Program Director - Before & After School Care

Pay starting at $21.00 per hour and up based on experience

Join the Y as a School Age Director!  Lead a team in a fast-paced, mission- driven environment for kids and families in Lake County.  You will oversee high-impact before school, after school, and camp experiences that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Be a part of the fastest growing Y Association in the country!!

About the Role

This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for the success of YMCA School Age programs serving children and families across multiple sites. You'll lead a large team of staff, oversee daily operations, and ensure every child has a safe, engaging, and enriching experience. This role is hands-on, fast-paced, and highly visible. You'll spend your time supporting staff, building relationships with families and school partners, managing program operations, developing employees, and creating exceptional experiences that advance youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

What You'll Do

• Lead the day-to-day operations of before school, after school, school break, and camp programs.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, coach, schedule, and develop a team of staff members.
• Foster a positive, inclusive culture where children, families, and staff feel welcomed, supported, and valued.
• Implement curriculum and ensure programs meet YMCA quality standards and licensing requirements.
• Build collaborative relationships with schools, community organizations, families, and volunteers.
• Monitor program quality, participant satisfaction, enrollment, and retention.
• Develop and manage program budgets while supporting financial goals and sustainable growth.
• Coordinate program schedules, staffing, supplies, equipment, and facility needs.
• Market programs and promote YMCA opportunities throughout the community.
• Respond professionally to parent concerns, staff questions, and operational challenges.
• Compile program statistics and evaluate program effectiveness to support continuous improvement.
• Support YMCA fundraising initiatives, special events, leadership meetings, and organizational priorities.
• Maintain a safe environment by following YMCA policies and responding appropriately to emergencies.

What We're Looking For

• A people-first leader who enjoys coaching, mentoring, and developing others.
• Someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment where every day brings new opportunities and challenges.
• A relationship builder who enjoys connecting with children, families, schools, and community partners.
• A strong communicator who leads with empathy, professionalism, and accountability.
• An organized leader who can successfully balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Someone passionate about creating meaningful experiences that help children succeed.
• A mission-driven professional committed to strengthening communities through youth development.

This Role Might Not Be a Fit If…

• You prefer a slow-paced or highly predictable work environment.
• You're looking for a position that is primarily office-based or administrative.
• You don't enjoy leading, coaching, and holding staff accountable.
• You prefer working independently rather than collaborating with families, schools, and community partners.
• You're uncomfortable managing multiple priorities, schedules, and staffing needs simultaneously.
• You avoid difficult conversations, conflict resolution, or performance management.
• You are unable to work a flexible schedule that includes mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, or occasional holidays.
• You don't enjoy being actively involved in programs and supporting staff in the field.

Why You'll Love It Here

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families every day.
• Lead a passionate team dedicated to helping youth reach their full potential.
• Join one of the fastest-growing YMCA associations in the country.
• Help shape programs that strengthen schools, families, and communities.
• Work alongside collaborative leaders who invest in your professional growth.
• Build a rewarding career with opportunities for advancement throughout the YMCA.

What You Bring

• Associate's degree in education, recreation, child development, human services, or a related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience in youth development, school-age programming, childcare, recreation, education, or a related field
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience supervising, developing, and motivating employees.
• Ability to build relationships with children, families, schools, and diverse community members.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and other business technology.
• Ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple priorities.
• Commitment to safety, inclusion, and exceptional customer service.

What the Job Is Really Like

• You'll spend your days balancing leadership, coaching, problem-solving, and operational management.
• No two days are the same—you may start your morning visiting before-school sites, spend the afternoon supporting after-school programs, interview new staff, meet with school partners, assist a family, and finish the day reviewing budgets or preparing for summer camp.
• You'll regularly visit program locations, support staff in real time, and be a visible leader for children, families, and community partners.
• Success requires flexibility, strong communication, organization, and the ability to adapt as priorities shift throughout the day.
• While the work is demanding, it is incredibly rewarding to watch children grow, families thrive, and staff develop into future leaders

Our benefits include:

• Health care medical coverage
• Dental and vision insurance
• Employer-paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 12% employer retirement contribution
• Complimentary YMCA family membership
• 50% discount on most YMCA programs
• Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities

We encourage our staff to take full advantage of YMCA programs and facilities to support their own health, well-being, and work-life balance.

Our Mission

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

Salary : $21