Executive Director, Out of School Time & Camp Programs

Why Your Role Matters

The Executive Director (ED) for Out of School Time and Camp Programs plays a vital role in shaping the future of our youth programs and ensuring they remain impactful, innovative, and aligned with the YMCA's mission and values. This position exists to provide strategic leadership and oversight for all aspects of the out-of-school time and Camp programs, with a deep commitment to creating a safe, nurturing, and dynamic environment where children and families can thrive. The ED will lead the Associate Executive Director (AED) and program staff, providing guidance, mentorship, and accountability to ensure that all team members are working toward common goals. This role is responsible for achieving financial targets, managing resources effectively, and ensuring that programs are sustainable and scalable to support continued growth.

A key aspect of this position is fostering and strengthening relationships with community partners, schools, and families to ensure the program's relevance and impact. The ED will also be responsible for strategic decision-making and program development, ensuring that the YMCA continues to offer high-quality, engaging experiences that meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve. In partnership with the Vice President of Youth Development, this role is central to driving forward the YMCA's youth development initiatives, ensuring the creation of programs that not only meet the needs of children and families but also push the boundaries of innovation and excellence in out-of-school time and camp programming. Ultimately, the Executive Director will play a key role in expanding the YMCA's impact, ensuring the programs we offer are a positive, lasting force in the lives of children, families, and communities.

How You Will Make an Impact

Y Experience Leadership & Results

• Lead and manage the out-of-school time and Camp Programs to provide high-quality, child-focused experiences, fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
• Ensure all programs align with YMCA mission, values, and objectives, setting measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for program success.
• Develop and oversee annual goals, strategies, and initiatives in collaboration with the Vice President of Youth Development, Associate Executive Director (AED), and the senior leadership team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the program teams.
• Oversee the hiring, training, and performance management of the AED and Program Directors, ensuring alignment with YMCA people practices.
• Engage in ongoing coaching, performance management, and leadership development of direct reports.

Program Management & Development

• Develop, implement, and evaluate innovative out-of-school time and Camp Programs, ensuring that programs are both high-quality and responsive to community needs.
• Maintain operational excellence, ensuring compliance with all applicable local regulations, YMCA standards, accreditations, and child care licensing requirements.
• Collaborate closely with the Vice President of Youth Development, AED, and Program Directors to evaluate program outcomes, refine strategies, and ensure ongoing improvement.
• Lead the development of new programs and opportunities that enhance YMCA services for children, youth, and families.

Financial Management

• Oversee the budgeting process for out-of-school time and Camp Programs, ensuring that financial resources are allocated to high-priority areas that align with the YMCA's strategic goals.
• Collaborate closely with the AED and senior leadership team to ensure that programs remain financially sustainable and continue to grow year-over-year.
• Regularly track and forecast financial performance, identifying growth opportunities, addressing deficiencies, and implementing corrective actions as needed.

Community & Parent Engagement

• Build and nurture relationships with local schools, parents, and community organizations to ensure strong community engagement and program participation.
• Serve as the key point of contact with external stakeholders and partners, including school districts, program providers and funding organizations.
• Develop and execute community outreach strategies to promote the YMCA's Out-of-School Time and Camp Programs, increasing program enrollment and fostering community partnerships.
• Ensure effective communication with parents, keeping them informed and engaged in their children's experiences and growth.

Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship

• Champion innovation within Out-of-School Time and Camp Programs by integrating design thinking, technology, and new tools to enhance program delivery.
• Lead the organization's efforts to expand the reach and impact of programs, exploring opportunities for collaboration and growth.
• Foster a culture of creativity and entrepreneurial thinking within program teams, continually seeking innovative solutions to enhance program outcomes.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Bring to the Y

You excel at balancing big-picture strategy with hands-on leadership, ensuring Out-of-School Time and Camp programs run effectively while growing to meet community needs. You lead by example, stepping in as needed to support staff, engage with families, and solve challenges in real time. With an entrepreneurial mindset, you drive program innovation, operational excellence, and team development, ensuring a high-quality experience for all participants.

• A Bachelor's degree required in Education, Youth Development, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of eight years of progressive leadership experience in youth development, education, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, including coaching, mentoring, and succession planning at a senior level.
• Extensive experience managing multi-site programs with a strong track record in operational oversight and programmatic growth.
• Significant financial management expertise, including budget creation, financial reporting, and securing diverse funding sources (grants, sponsorships, donations).
• Strong strategic planning skills, with the ability to drive both programmatic and financial sustainability.
• Demonstrated success in building and managing partnerships with schools, community organizations, funders, and government agencies.
• Proven experience in change management, leading innovative initiatives that enhance program impact and efficiency.
• Exceptional relationship-building and public speaking skills, with the ability to represent the YMCA in community engagement, media relations, and advocacy.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk, and occasionally lift and/or move items, including equipment, furniture, and/or children. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.