Job Description

The Community Programs Director provides strategic leadership for the planning, growth, and quality of Frost Valley YMCA’s community-facing programs, including day camp, equestrian day camp, afterschool programming, childcare, and special community events. This role focuses on building strong relationships across the local community, identifying emerging needs, and developing new programs and partnerships that expand Frost Valley’s reach and impact.

The Director oversees the overall direction and quality of day camp, onsite daycare and aftercare operations. In addition to program oversight, the Director leads community outreach efforts, cultivates partnerships with schools, municipalities, and local organizations, and hosts community-based programs and events at Frost Valley. As a visible ambassador for Frost Valley YMCA, the Community Programs Director represents the organization to families, campers, students, and community partners, serving as a primary point of connection between Frost Valley and the broader community.

The Director coaches and supports program staff, fosters a culture of excellence and collaboration, and ensures all community programs meet or exceed YMCA mission standards, applicable state and county regulations, American Camp Association standards, and the overall best interests of Frost Valley YMCA.

Requirements

Program Leadership & Oversight

• Provide leadership and oversight for the daily operations, quality, and continuous improvement of Frost Valley YMCA’s Day Camp, Equestrian Day Camp, childcare, afterschool, and community programs
• Maintain overall responsibility for the safety, wellbeing, and positive experience of all participants across community programs, ensuring systems and staff practices prioritize youth safety and care
• Maintain a consistent onsite presence and availability during day camp operations and key program times to support staff, families, and program quality
• Advance the financial sustainability of community programs by aligning enrollment strategies, program design, and partnerships with budget goals and participation targets

Community Outreach & Program Development

• Lead the planning, development, and execution of community-oriented programs and signature events, such as Healthy Kids Day, Giant Pumpkin Party, Trunk or Treat, Holiday Community Dinner, Farm Fall Day, and similar initiatives
• Serve as a visible representative of Frost Valley YMCA by attending community tabling or outreach events annually, and supporting marketing and enrollment efforts
• Identify emerging community needs and opportunities and collaborate with internal teams to design new programs and partnerships that expand Frost Valley’s impact and accessibility

Staff Leadership, Coaching & Development

• Supervise, coach, and support the Community Programs Coordinator, who serves as the Site Director for the Tri-Valley Elementary School After School Program, including maintaining a regular onsite presence at the school during the academic year
• Provide supervision and support to the Childcare Manager, ensuring alignment with Frost Valley’s standards of care and all licensing requirements
• Partner with the Community Programs Coordinator to recruit, hire, train, evaluate, and retain seasonal, part-time, and leadership staff for day camp, equestrian day camp, afterschool, and community programs
• Inspire and lead the Community Programs staff team by fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work culture; support staff growth through ongoing training, mentoring, and performance feedback
• Ensure staff compliance with all personnel policies and utilize progressive discipline practices as needed

Operations, Systems & Administrative Oversight

• Oversee scheduling and payroll processes for day camp, equestrian day camp, and afterschool staff, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with program needs
• Support the maintenance of participant records and staff files, including registrations, permissions, physicals, emergency information, and training documentation, ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements

Family Engagement & Customer Experience

• Serve as the primary liaison for families, campers, and students, functioning as the main point of contact for day camp, afterschool, and community programs
• Provide excellent customer service through timely and professional communication, building strong, year-round relationships with families and community members

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Coordinate with internal support departments including food service, housekeeping, maintenance and grounds, health services, and IT to ensure programs are well-supported and operate smoothly
• Collaborate with Development teams to support fundraising efforts for day camp scholarships, including participation in Family Nights and community-based fundraising initiatives

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all community programs meet or exceed standards set by the American Camp Association, YMCA of the USA, New York State Department of Health, and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services
• Maintain the childcare license and ensure all regulatory documentation, inspections, and compliance requirements are met consistently and proactively

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, Education, Recreation, Nonprofit Management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience working with youth, including leadership roles within day camps, childcare, afterschool programs, resident camps, or community-based recreational programs
• Demonstrated experience supervising programs and leading, coaching, and supporting staff teams
• Strong ability to build relationships with families, community partners, schools, and local organizations
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and safety-conscious, with the ability to manage multiple programs and priorities
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively, problem-solve, and adapt in a dynamic environment
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain upon employment.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Proficiency in Googlesuite; comfort using program management, scheduling, and payroll software
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, to support programs and community events

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Able to sit or stand for long periods, bend, reach, and lift up to 50lbs
• Able to traverse a variety of terrain
• Able to stand and walk for much of the day

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

FROST VALLEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Work Location & Schedule

This position operates on a hybrid schedule. During the school year, the Community Programs Director will visit the Tri-Valley Elementary School after school program once per week and be on-site at Frost Valley at least once per month.

During the summer season (June–August), the position is fully onsite five days per week while day camp is in session.

RATE OF PAY $65,000.00-$72,000.00 annually, plus generous benefits

DEADLINE TO APPLY: March 14, 2026