Job Description

Job Location Griffith Family YMCA - Griffith, IN 46319 Position Type Full Time Salary Range $20.67 - $25.00 Hourly

Join our team as the Early Learning Academy Director and help shape the future of our community's youngest learners!

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The ELA Director is responsible for the effective operation of all elements of the Early Learning Academy. Responsibility includes, but is not limited to program operation, program development and growth, participant satisfaction, retention & safety, collaborations, and staff supervision. They are accountable for delivering exception programs to service YMCA members and participants. The ELA Director monitors and analyzes overall functioning of operations and initiates adjustments for changes as needed to improve the quality for the children and development. They are a vital member of YMCA leadership staff and a highly visible representative of the YMCA mission, core values and are accountable for knowing and properly executing all YMCA policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Directs and supervises program activities to meet the needs of the community and fulfill YMCA objectives. Establishes new program activities and expands programs within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations.
2. Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules and directs personnel and volunteers as needed. Reviews and evaluates staff performance.
3. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals. Ensures records of staff certifications are current and complete.
4. Conducts and ensures proper maintenance of relative program equipment. Secures and schedules program facilities.
5. Conducts and schedules program classes.
6. Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information.
7. Develops and monitors program budget to meet fiscal objectives.
8. Implement the Association’s risk management program to ensure safe facilities and programs for members, volunteers, and staff.
9. Play a key role in the Annual Campaign by ensuring all staff is asked to give and provide a reply; and by engaging volunteers in our cause-driven work and/or campaign efforts.
10. Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions. Responds to all member and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
11. Assists with cabinet meetings.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education with a Kindergarten Endorsement.
2. Minimum 3 years related experience required.
3. Experience and knowledge of Indiana state licensing regulations, policies, and procedures.
4. Certified CPR/First Aid/AED, New Employee Orientation within 30 days of hire.
5. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
6. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
7. Ability to direct department operations through volunteer development, supervision of staff, development and monitoring of branch budget, marketing and public relations, and program development.
8. Adept computer skills in Office 365.
9. Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.

TECHNICAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Plan, develop, implement, and maintain all Early Learning Academy programs and Kids Zone/Kids Club.
2. Ensure that the facility and staff adhere to all state licensing regulations.
3. Maintain Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) payment posting.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

The National YMCA Mission:

“To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.”

Mission Advancement Mo dels and teaches the Y’s values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development , and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities , strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth Shares new insights. Facilitates change/ models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively.
• Must have a high level of alertness, concentration, and initiative.
• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform job responsibilities.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; occasionally stoop/bend.
• Subject to outdoor weather conditions.
• Maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times.

Qualifications