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Barkley Early Learning Center Director

Whatcom Family YMCA
Bellingham, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/29/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/28/2026

Job Details

Job Location:    Whatcom Family YMCA - Bellingham, WA
Position Type:    Full Time
Salary Range:    $27.30 - $34.00 Hourly

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Early Learning Center Director is responsible for directing and overseeing early learning programming at an assigned center. The Center Director will also develop and manage budgets, supervise staff and volunteers, and foster relationships with families and community organizations to promote program participation and safety.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Directs and manages the operations of assigned program areas. Supporting day-to-day operations of the center including purchasing, scheduling, family communication, meal preparation and delivery, and other assigned duties that support overall program operations meeting or exceeding state, county or local licensing regulations. 
  2. Monitors the program budget to meet fiscal objectives; compiling program statistics to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of and participation in the programs; scheduling and maintaining the needed facilities; and creating and scheduling the activities or events.This may include support for billing with CACFP, DCYF WCCC or other third-party payers for assigned program areas.
  3. Assess programs to align with community needs to include supervising existing program activities, supporting new program activities, and expanding the program within the community as needed. Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information.
  4. Ensures programs and services are culturally relevant and developmentally appropriate for participants while encouraging an inclusive environment that welcomes a diverse array of the community.
  5. Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules and directs staff and volunteers that meet basic licensing standards.  Review and evaluate performance. Develop strategies to motivate staff and volunteers to achieve department goals. Ensure certifications are current and complete for assigned staff and volunteers.
  6. Collaborates with other departments to create a comprehensive experience for participants, members and the community.
  7. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions; develops and maintains collaborative relationships with staff, parents and caregivers, and school district personnel to maximize program impact and drive overall outcomes; maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within the area of responsibility.
  8. Assures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as they relate to program areas, including ADA accommodations where appropriate; ensures that YMCA program standards are met and safety procedures followed.
  9. Actively participates in fundraising efforts, program sponsorship opportunities and committees as assigned.
  10. Follows organization’s policies and procedures regarding protecting youth from abuse; including screening and selection, training and supervision, and responding to allegations. Communicate to all staff and volunteers the organization’s commitment to protect youth from abuse.
  11. Follows mandated reporting requirements.

 

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY:

Everything we do at the YMCA is based on the ideal that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or identity, diverse abilities, age, religion, socioeconomic status or any other statuses or identities. Our work is focused on eliminating barriers to access, eliminating disparities in health, providing educational support, supporting working families, and growing our next generation of changemakers for our country.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES-TEAM LEADER:

Advancing Our Mission & Cause: Engaging Community, Volunteerism, Philanthropy, Change Leadership

Building Relationships: Collaboration, Communication & Influence, Inclusion

Leading Operations: Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Fiscal Management, Functional Expertise, Innovation, Program/Project Management

Developing & Inspiring People: Developing Self & Others, Emotional Maturity

Qualifications


QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Minimum three years related experience working with youth ages birth-five. 
  • Prior leadership experience in the classroom or as a center director, assistant director is preferred.
  • A bachelor’s degree, ideally in a related field of study to youth development, child development, outdoor education, education, recreation or similarly appropriate field is required.
  • Two years or more of supervising experience including paid and volunteer position.
  • Minimum age of 21 years or older.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and teams effectively.
  • Passionate about serving youth and families, with a commitment to the YMCA mission.
  • An understanding of positive youth development principles and experience in child care or recreation program implementation.
  • Strong communication skills with youth and adults is essential.
  • Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  • Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Within 30 days of hire include completion of: Child Abuse Prevention Modules; Working with Program Volunteers; CPR; First Aid; AED; Bloodborne Pathogens; Washington State Food Handling Permit; TB Test; DCYF Safe Sleep Training; all other required DCYF Training Modules.
  • Fulfillment of state-specific hiring standards (if any) and completion of YMCA program specific certifications (list).
  • 30 Hour STARS Basic Training; exemption or completion
  • Basic computer knowledge including but not limited to Microsoft programs, Google, etc. 
  • Personal transportation and YMCA van certification required. 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
  • The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 

Salary : $27 - $34

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