Director of Youth Sports

Director of Youth Sports

Position Summary

The Director of Youth Sports is responsible for developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating youth sports leagues, basic aquatics/water safety initiatives, and after-school active recreation in Saranac Lake. This position creates meaningful opportunities for youth, children, and families while building strong community partnerships. The Director oversees program execution, staff leadership, safety protocols, and budget oversight to support financial sustainability.

Essential Responsibilities

Program Development & Management

• Identify community needs and trends to design and deliver engaging youth sports and recreational programs.
• Develop, coordinate, and evaluate seasonal sports leagues, youth swim lessons, and active after-school play.
• Create activities that promote youth development, healthy living, basic water safety, and sportsmanship.
• Maintain schedules, league rosters, swim levels, and registrations in the YMCA management system.
• Monitor enrollment, program quality, safety standards, and budgets to ensure financial sustainability.
• Ensure all activities meet YMCA policies, safety standards, and state childcare guidelines.

Community Partnerships & Outreach

• Build and maintain relationships with local schools, municipalities, and community partners.
• Represent the YMCA at local meetings, community fairs, and tabling events.
• Actively promote programs and implement strategies to expand community participation.
• Gather feedback from youth, families, and participants to guide future program offerings.
• Serve as a visible representative of the YMCA to strengthen local connections.

Leadership & Program Operations

• Recruit, train, supervise, and support sports instructors, referees, program staff, and volunteer coaches.
• Ensure staff complete required background checks, safety clearances, and role certifications.
• Coordinate program calendars, facility/field use, pool/gym space, and equipment logistics.
• Maintain accurate program records, staff certifications, CPR/AED training, and incident reports.
• Support the YMCA's overall mission, strategic priorities, and commitment to inclusion.

 Qualifications & Core Competencies

• Bachelor's degree preferred in recreation, sports management, physical education, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience in youth sports coordination, recreation management, or youth programming.
• CPR/AED/First Aid certification required.
• WSI/YMCA Swim Instructor certification preferred.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with community partners and facility operators.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and budget-tracking skills.
• Flexibility to work varied schedules including evenings and weekends based on league needs.