Director of School Age and Youth Services

ROME GROUP; Quebec; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization is searching for a Director of School Age and Youth Services to lead its Out of School Time programs. You will design evidence-based strategies, oversee budgeting and compliance, and manage a talented team. This role is critical for adopting best practices in child and youth development and ensuring successful partnerships. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree and at least 7 years of experience in related fields. Applicants must exhibit exceptional leadership skills and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in child and youth services.
• Management experience including coaching and team development.
• Ability to manage complex projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement child and youth development strategies.
• Provide oversight to the management team executing lesson plans.
• Ensure compliance with program licensing and regulatory standards.

Skills

Exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills

Strong budgeting and financial acumen

Excellent communication skills

Deep understanding of child and youth development best practices

Self-directed and collaborative

Education

Master’s Degree in Education, Social Work, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Unleashing Potential is looking for a Director of School Age and Youth Services to take our Out of School Time programs to the next level. In this role, you’ll design innovative, evidence-based programs, guide and inspire a talented team, and build partnerships that make a real difference in our community. You’ll oversee everything from strategy and staff development to budgeting, compliance, and grant management, ensuring our programs not only meet but exceed the gold standard in child and youth development. If you’re ready to combine big-picture vision with hands-on leadership to create lasting impact, we want to meet you.

SUMMARY:

The Director of School Age and Youth Services provides strategic leadership, vision, and operational oversight for all Out of School Time (OST) programs delivered by Unleashing Potential. This role combines high-level strategy, staff supervision, program innovation, and compliance management with the daily administrative and financial responsibilities tied to grants, licensing, parent engagement, and data reporting. This position plays a critical role in shaping UP’s long-term vision and being the gold standard in child and youth development.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership and Program Development

• Develops and implements child and youth development strategies aligned with UP’s mission and vision
• Identifies unmet community needs and develops innovative, evidence-based programmatic responses
• Builds strategic partnerships with school districts, funders, state and local governments, and community-based organizations
• Integrates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles into all program areas, ensuring inclusive, culturally responsive environments
• Provides oversight to the management team in executing developmentally appropriate lesson plans, social-emotional learning activities, and other educational initiatives that promote the growth and academic success of children in OST programs
• Cultivates strong, collaborative relationships with principals and school administrators to align and coordinate educational efforts that support and enhance student success within program sites

Administrative and Financial Program Oversight

• Oversees all administrative and financial tasks related to the operation of School Age Services (SAS), including invoicing, budgeting, reporting and data entry
• Manages parent billing and subsidy tracking through Wondershool and Jotform, ensuring timely invoicing, reconciliation of subsidies, and cross-training of staff
• Collaborates with Finance and Development to create and manage program budgets, monitor actuals, and align resources to strategic goals
• Ensures timely and accurate completion of all reporting requirements including DESE, SAC, 21st Century, KidsCare, and internal SAS reports

Grant and Compliance Management

• Manages aspects of grant compliance and reporting as assigned, including proposal development, ongoing monitoring, invoicing, and final reports
• Oversees compliance with all program licensing, accreditation, and regulatory standards (DESE, COA, etc.)

Staff Supervision and Organizational Leadership

• Directly supervises and supports Site Managers and key administrative staff
• Provides leadership, coaching, goal-setting, and performance evaluation to ensure program excellence
• In concert with Human Resources, oversees recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of staff to ensure alignment with UP’s standards of quality and impact
• Builds internal capacity for succession planning, continuous improvement, and cross-program collaboration

Program Outcomes and Evaluation

• Works with the Evaluation team to develop program logic models and measurable outcomes
• Monitors outcome data to guide continuous improvement and ensures data-informed decision-making throughout the department.
• Leads efforts to align program activities with the agency’s overall impact framework and outcome benchmarks

External Relations and Advocacy

• Represents Unleashing Potential at local, state, and national meetings, coalitions, and stakeholder events
• Acts as a spokesperson for the agency’s work in OST programs, including sharing best practices, challenges, and outcomes
• Builds relationships with funders, policymakers, and advocacy groups to elevate the profile and influence of UP’s programs

EDUCATION/JOB EXPERIENCE/OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Education, Social Work, or related field
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in child and youth services
• Strong knowledge of Missouri childcare and OST regulatory agencies
• Management experience including coaching, performance management, and team development
• Center Director Certification for 99+ or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES

• Exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills
• Strong budgeting and financial acumen
• Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written
• Ability to manage complex projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Deep understanding of child and youth development best practices
• Self-directed and collaborative, with strong emotional intelligence and adaptability
• Committed to professional conduct, ethical leadership, and continuous improvement
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with ability to learn other state/federal compliance software

PROFESSIONALISM and WORK CONDUCT

• Demonstrates high integrity and ethical standards
• Maintains professional boundaries and relationships with families, youth, and partners
• Seeks ongoing professional development and models lifelong learning

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

• Some evening and weekend hours required
• Moderate physical activity including reaching, kneeling, and lifting up to 25 pounds
• Must have reliable personal transportation and valid driver’s license for travel to multiple sites
• Occasional travel within Missouri for training, site visits, or state advocacy

APPLY AT: Careers – Unleashing Potential

Unleashing Potential is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because that is what drives curiosity, innovation, and the success of our agency. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.