Child and Youth Manager

Ymca-of-Southern-Interior-Bc; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Wellness days

Dental benefits

YMCA membership

YMCA pension 5%

Job summary

The YMCA of Southern Interior BC in Kelowna is seeking a collaborative and strategic Child and Youth Manager to lead our Child & Youth programs and oversee experiences across Health, Fitness, and Aquatics. Reporting to the General Manager, you will drive program excellence, coach staff, and ensure high-quality participant experiences.

Responsibilities include program development, staff coaching, budget oversight, and building partnerships to strengthen outcomes for children, youth, and families.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Recreation, Education, Child & Youth Development, Business, Leadership, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of progressively responsible leadership in program management and team leadership.
• Experience managing budgets and financial accountability.
• Experience leading high-performing teams and staff development.
• Experience with quality assurance, service excellence, or continuous improvement is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of YMCA programs.
• Grow Child & Youth programming and accessibility for youth 11+.
• Train, coach, and support staff in program planning, delivery, evaluation, and improvement.
• Conduct regular program and staff evaluations to enhance quality and impact.
• Collaborate with Marketing to meet registration and participation targets.
• Build community partnerships to support program growth.
• Oversee payroll and operational processes for program staff.
• Manage program budgets and financial stewardship.
• Monitor service quality and align with YMCA standards and National Experience Program.
• Support fundraising initiatives and promote philanthropy.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Staff development

Budgeting

Quality assurance

Customer service

Education

Post-secondary education in Recreation/Education/Child & Youth Development/Business/Leadership

Job description

Kelowna Family Y
375 Hartman Rd
Kelowna, BC V1X2M9, CAN

Description

The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is seeking a collaborative and strategic leader to champion program excellence across our organization. Reporting to the General Manager, the Child and Youth Manager oversees our Child & Youth programs while driving consistent, high-quality participant experiences across our Health, Fitness, and Aquatics departments.

This role combines program leadership, staff development, quality assurance, community engagement, and operational oversight. The successful candidate will help strengthen and expand YMCA programming, enhance participant outcomes, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence.

Quick Facts

• Compensation: $26.69 per hour, based on experience
  • Paid vacation, wellness, and family responsibility days
  • Extended health and dental benefits
  • YMCA membership for employee and family
  • YMCA pension contribution of 5% after two years of employment
• Reporting to: General Manager, Kelowna Family Y
• Team: Direct leadership of Child & Youth staff, with oversight and coaching support for program teams across the centre (up to 20 staff and volunteers)
• Location: Kelowna Family YMCA
• Schedule: Full-time flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends to support program operations and staff teams

Why This Role Matters

At the YMCA, programs create opportunities for people to connect, grow, and belong. The Child and Youth Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that every participant experiences welcoming, impactful, and high-quality programming regardless of where they engage with us.

By supporting staff development, program innovation, and operational excellence, this leader helps strengthen the YMCA's impact on children, youth, families, and community members throughout the Southern Interior of British Columbia.

What You Will Do

Lead the development, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of YMCA programs while ensuring exceptional experiences for participants and staff.

• Lead and grow Child & Youth programming, with a focus on expanding opportunities and accessibility for youth aged 11+.
• Establish and implement YMCA program excellence standards and participant experience criteria across program areas.
• Train, coach, and support staff teams in program planning, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement practices.
• Conduct regular program and staff evaluations, identifying opportunities to enhance quality and impact.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to promote programs and achieve registration and participation targets.
• Build and strengthen community partnerships that support program growth and community needs.
• Support direct reports through mentorship, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Oversee payroll administration and operational processes for Child & Youth program staff.
• Manage program budgets responsibly and ensure sound financial stewardship.
• Monitor service quality metrics and ensure alignment with YMCA standards and the National Experience Program.
• Support YMCA fundraising initiatives and promote the value of philanthropy within the community.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, accountability, and excellence.

What You Bring

• Post-secondary education in Recreation, Education, Child & Youth Development, Business, Leadership, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3-5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in program management, program evaluation, and team leadership.
• Experience managing budgets and financial accountability.
• Demonstrated success leading high-performing teams and supporting staff development.
• Experience implementing quality assurance, service excellence, or continuous improvement initiatives is considered an asset.
• Strong program planning, evaluation, and operational management skills.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong written, verbal, and public speaking skills.
• Sound judgment and effective decision-making in complex situations.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on operational leadership.
• Strong customer service orientation and commitment to participant experience.

Who You Are

• Passionate about creating positive outcomes for children, youth, and communities.
• A collaborative leader who inspires trust, engagement, and accountability.
• Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Adaptable and solutions-focused, with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Dedicated to delivering exceptional service and meaningful participant experiences.
• A relationship builder who values teamwork, partnership, and community impact.

Why Join Us

At YMCA of Southern Interior BC, you'll join a purpose-driven organization dedicated to strengthening communities and helping people reach their full potential.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead innovative programs that positively impact thousands of participants each year.
• Work alongside passionate and supportive colleagues.
• Influence organizational excellence and participant experience.
• Build meaningful community partnerships.
• Grow your leadership career within one of the region's leading charitable organizations.
• Make a lasting difference in the lives of children, youth, families, and community members.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search.
• Three professional references.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Legally entitled to work in Canada.

The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is an equity employer and encourages applications from all individuals who may contribute to the diversity of our workplace. This includes persons with diverse abilities, persons of colour and ethnicity, Indigenous persons (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit), and people of all sexual orientations and genders.

Application Deadline: September 8th, 2026