Program Director - Before & After School Care Griffith YMCA

YMCA of the USA; Crown Point (IN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of the USA in Lake County, Indiana, seeks a high-impact leader to oversee school-age programs across multiple sites. The role leads a large staff, manages daily operations, and ensures safe, engaging experiences for children and families.

The position emphasizes staff development, relationship-building with families and schools, and operating with YMCA program quality and licensing standards. Strong leadership and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in education, recreation, child development, human services, or a related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience in youth development, school-age programming, childcare, recreation, education, or a related field
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience supervising, developing, and motivating employees.
• Ability to build relationships with children, families, schools, and diverse community members.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and other business technology.
• Ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple priorities.
• Commitment to safety, inclusion, and exceptional customer service.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of before school, after school, school break, and camp programs.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, coach, schedule, and develop a team of staff members.
• Foster a positive, inclusive culture where children, families, and staff feel welcomed, supported, and valued.
• Implement curriculum and ensure programs meet YMCA quality standards and licensing requirements.
• Build collaborative relationships with schools, community organizations, families, and volunteers.
• Monitor program quality, participant satisfaction, enrollment, and retention.
• Develop and manage program budgets while supporting financial goals and sustainable growth.
• Coordinate program schedules, staffing, supplies, equipment, and facility needs.
• Market programs and promote YMCA opportunities throughout the community.
• Respond professionally to parent concerns, staff questions, and operational challenges.
• Compile program statistics and evaluate program effectiveness to support continuous improvement.
• Support YMCA fundraising initiatives, special events, leadership meetings, and organizational priorities.
• Maintain a safe environment by following YMCA policies and responding appropriately to emergencies.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Staff supervision

Relationship building

Independent work

Customer service

Safety awareness

Multitasking

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Lead a team in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment for kids and families in Lake County.

Job Description

Pay starting at $21.00 per hour and up based on experience

This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for the success of YMCA School Age programs serving children and families across multiple sites. You'll lead a large team of staff, oversee daily operations, and ensure every child has a safe, engaging, and enriching experience. This role is hands-on, fast-paced, and highly visible. You'll spend your time supporting staff, building relationships with families and school partners, managing program operations, developing employees, and creating exceptional experiences that advance youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in education, recreation, child development, human services, or a related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience in youth development, school-age programming, childcare, recreation, education, or a related field
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience supervising, developing, and motivating employees.
• Ability to build relationships with children, families, schools, and diverse community members.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and other business technology.
• Ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple priorities.
• Commitment to safety, inclusion, and exceptional customer service.

Essential Functions

• Lead the day-to-day operations of before school, after school, school break, and camp programs.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, coach, schedule, and develop a team of staff members.
• Foster a positive, inclusive culture where children, families, and staff feel welcomed, supported, and valued.
• Implement curriculum and ensure programs meet YMCA quality standards and licensing requirements.
• Build collaborative relationships with schools, community organizations, families, and volunteers.
• Monitor program quality, participant satisfaction, enrollment, and retention.
• Develop and manage program budgets while supporting financial goals and sustainable growth.
• Coordinate program schedules, staffing, supplies, equipment, and facility needs.
• Market programs and promote YMCA opportunities throughout the community.
• Respond professionally to parent concerns, staff questions, and operational challenges.
• Compile program statistics and evaluate program effectiveness to support continuous improvement.
• Support YMCA fundraising initiatives, special events, leadership meetings, and organizational priorities.
• Maintain a safe environment by following YMCA policies and responding appropriately to emergencies.