Group Leader

YMCA; Portsmouth (NH); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

Paid training and professional dev. op

Opportunities for career growth within

Employee discounts on programs, child­

Tuition discounts to NH and online

Flexible work environment

Job summary

Granite YMCA in Portsmouth, NH is seeking Group Leaders for our School Age Childcare team to lead after-school programs, ensuring safe, engaging environments and alignment with YMCA standards.

You will supervise a group of children, plan activities, and collaborate with the Site Director to deliver high-quality programming while modeling our core values.

This role offers opportunities for growth, paid training, and involvement in family engagement events.

Qualifications

• CPR/AED and First Aid certifications (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience working with children in a childcare, school, or camp setting.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage groups of children in a structured environment.
• Positive, patient, and energetic leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily program activities in alignment with YMCA standards and NH state licensing requirements
• Provide a physically and emotionally safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for youth
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities and curriculum
• Build positive relationships with participants, families, and staff; actively supervise at all times
• Oversee attendance, headcounts, and behavior management for assigned group
• Model and promote YMCA core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility
• Respond to incidents and emergencies following YMCA procedures
• Communicate effectively with parents/guardians and provide program updates as needed
• Collaborate with the Site Director and team to maintain high-quality programming and operations
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with policies and procedures
• Support extended programming including school vacations, snow days, and family engagement events
• Demonstrate flexibility and contribute to a positive, team-oriented culture

Skills

CPR/First Aid

Childcare experience

Leadership experience

Communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Group management

Positive leadership

Job description

The Granite YMCA is seeking Group Leaders to join our School Age Childcare team! This is a great opportunity for individuals who enjoy working with children and are ready to take on a leadership role in creating a safe, engaging, and enriching program environment.

As a Group Leader, you will oversee a group of children in our before and after school programs, ensuring high-quality programming that meets YMCA standards and New Hampshire state licensing requirements. With opportunities for growth and advancement, this is more than just a job—it’s a chance to build leadership experience and make a meaningful impact.

Positions available at YMCA branches and local elementary schools.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily program activities in alignment with YMCA standards and NH state licensing requirements
• Provide a physically and emotionally safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for youth
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities and curriculum
• Build positive relationships with participants, families, and staff; actively supervise at all times
• Oversee attendance, headcounts, and behavior management for assigned group
• Model and promote YMCA core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility
• Respond to incidents and emergencies following YMCA procedures
• Communicate effectively with parents/guardians and provide program updates as needed
• Collaborate with the Site Director and team to maintain high-quality programming and operations
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with policies and procedures
• Support extended programming including school vacations, snow days, and family engagement events
• Demonstrate flexibility and contribute to a positive, team-oriented culture

Qualifications:

• CPR/AED and First Aid certifications (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience working with children in a childcare, school, or camp setting required
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage groups of children in a structured environment
• Positive, patient, and energetic leadership style

Benefits & Perks:

• Free YMCA membership
• Paid training and professional development opportunities
• Opportunities for career growth within the YMCA
• Employee discounts on programs, childcare, and more
• Tuition discounts to some NH and online schools
• Flexible work environment

Help lead a program where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow—