Program Lead (Pre-K)

Greater Austin YMCA; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Greater Austin YMCA seeks a Program Lead to oversee a full-site program, managing daily operations, staff, and program quality on-site. You will collaborate with campus staff, principals, teachers, and PTAs to create a safe, engaging environment for students and families while modeling YMCA values.

You will lead schedules, curriculum, and activities, ensuring safety and compliance with Texas childcare standards. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to belonging and positive youth development.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year licensed childcare experience or school setting experience.
• Proven experience supervising and developing a team.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage group behavior and resolve challenges calmly.
• Professional, customer-focused approach.
• Reliable transportation and flexibility for evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations, safety, compliance, and student experience.
• Coach and develop the program team with accountability and growth.
• Implement daily schedules and curriculum including activities.
• Follow childcare licensing standards and YMCA policies.
• Partner with school staff and PTAs on campus initiatives and events.
• Promote social-emotional development and academic support.
• Maintain clear communication with parents, staff, and supervisors.
• Address behavior concerns and scheduling needs with composure.
• Model the YMCA's mission and values in daily interactions.
• Complete documentation and confidential records related to attendance and health.
• Participate in committees and assist with program-wide trainings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team supervision

Organizational skills

Customer service

Growth mindset

Belonging

Accountability

Ambiguity management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Why Your Role Matters

As the Program Lead, you will lead a full-site program, taking ownership of all daily operations, staff management, and program quality. You will ensure a safe, engaging, and high-quality experience for all participants while fostering a positive, collaborative team environment. You will be embedded on campus, supporting school staff, building strong partnerships with principals and teachers, and assisting with special events and activities. You will serve as the YMCA's on-site representative, modeling its mission, vision, and values, and creating meaningful connections with students, families, staff, and the school community.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Oversee all daily operations, ensuring safety, compliance, and exceptional experience for students.
• Guide, coach, and inspire your team, foster collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Implement daily schedules and curriculum, including games, creative projects, learning activities, and outdoor play.
• Follow Texas Childcare licensing standards and YMCA policies to maintain a secure environment.
• Partner with school principals, teachers, and PTAs, supporting campus initiatives and special events.
• Promote social-emotional development, academic support, and positive behavior through strong relationships and intentional guidance.
• Maintain clear, consistent communication with parents, caregivers, staff, and supervisors.
• Address behavior concerns, scheduling needs, or late pickups with flexibility and composure.
• Model the Y's mission, vision, and values every day, sharing our story and culture with students, staff, and the school community.
• Complete accurate documentation and maintain confidential records related to attendance, behavior, and health.
• Participate in internal committees and assist with program-wide events and trainings.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What You Bring To The Y

• 21 years of age or older
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Minimum of 1 year licensed childcare experience or experience in an accredited school setting
• Proven experience supervising and developing a team
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage group behavior and resolve challenges calmly
• Professional, customer-focused approach
• Reliable transportation and flexibility for occasional evenings/weekends.
• Growth Mindset: Learn and improve to better serve members and the mission.
• Team Player: Work collaboratively with others and support a positive team environment.
• Communicates Effectively: Listen actively and communicate clearly with members and peers.
• Customer Focused: Anticipates needs and ensures quality, member-centered service.
• Fosters Belonging: Ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and included.
• Ensure Accountability: Hold yourself and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Manage Ambiguity: Operate effectively, even when things are uncertain or the way forward is unclear.

Physical Requirements:

This role requires the ability to actively supervise and engage with children throughout the program day. The Program Lead must be able to stand, walk, and move around the site for extended periods, participate in physical activities such as games and outdoor play, and lift or carry materials and supplies up to 25--35 pounds. The role also requires bending, kneeling, and stretching to support students, maintain safe and organized spaces, and respond quickly to the needs of the program. Clear communication with staff, students, parents, and school personnel is essential, and employees must maintain awareness of their environment to ensure safety at all times. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.