Vice President of Family and Youth Development

The Vice President of Family and Youth Development is a versatile leader with a passion for youth development and dedication to improving family life and connections in our community.   Our VP will be an energetic, organized professional, eager to oversee and grow the New Canaan YMCA’s high-quality and innovative programming.    As a key member of the New Canaan Y’s management team, and under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the VP of Family and Youth Development has oversight responsibility over four areas of our YMCA: childcare and preschool programming, camp and school age programming, inclusion and support programming, and sports and recreational programming for all ages.  

Essential Functions:

The VP of Family and Youth Development ensures that the New Canaan YMCA’s Youth and Family programming is inviting, engaging, inclusive, and fun!   This position oversees the growth and development of programs and events that strengthen our community and change lives. 

The ideal candidate:

• Can provide strategic leadership and supervision of high quality, well-attended and financially sustainable Youth and Family programming 
• Has initiative, is able to lead and inspire teams to build, innovate, test and expand the value and scope of our programs  
• Guides our Directors to develop programs that challenge, interest and meet the developmental needs of participants
• Loves camp and outdoor programs and will assure that they operate effectively and offer a high-quality memorable experiences to campers
• Is knowledgeable of the needs and interests of families and desires to strengthen family connections and provide opportunities for engagement and entertainment
• Appreciates the value and necessity of high-quality, nurturing childcare that offers age-appropriate experiences for children to develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills at their own pace
• Has a passion for and experience developing sports and movement-based programs for all ages, including clinics and day camps
• Is detail-oriented and understands the vital importance of ensuring the safety of members and our community in all programs 
• Is collaborative and has strong decision-making skills
• Has excellent communication skills (written and oral) and interpersonal skills
• Has the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, and
• Meets deadlines

Principal Activities:

• Direct and supervise program Directors to assure programs are in line with the Y’s mission and strategic direction  
• Oversee growth, development, and advancement of Directors under supervision
• Work closely with other YMCA Directors as needed
• Knowledge of and adherence to the established budget, financial and business procedures of the YMCA
• Hire, train, and supervise staff and volunteers in assigned areas 
• Review and evaluate performance of direct reports 
• Set goals and objectives and develop strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals
• Attend and report at Board of Directors and Committee meetings 

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships within the community, including schools, local government and local Recreation Department
• Assure compliance with state and local regulations, program standards, and safety procedures

1. Bachelor’s degree (Business, Sports Management, Recreational Management or similar field preferred). 
2. Four or more years of program management experience, preferably in a YMCA or other nonprofit agency. 
3. Direct service experience with youth and families, experience in a camp or outdoor program preferred.
4. Experience supervising five or more full-time exempt staff. 
5. Ability to direct programs through supervision of staff, development and monitoring of budgets, marketing and public relations. 
6. YMCA Team Leader or Multi-team/Branch Leader certification preferred.
7. CPR and First Aid certifications may be required.

General:

• Regularly demonstrate behaviors in each of the YMCA Four Core Values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility
• Attend all professional staff meetings to keep informed of all activities at the YMCA
• Assist in all YMCA activities and special events, as needed, to ensure their success
• Perform other duties as designated by the supervisor

Salary : $100,000 - $115,000