Job Description

Why Your Role Matters

We're looking for enthusiastic, dedicated individuals to join our team at local elementary schools! If you're passionate about supporting youth and creating positive experiences, we want to hear from you.

We are currently hiring for positions at the following school locations:

• Blanco Vista – San Marcos, TX 78666
• Perez – Austin, TX 78744
• Galindo – Austin, TX 78704
• Tobias – Kyle, TX 78640

Join us in creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment where youth can learn, grow, and thrive!

As a Program Lead, you will serve as the full-time leader of an assigned site program, taking ownership of daily operations, staff leadership, program quality, and the overall participant experience. You will ensure a safe, engaging, and high-quality program while building a positive and collaborative team culture.

Because this is a full-time position, hours outside of afterschool program operations are an important part of the role. Program Leads are expected to balance their work to develop a mutually beneficial schedule with their assigned school or community that allows them to contribute as a "volunteer" during the school day, strengthen relationships, and support the broader school community. Non-program hours may also include program planning and preparation, staff training and coaching, professional development, administrative responsibilities, and support of broader YMCA operations and initiatives.

As the YMCA’s primary on-site representative, the Program Lead builds strong relationships with students, families, school personnel, and community partners while consistently modeling the YMCA’s mission, vision, values, and commitment to high-quality youth development.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Oversee all daily operations, ensuring safety, compliance, and exceptional experience for students.
• Guide, coach, and inspire your team, foster collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Implement daily schedules and curriculum, including games, creative projects, learning activities, and outdoor play.
• Follow Texas Childcare licensing standards and YMCA policies to maintain a secure environment.
• Partner with school principals, teachers, and PTAs, supporting campus initiatives and special events.
• Promote social-emotional development, academic support, and positive behavior through strong relationships and intentional guidance.
• Maintain clear, consistent communication with parents, caregivers, staff, and supervisors.
• Address behavior concerns, scheduling needs, or late pickups with flexibility and composure.
• Model the Y’s mission, vision, and values every day, sharing our story and culture with students, staff, and the school community.
• Complete accurate documentation and maintain confidential records related to attendance, behavior, and health.
• Participate in internal committees and assist with program-wide events and trainings.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What You Bring to the Y

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Must meet at least one of the following qualification pathways:
• Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor’s degree, six college credit hours in business management, and one year of experience in a licensed childcare facility or accredited school setting.
• Associate Degree: Associate of Applied Science with coursework in child development and business management, and two years of experience in a licensed childcare facility or accredited school setting.
• College Coursework: 60 college credit hours in child development and business management, and two years of experience in a licensed childcare facility or accredited school setting.
• CDA or CCP: Child Development Associate (CDA) or Child Care Professional (CCP), six college credit hours in business management, and two years of experience in a licensed childcare facility or accredited school setting.
• Child Care Administrator Certificate: Certificate and two years of experience in a licensed childcare facility or accredited school setting.
• Day Care Administrator Credential: Credential and two years of experience in a licensed childcare facility or accredited school setting.
• Proven experience supervising and developing a team
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage group behavior and resolve challenges calmly
• Professional, customer-focused approach
• Growth Mindset: Learn and improve to better serve members and the mission.
• Team Player: Work collaboratively with others and support a positive team environment.
• Communicates Effectively: Listen actively and communicate clearly with members and peers.
• Customer Focused: Anticipate needs and ensure quality, member-centered service.
• Fosters Belonging: Ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and included.
• Ensure Accountability: Hold yourself and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Manage Ambiguity: Operate effectively, even when things are uncertain or the way forward is unclear.

Physical Requirements: 

This role requires the ability to actively supervise and engage with children throughout the program day. The Program Lead must be able to stand, walk, and move around the site for extended periods, participate in physical activities such as games and outdoor play, and lift or carry materials and supplies up to 25–35 pounds. The role also requires bending, kneeling, and stretching to support students, maintain safe and organized spaces, and respond quickly to the needs of the program. Clear communication with staff, students, parents, and school personnel is essential, and employees must maintain awareness of their environment to ensure safety at all times. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Qualifications

Our mission isn't just a statement--it's a guiding force that shapes our actions every day. Rooted in our unwavering commitment to serving our community and esteemed team members, our mission is a true way of life. We're passionate about fostering health and wellness for all, and we're truly excited to introduce the following comprehensive benefits package that has been thoughtfully designed to prioritize your well-being.

• Health Insurance: We provide comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, to ensure the well-being of our employees.
• Retirement Savings Plan: We offer a 12% employer-funded retirement plan upon meeting eligibility, empowering employees to plan for their future.
• Paid Time Off: Work-life integration is important to us, which is why we provide up to 48 days of paid time off over vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Additional Perks: Free household membership to facilities operated by the Greater Austin YMCA, which is worth $1,200+ annually.

About Us

The Greater Austin YMCA is a dynamic force elevating quality of life in Greater Austin by boldly expanding access for all children, adults, families and seniors in our rapidly growing community. For nearly 75 years, the Greater Austin YMCA has evolved to address each community's greatest needs, touching every phase of life and nurturing happier, healthier people, a stronger community and a better world.

We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality programs that keep our community strong. As a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide financial assistance to expand access so community members can learn, grow, and thrive through our early learning academies, fitness and wellness centers, youth programs, workforce development, adult programming, mental health counseling, and more.

Each year, the Y serves nearly 140,000 people across Travis and Hays counties through seven fitness and wellness centers, more than 55 licensed campuses in four school districts, two YMCA Tomorrow Academy™ locations, and Camp Moody, our outdoor Adventure camp.

Globally, the YMCA is one of the oldest and largest youth-serving organizations in the world, united by our commitment to a better future -- for all.

Additional Information:

The organization has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

The Greater Austin YMCA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Greater Austin YMCA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which we have employees. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We Take Care of Our People

Our mission isn't just a statement--it's a guiding force that shapes our actions every day. Rooted in our unwavering commitment to serving our community and esteemed team members, our mission is a true way of life. We're passionate about fostering health and wellness for all, and we're truly excited to introduce the following comprehensive benefits package that has been thoughtfully designed to prioritize your well-being.

• Health Insurance: We provide comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, to ensure the well-being of our employees.
• Retirement Savings Plan: We offer a 12% employer-funded retirement plan upon meeting eligibility, empowering employees to plan for their future.
• Paid Time Off: Work-life integration is important to us, which is why we provide up to 48 days of paid time off over vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Additional Perks: Free household membership to facilities operated by the Greater Austin YMCA, which is worth $1,200+ annually.

Pay Range

$21 per hour