Program Director 1- Middle School Operations

YMCA of Memphis & The MId; Cordova (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Memphis & The Mid is seeking a Program Director 1 to oversee Middle School programs, manage staff, and support strategic outcomes. This role works closely with Teen Department leadership to deliver experiences reflecting the YMCA’s values of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), 1–3 years in teen programming, and strong communication skills, with flexibility for travel between sites and some

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, nonprofit management, or related field preferred.
• Equivalency of education and experience will be considered.
• 1–3 years of experience in teen programming, afterschool programs, or similar environments.
• Experience supervising or leading teams is preferred but not required.
• Ability to meet DHS licensing requirements (training upon hire).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Willingness to travel between sites and work some evenings/weekends.
• Basic understanding of financial and operational management practices preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day implementation of Middle School programs, ensuring safe, engaging, and mission-aligned experiences for youth.
• Supervise and coach full time & part-time staff to deliver high-quality programming and maintain a strong culture of youth engagement and development.
• Supports the hiring and training of site staff.
• Collaborate with school staff, community partners, parents, and volunteers to ensure programming is responsive to youth interests and safety and inclusion goals.
• Regularly visits program sites to provide developmental feedback and ensure compliance with program quality, licensing, and safety standards.
• Ensures the implementation of curriculum and high-quality programming for students and families.
• Assists with marketing and registration efforts to drive enrollment.
• Maintains strong relationships with school leadership, community partners, families, and other key stakeholders.
• Supports operational tasks including attendance tracking, supply management, incident reporting, and basic financial tasks (program invoicing).
• Ensure compliance with YMCA safety and behavior policies, and uphold all risk management standards.
• Attend trainings, planning meetings, and professional development activities as needed.
• Grant Management & Reporting: Monitor grant deliverables, maintain accurate records and documentation, and support the preparation of mid-year and end-of-year reports for funders. Ensure that programs operate in alignment with philanthropic goals and funding expectations.
• Collaborates with senior leadership to maintain program excellence and identify areas for growth or improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong communication

Diversity, equity, inclusion

Travel to sites

Leadership/ supervision

Financial & operational awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred in education, social work, nonprofit management, or related field

Job description

Description

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

This role is ideal for a passionate youth development professional looking to grow into nonprofit leadership. The Program Director 1 ensures the successful operation of Middle School programming by managing program logistics, leading part-time staff, and supporting strategic outcomes. An additional focus of this position is to work intensely in communities to build quality programs. This role works closely with the Teen Department leadership to deliver meaningful experiences that reflect the YMCA’s values of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Oversee day-to-day implementation of Middle School programs, ensuring safe, engaging, and mission-aligned experiences for youth.
• Supervise and coach full time & part-time staff to deliver high-quality programming and maintain a strong culture of youth engagement and development.
• Supports the hiring and training of site staff.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including school staff, community partners, parents, and volunteers to ensure programming is responsive to youth interests and aligned with safety and inclusion goals.
• Regularly visits program sites to provide developmental feedback and ensure compliance with program quality, licensing, and safety standards.
• Ensures the implementation of curriculum and high-quality programming for students and families.
• Assists with marketing and registration efforts to drive enrollment.
• Maintains strong relationships with school leadership, community partners, families, and other key stakeholders.
• Supports operational tasks including attendance tracking, supply management, incident reporting, and basic financial tasks (such as program invoicing).
• Ensure compliance with YMCA safety and behavior policies, and uphold all risk management standards.
• Attend trainings, planning meetings, and professional development activities as needed.
• Grant Management & Reporting: Monitor grant deliverables, maintain accurate records and documentation, and support the preparation of mid-year and end-of-year reports for funders. Ensure that programs operate in alignment with philanthropic goals and funding expectations.
• Collaborates with senior leadership to maintain program excellence and identify areas for growth or improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement:

Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the Y’s efforts for all stakeholders.

Collaboration:

Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the Y. Serves as a community leader building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance the Y’s mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.

Operational Effectiveness:

Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves staff at all levels in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.

Personal Growth:

Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Behavioral Characteristics:

Welcoming, Nurturing, Determined, Hopeful, and Genuine.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience considered.
• 1–3 years of experience working in teen programming, afterschool programs, summer camps, or similar environments.
• Experience supervising or leading teams is preferred, but not required.
• Ability to meet DHS licensing requirements (able to complete training upon hire).
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to travel between assigned sites and work flexible hours (some evenings and weekends required).
• Basic understanding of financial and operational management practices preferred.

WORK SCHEDULE:

This position follows a primarily weekday schedule (Monday through Friday), with some evening and weekend hours required based on program needs and special events. This is an in-person role.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Climbing, sitting, standing, pushing, walking, kneeling, and stooping

2. Some Exposure to the outdoor elements

3. Exposure to electrical/mechanical mechanisms

4. Exposure to some chemical elements

5. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds