Director of School Age Programs

Greater Burlington YMCA; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Greater Burlington YMCA in Vermont is seeking a Director of School Age Programs to lead a multi-site network of afterschool programs and summer camps. The role requires frequent travel to program sites to observe, train, and support staff, ensuring quality and licensing compliance.

Ideal candidates have strong leadership experience, education credentials, and a proven ability to build partnerships with schools and families to expand access and impact across communities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in Education or youth-related field preferred.
• Vermont teaching-related credentials or 20+ months school-age experience.
• Minimum 5 years working with school-age children, including 1+ years with diverse abilities.
• At least 2 years of progressive leadership and supervision experience.
• Proven track record navigating state licensing audits.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation for travel to sites.
• Must be able to pass federal and state background/fingerprint checks.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Department Leadership: grow and sustain afterschool and summer camp programs; manage grants and budgets.
• Team Mentorship & Recruitment: hire, onboard, mentor Site Directors; collaborate with HR on retention.
• Hands-on Field Support: travel to sites to observe quality and deliver trainings.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance: ensure licensing compliance and strive for high STARS ratings.
• Community Engagement: build partnerships with schools, families, and stakeholders.

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s in Education or youth-related field

20+ months of direct school-age work experience

Job description

Description

Make a lasting impact on youth development across Vermont!

The Greater Burlington YMCA is a mission-driven non-profit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Y is seeking an experienced Director of School Age Programs to lead, innovate, and expand our multi-site network of after-school programs and summer camps. If you are a strategic leader who loves mentoring educators, building community partnerships, and isn't afraid to roll up your sleeves and dive into the field, then we want to hear from you.

Position Summary:

OurDirector of School Age Programs provides strategic leadership and hands-on operational support for a multi-site network of school age programs. The Director is responsible for driving program innovation, fostering community partnerships, ensuring financial sustainability, and managing a diverse team of educators. This role requires frequent travel locally to our program sites to observe and evaluate programs, deliver staff training, and provide hands-on support to ensure operational excellence and licensing compliance.

Why You'll Love Working at the Y:

• Lead with Purpose: Shape the strategic vision, long-term goals, and expansion strategies for the Y's school-age programs with a focus on innovation, inclusion, quality, and community impact.
• Dynamic Work Environment: Enjoy a blend of strategic leadership and active, hands-on site visits across beautiful Vermont communities. We currently have program sites in Burlington, Georgia, Barre, and Waterbury.
• True Community Impact: Drive equity and accessibility through inclusive curriculum development. Serve as an ambassador of the YMCA, where we believe that everyone — no matter who they are or where they’re from — deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.

What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities)

• Strategic Department Leadership: Develop and lead initiatives to ensure growth and success of all afterschool and summer camp programming. Set long-term expansion goals, manage state grants, and oversee budgets to ensure financial health and sustainability of our programs.
• Team Mentorship & Recruitment: Recruit, onboard, and mentor Site Directors and program staff. Collaborate with HR to develop and implement recruitment and retention strategies to keep our programs fully staffed and thriving. Model the Y's Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in all interactions.
• Hands-on Field Support: Frequently travel to program sites to evaluate program quality, deliver mandatory trainings, and step directly into child-to-staff ratios when needed to support your team.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensure that all program operations meet or exceed state licensing regulations and accreditation requirements. Navigate licensing audits, manage mandatory reporting, and confidently lead sites toward achieving high-tier quality ratings (STARS).
• Community Engagement: Serve as a community liaison, building collaborative deep partnerships with school administrators, stakeholders, and families.

What We're Looking For (Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s in Education or a youth-related field preferred).
• At least one of the following credentials: Vermont Teacher License, Vermont Afterschool Professional Credential, Vermont Program Director Credential, or 20+ months of direct school-age work experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with school-age children (including 1+ years with diverse abilities).
• At least 2 years of progressive leadership and supervisory experience.
• Proven track record navigating state licensing audits.
• Knowledge of Vermont State Afterschool Licensing Regulations,
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and access to reliable transportation is required for frequent travel to program sites.
• Must be able to pass federal and state background/fingerprint checks.

Learn more about YMCA Afterschool Programs and YMCA Summer Camps.