Job Description
Our Mission
YMCA Buffalo Niagara is a charitable, community-based organization committed to providing programs designed to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
Full-Time Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following comprehensive benefits package is offered to full-time employees and is designed to support your health, financial security, and career growth:
• Free health insurance
• Employer-paid group term life insurance (1x annual salary)
• Employer-paid long-term disability coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Child & Family Services
• A variety of voluntary benefit options
Employees are immediately eligible to enroll and contribute to the Y Retirement Fund 403(b) plan, with a generous 12% employer-paid contribution after eligibility requirements are met.
Our comprehensive paid time off program includes personal time off, holidays, and sick leave.
Staff receive a complimentary YMCA Buffalo Niagara membership and program discounts.
Additional benefits include ongoing training, an extensive leadership development program, and opportunities for career advancement.
The Program Director is responsible for the leadership, development, and daily operations of School Age Child Care and Day Camp programs at assigned locations. This position ensures high-quality, safety, and engaging programs that meet community needs while supporting YMCA mission-driven outcomes. The Program Director recruits, develops, and supervises staff, manages program operations and budgets, and ensures compliance with all applicable regulations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Program Leadership & Development
Ensures programs meet community needs by overseeing current offerings, evaluating effectiveness, and developing or expanding programs as appropriate. Supports marketing and outreach efforts to promote participation and community engagement.
2. Operations & Fiscal Management
Directs the day-to-day operations of SACC and Day Camp programs. Develops, manages, and monitors program budgets to meet or exceed fiscal goals. Maintains accurate participant records, tracks enrollment and engagement, and implements improvements based on data and feedback.
3. Staff Leadership & Development
Recruits, hires, trains, and supervises program staff. Provides ongoing coaching, professional development, and performance evaluations to build a strong, engaged team. Ensures staff schedules are effectively managed and all required certifications and trainings are current.
4. Relationship Building & Communication
Models and fosters a culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration. Builds and maintains strong relationships with staff, families, participants, school partners, OCFS representatives, and community stakeholders. Communicates clearly, consistently, and professionally.
5. Compliance & Risk Management
Ensures full compliance with YMCA policies and all federal, state, and local regulations, including New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) licensing requirements. Maintains a safe environment by enforcing safety procedures, conducting regular inspections, and ensuring proper documentation.
6. Facilities & Program Environment
Maintains clean, safe, and well-organized program spaces. Ensures adequate supplies are available and equipment is properly maintained and utilized.
7. YMCA Leadership & Engagement
Actively participates in YMCA initiatives, including committees, special events, and fundraising activities. Serves as a member of the YMCA management team and supports the overall mission, vision, and strategic objectives of the organization.
8. Additional Responsibilities
Performs other duties as assigned to support program success and organizational effectiveness.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Minimum of two (2) years of related experience, including at least one (1) year in a supervisory or leadership role.
3. Meets New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) requirements for a School Age Child Care Director, including: Associate’s degree in a childcare/development-related field or completion of at least 60 college credits with 18 credits in a related field; and Two (2) years of direct experience working with children under age 13, including one (1) year in a supervisory capacity
4. Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and retain high-performing teams.
5. Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
6. Sound judgment with the ability to problem-solve and make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.
7. Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and all segments of the community.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demand described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
• Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, sit, reach with hands, grasp, stand, sit, hear, speak, have finger dexterity, walk, lift up to 25 pounds, push, pull and have visual acuity.
• Remain alert at all times.
Responsibilities require a flexible work schedule including evening/weekend hours and require travel to various locations.
YMCA Buffalo Niagara is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
