommodates diverse developmental, behavioral, and educational needs.

· Coordinate operational staffing and resource needs with the clinical team while preserving clinical supervisory responsibilities.

· Ensure employees receive relevant training and understand their responsibilities when supporting children with additional needs.

· Collaborate with the clinical team to address program-related concerns involving accommodations, staffing, or family communication.

· Maintain confidentiality and compliance with applicable privacy and program requirements.

· Ensure clinical decisions remain under the supervision of appropriately credentialed professionals.

8. Enrollment, Family Engagement & Community Relationships

· Monitor enrollment trends, attendance, and program capacity.

· Collaborate with administrative personnel to ensure accurate enrollment records and communication.

· Promote positive relationships with families, schools, and community partners.

· Assist with escalated family concerns and support appropriate resolutions.

· Participate in community meetings, partnership discussions, and organizational events.

· Identify opportunities to strengthen family engagement and improve the overall program experience.

9. Budgeting, Resource Management & Administrative Oversight

· Collaborate with Finance and executive leadership to develop and monitor assigned program budgets.

· Review staffing allocations, labor costs, program supplies, and operational expenditures.

· Support responsible purchasing and resource management.

· Monitor program enrollment and financial performance.

· Ensure timely completion of required administrative documentation and reporting.

· Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce unnecessary expenses.

· Provide leadership with regular updates regarding program needs, challenges, and performance.

10. Strategic Planning & Organizational Leadership

· Participate in organizational planning and leadership meetings.

· Develop short-term and long-term goals for assigned programs.

· Recommend improvements to program structure, policies, and operational procedures.

· Support the implementation of new initiatives and program expansions.

· Collaborate with senior leadership on organizational priorities.

· Promote consistency in communication, accountability, and program expectations.

· Serve as a leadership resource for program personnel and other departments.

· Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational needs.

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Human Services, Youth Development, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

· Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in youth programming, education, childcare, nonprofit management, or related program operations.

· Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or management experience required.

· Experience overseeing multiple programs, departments, or locations strongly preferred.

· Knowledge of Massachusetts EEC regulations and applicable childcare licensing requirements.

· Familiarity with preschool, school-age programming, school vacation programs, and Massachusetts recreational summer camp operations.

· Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

· Experience with staff supervision, performance management, and program improvement.

· Ability to manage competing priorities and respond effectively to operational concerns.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic program management systems.

· Ability to meet all applicable background check and employment requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience working with children with disabilities, diverse learning needs, or behavioral challenges.

· Knowledge of behavior management techniques, positive behavioral interventions, and de-escalation strategies to support a safe and inclusive learning environment.

· Master's degree in Education, Human Services, Nonprofit Leadership, or a related field.

· Previous experience in a director-level position within a nonprofit, childcare, or youth development organization.

· Experience managing multiple program budgets.

· Experience supporting state licensing reviews and regulatory compliance.

· Familiarity with grant-funded programming and community partnerships.

· Experience developing organizational procedures, staff training programs, and performance improvement plans.

Core Competencies

· Leadership & Staff Accountability

· Multi-Program Operations Management

· Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

· Strategic Planning & Program Development

· Budgeting & Resource Allocation

· Staff Coaching & Professional Development

· Conflict Resolution & Communication

· Family & Community Engagement

· Program Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

· Child Safety, Inclusion & Youth Development

Work Environment & Expectations

· Primary work location is 2 Cain Road, Salem, Massachusetts.

· Regular on-site presence is required to support program operations and staff.

· Occasional travel to other Camp Fire North Shore locations may be necessary.

· Must maintain flexibility to address urgent operational, staffing, or safety concerns.

· May be required to attend meetings, special events, or program activities outside standard business hours.

· Must maintain confidentiality when handling employee, child, family, and organizational information.

Performance Expectations

· Performance in this position will be evaluated based on:

· Consistent and effective operations across assigned programs.

· Compliance with applicable licensing, safety, and organizational standards.

· Staff performance, accountability, and professional development.

· Quality of educational, recreational, and facility-based programming, including effective collaboration with clinical services.

· Appropriate staffing and effective resource management.

· Timely resolution of operational and program concerns.

· Positive communication with families, employees, and community partners.

· Achievement of organizational and program-specific goals.

· Effective collaboration with executive leadership and administrative departments.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Camp Fire North Shore is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace. Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal and Massachusetts employment laws.