Job Description

Imagine going to work each day knowing you are helping children learn, grow, and thrive in a safe, nurturing, and mission-driven environment. The Learning Circle YMCA is seeking a passionate and organized Senior Program Director to lead our Pre-K and All-Day Kindergarten programs while supporting the overall success of our childcare center.

This leadership role provides operational oversight for assigned childcare programs, supports staff development, partners with families, and serves as the Center Director Designee in the absence of the VP of Childcare. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who is passionate about early childhood education, licensing compliance, relationship building, and creating high quality experiences for children and families.

You may be the right fit if you:

• Are passionate about early childhood education and creating positive experiences for children and families
• Have experience leading or supervising staff in a childcare or educational setting
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment and can manage multiple priorities with professionalism and flexibility
• Are highly organized and detail-oriented, especially with licensing and compliance responsibilities
• Communicate effectively and build strong relationships with staff, families, and community partners
• Enjoy coaching and developing others while fostering a positive team culture
• Believe in the YMCA mission of Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and operational oversight for the Pre-K and All-Day Kindergarten programs
• Ensure programs maintain high quality standards, licensing compliance, and a safe, nurturing environment for children and staff
• Serve as the Center Director Designee in accordance with NJ Child Care Licensing regulations when the VP of Childcare is not onsite
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, schedule, and support childcare staff
• Build positive relationships with children, families, school partners, licensing representatives, and community stakeholders
• Maintain accurate licensing, program, and staff records
• Support program budgeting, enrollment growth, and overall program success
• Participate in Grow NJ Kids quality improvement initiatives and ongoing program readiness efforts
• Organize family events, support YMCA fundraising initiatives, and assist with program marketing efforts
• Monitor program effectiveness, participation, and overall operational excellence

Salary & Benefits

This full-time, exempt-level position generally works Monday–Friday during standard business hours, with occasional evening or weekend responsibilities. The Salary range for this position is $65,000 – $76,000 annually, based on experience.

The Summit Area YMCA offers a generous benefits package that includes subsidized medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. Paid time off for vacation, wellness, and holidays, Free YMCA family membership, discounts on YMCA programs and services (including childcare), Ongoing professional training and development and a 12% employer contribution to the YMCA retirement plan upon eligibility.

At the Summit Area YMCA, we are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Our main purpose is to strengthen community. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone can reach their full potential, and we strive to live our cause with purpose every day. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we believe that we’re stronger when we come together.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Recreation, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that meets NJ Dept. of Children and Families Licensing requirements for a Director.
• Minimum of two years of related experience in a leadership, coordinator, or supervisory role in a childcare program required.
• Experience supervising staff in a licensed childcare setting preferred.
• Fulfillment of state-specific hiring standards and completion of YMCA program specific certifications.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Maintains flexibility and adaptability in both time and project management.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple program areas while maintaining compliance with YMCA and licensing requirements.
• Valid CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, or ability to obtain within 3 months.