Program Director (West Side YMCA)

YMCA; New York (NY); On-site; USD 66,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Medical benefits

Paid time off

Free YMCA membership

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater New York is seeking a Program Director for its Afterschool initiative, reporting to the Youth & Family Director. You will lead a diverse team, design engaging programs, and ensure a holistic youth development approach across sites.

Responsibilities include budgeting, compliance, staff supervision, and implementing social-emotional learning and inclusion initiatives to support children and families served by 24 branches in New York City.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in child development, education, or related field.
• New York State Children’s Program Administrator Credential required.
• School-Age Child Care Credential or equivalent recognized credential.
• Two years of college with 18 credits in relevant field.
• Minimum two years of direct experience with children under age 13.
• Minimum one year supervisory experience in childcare.
• Pediatrics CPR or First Aid certification preferred.
• General knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with diverse youth and adults.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: supervise and mentor a diverse staff to deliver high‑quality programming.
• Program Excellence: design and implement engaging programs for holistic youth development.
• Inclusion & Mental Wellness: prioritize mental health support and SEL across staff and participants.
• Operational Management: manage site budgets, ensure compliance with contracts and reporting requirements.

Skills

Team leadership

Staff supervision

Interpersonal skills

Diversity & inclusion

Budgeting

Program design

Education

Associate degree

Credential: NY Program Administrator

School-Age Credential

Two years college in related field

Job description

Salary: $66,300 - $70,000 Annually

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.

Being part of the YMCA Afterschool staff team is a deeply rewarding job where you support children’s learning, help build strong connections, and have a positive impact on so many in your community. At Y Afterschool, we will create a safe and fun space for kids to learn and grow, lead creative activities, and help them develop valuable skills. This is an opportunity to make a real difference and gain invaluable leadership and interpersonal experience.

The West Side YMCA is seeking a Program Director. Under the supervision of the Youth & Family Director, the Program Director serves as the strategic and operational leader for our Afterschool initiative. This multifaceted role requires a dynamic professional capable of managing all aspects of a successful, holistic youth development program.

• Team Leadership: Supervising, mentoring, and leading a diverse staff team to deliver high-quality programming.
• Program Excellence: Designing, creating, and implementing engaging and impactful programming that meets the developmental needs of all participants.
• Inclusion and Mental Wellness: Prioritizing and integrating mental health support, case management, and social-emotional learning initiatives for both program participants and staff. Ensuring programming and day-to-day operations are welcoming to children of all abilities.
• Operational Management: Meticulously managing site budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and maintaining compliance with all contractual agreements and reporting requirements.

Benefits:
The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits, medical, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full‑time or part‑time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Click here for more information.

• Must have one (1) of the following:Associate’s Degree in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field;
• A New York State Children’s Program Administrator Credential;
• A School-Age Child Care Credential or other Office-recognized credential specific to the school-age developmental period;
• Two (2) years of college with 18 credits in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of direct experience working with children under the age of 13.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a supervisory capacity in a childcare program or related field of work.
• Current Pediatrics CPR or First Aid certification preferred.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.