Senior Program Director-Special Needs

Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Associate Executive Director and in cooperation with other YMCA staff, the Senior Program Director is responsible for the administration, management and oversight of various YMCA Childcare programs including After School and Summer programs. The Senior Program Director has overall fiscal responsibility, program compliance and outcomes, and ensures the safety and well-being of all the students and participants.

Essential Functions/ Job Duties:

• Accountable for the overall operations of the designated programs including After-School, Non-school Days and summer components.


• Ensures overall implementation of high-quality programs that meet contract compliance and outcomes.


• Responsible for budgeting, funds management, and adequate utilization of grant funds for the designated program.


• Complete and provide Associate Executive Director with Operational Reports for staffing, data outcomes, and attendance.


• Attain student enrollment goals and ensure attendance maximizes contract(s).


• Complete all purchasing within program budgets on assigned dates.


• Coordinate system for registration and intake at the beginning of each new program/new season.


• Ensure high standards of maintenance, safety and cleanliness in facilities used by the YMCA to ensure that the requirements of regulatory codes are fully met.


• Participate in all assigned staff committees SAC, PTA, BASCC, CSC, etc.


• Enhances all programs including inclusion (where applicable) through program development, design and assessment.


• Coordinates professional development and training opportunities through community collaborations.


• Provides leadership to ensure compliance with contract service requirements.


• Oversee all licensing compliance including completing licensing packages (if ap plicable).


• Acts as the community liaison for the designated program and ensure visibility and recognition in all outreach activities .


• Report all incidents and accidents immediately to the Associate Executive Director or Executive Director if AED is not available.


• Adhere to the Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting requirements which are mandated by law for all childcare personnel to report suspicions of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The YMCA requires employees to follow the internal reporting procedures with the assistance of the Program Directors.


• Ensure that the proper staff to child ratios are maintained at all times and resolve discrepancies.


• Implement a system of problem-solving strategies and follow up with documentation.


• Hold Program Directors accountable to set high standards and develop a culture of ownership at sites.


• Support Executive Director or Associate Executive Director with the preparation of the annual program budget.


• Monitor income and expenditures closely to ensure spending is within budget guidelines.


• Manage payroll according to budget.


• Monthly visits with principals at each school develop and maintain relationships.


• Mentor Program Directors on and off school locations.


• Coordinate Special Events as assigned by Associate Executive Director.


• Maintain a calendar of quarterly department events for Y Newsletter.


• Seek opportunities within the community to partner in community events.


• Seek opportunities with new and current Principals to grow the General Population program to additional sites; including Summer Camp, Spring Camp, Fundays, Afterschool, etc.


• Develops and directs high quality member "participant and family" engagement strategies and programs which support family center and Association mission, goals, and strategies.


• Facilitate and participate in scheduled personnel professional development training. Assist in developing new training components and organizing or assisting with training events.


• Responsible for the maintenance and organization of designated program locations to include securing leases annually.


• Assists in the development of Program Guide, flyers, branch and program brochures, press releases and other marketing materials necessary to promote the program within budgetary guidelines.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

YMCA Competencies (i.e. Leader, Team Leader, Multi-Team/ Branch Leader):

Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y's values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the YMCA's efforts for all stakeholders. Implements effective systems to develop volunteers at program and fundraising leadership levels.
Collaboration: Develops strategies to ensure staff and volunteers reflect the community. Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the YMCA. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.
Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves members and community in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.
Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment that embraces diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Anticipates challenges that can sidetrack or derail growth and personal learning. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities/ Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in education, social work, psychology or related field required or equivalent years of experience.


• Minimum three (3) years' experience in related program management.


• At least five (5) years' experience in childcare, education or program area.


• Strong leadership qualities, ability to coordinate, inspire and motivate others.


• Knowledge of effective teaching methods and curriculum development. Ability to design programs to meet the learning needs of elementary and/or middle school students.


• High level of communication skills, both written and oral.


• Experience working in an ethnically diverse community and meeting the needs of the groups represented.


• Strong initiative and ability to solve problems.


• Ability and commitment to work collaboratively.


• Minimum age - 21 years.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Director's Credentials required for K-5 grade programs management (or the ability to obtain within the first 18 months of hire)-for licensed programs only.


• Valid Driver's License & Evidence of lnsurability


• Adult/ Child CPR certified


• First Aid Certified


• DCF required CEUs completed - for licensed programs only.


• Certified BASCC Mentor

Job Profile:

• Exhibits analytical skills.


• Hosts multi-tasking skills.


• Engages in proactive thinking.


• Systems and processes savvy.


• Accountability driven.


• Enjoys public speaking to Y staff, community-stakeholders, Y families, grant funders, etc.


• Strong writing skills.


• Charismatic leader.

Work Environment:

Work environment characteristics 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 disabilities to perform essential functions. Primarily works in an office and classroom environment, however, occasionally works outdoors.

Employment at the YMCA is at-will. It is purely voluntary, based upon the consent of both the Association and the staff members. No expressed or implied contractual rights should be inferred from this job description. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to success perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities. Being in good physical health with a range of body motion, including manual and finger dexterity and eye/hand coordination. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Occasionally requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Employment at the YMCA is at-will. It is purely voluntary, based upon the consent of both the Association and the staff members. No expressed or implied contractual rights should be inferred from this job description.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to submit to and satisfactorily clear a thorough Level II fingerprinting background screening.

As a Drug-Free Workplace, all new hires must successfully complete a drug test. Please note Medical Marijuana cards do not exempt you from successfully passing your drug test.

The YMCA of South Florida is committed to the policy of Equal Opportunity prohibiting discrimination in the workplace because of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age or disability.