Director of Child Care, Camp and Early Learning

YMCA of Greenwich; Greenwich (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Greenwich YMCA is seeking a visionary Director of Child Care, Camp & Early Learning to lead strategy, program quality, and growth across Afterschool, Summer Day Camp, Child Watch, and the Early Learning Center. Reporting to the VP of Youth Development, you will ensure safe, developmentally appropriate experiences and ensure licensing compliance across all programs.

You will lead a driven team, manage budgets, and build strong community partnerships to expand impact in Greenwich and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Recreation, Human Services, or related field preferred.
• 4+ years of program management experience in youth-serving organizations.
• Proven track record of growing programs, enrollment, and revenue.
• Strong knowledge of licensing regs and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement plans to drive enrollment growth across Afterschool, Camp, and ELC.
• Ensure ELC curriculum aligns with best practices and readiness outcomes.
• Oversee safety, staffing, and quality across all program sessions.
• Monitor budgets and drive operational efficiency.
• Foster community engagement with parents and partners.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Enrollment growth

Staff development

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education, Recreation, Human Services, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database management

Job description

The Greenwich YMCA, a cornerstone of our community for over a century, is seeking a visionary and dynamic Director of Child Care, Camp & Early Learning. This leadership role is responsible for the strategic growth, operational excellence, and cause-driven impact of our core youth programs, including Afterschool, Summer Day Camp, Child Watch, and our Early Learning Center (ELC).

The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial leader passionate about identifying community needs and building high quality programs. Reporting to the Vice President of Youth Development, this leader will ensure best-in-class execution of existing services while focusing on elevating the quality, safety, and developmental impact of every program offered. This leader will ensure all programs meet or exceed the rigorous standards set by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) or other licensing standards, fostering a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for every child from infancy through the teen years. As a key member of the organizational leadership team, the Director will be instrumental in multiplying our mission and deepening our impact throughout Greenwich and the surrounding areas.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Strategic Program Growth & Development

• Develop and implement operating plans to drive enrollment growth, retention, and revenue across Afterschool, Camp, and ELC, while introducing new offerings without compromising program quality.
• Partner with the Director of Education to ensure the Early Learning Center's curriculum remains developmentally appropriate, aligned with early childhood best practices, and supportive of school-readiness outcomes, social emotional development and community guidelines.
• Ensure Summer Day Camp delivers a high-quality, safe, and engaging experience for every camper, upholding rigorous program, staffing, and safety standards across all camp sessions and specialty offerings.
• Conduct ongoing market analysis and community needs assessments to identify opportunities for enrollment growth and ensure programs remain responsive to community needs.
• Establish and monitor quality standards and outcome measures across all program lines including pursuing applicable accreditation and quality rating designations using participant, family, and staff feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Partner with the marketing department to create compelling campaigns that effectively promote program value, drive enrollment, and enhance visibility in the community.

Operational Management & Compliance

• Ensure Afterschool, Camp, and ELC all operate in full compliance with Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) regulations, including licensing, staff-to-child ratios, health and safety protocols, and mandatory background checks.
• Drive consistent day-to-day operational efficiency across all program sites including staffing coverage, scheduling, and site logistics so every location runs smoothly regardless of program type.
• Develop and manage the departmental annual budget with precision, ensuring sound fiscal management so programs operate efficiently and meet financial targets.
• Maintain strong risk management practices, including incident reporting, health records, and required program documentation, in accordance with YMCA standards and Connecticut OEC requirements.
• Serve as the escalation point for family and participant concerns that cannot be resolved at the program level, ensuring timely, professional follow-up and resolution.
• Work collaboratively with the facilities team to ensure all program spaces are safe, well-maintained, and equipped with age-appropriate materials that support a high-quality experience.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Serve as the primary leader for staff recruitment, hiring, training, and development across Afterschool, Camp, and the Early Learning Center, building a high-performing, values-driven team at every level.
• Model the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all interactions.
• Ensure all staff complete required training and certifications including First Aid, CPR/AED, Administration of Medication, and Mandated Reporter training plus early childhood-specific training hours for ELC staff as required by state licensing.
• Implement robust staff development plans, conduct regular performance evaluations, and provide ongoing coaching to empower staff and achieve departmental goals.
• Manage departmental payroll and scheduling to ensure optimal program coverage and fiscal responsibility.

Community Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with parents, school administrators, and community leaders, serving as a primary ambassador for YMCA youth child care programs.
• Recruit, train, and steward a network of program volunteers to support our mission and expand our capacity.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Recreation, Human Services, Early Childhood Education, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of 4+ years of experience in program management, preferably in a YMCA or similar youth-serving organization.
• Proven track record of successfully growing programs, increasing enrollment, and expanding revenue streams is essential.
• Deep knowledge of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) regulations for child care, youth camps, and early learning programs is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Experience developing and managing complex budgets.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• An entrepreneurial and innovative mindset with the ability to translate strategic vision into operational reality.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and experience with database management.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings and weekends.
• Familiarity with early childhood accreditation frameworks (e.g., NAEYC) or a state Quality Rating System is a plus.

Required Certifications

• Current certifications in CPR and First Aid (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Must successfully complete Connecticut Mandated Reporter Training upon hiring.
• Medication Administration certification is a plus (or ability to obtain).

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor), while maintaining alertness for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
• Must be able to lift and carry supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.