School Age Child Care Program Director

YMCA Buffalo Niagara; Town of Lancaster (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free health insurance

Employer-paid life insurance

Long-term disability coverage

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

12% employer‑paid retirement

Job summary

YMCA Buffalo Niagara is seeking a Programs Director to lead School Age Child Care and Day Camp operations across multiple sites. You will recruit, develop, and supervise staff, manage budgets, and ensure programs meet safety and licensing standards while delivering engaging experiences for children and families.

The role requires strong leadership, collaboration with community partners, and a commitment to the YMCA mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required; related field preferred.
• Minimum two years in related work with supervisory experience.
• Meets OCFS requirements for School Age Child Care Director.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; inclusive approach.

Responsibilities

• Directs leadership for School Age Child Care and Day Camp programs.
• Manages program operations and budgets to achieve fiscal goals.
• Recruits, trains, and supervises staff with ongoing coaching.
• Ensures safety, compliance, and licensing adherence (OCFS).
• Builds relationships with families, schools, partners, and stakeholders.
• Participates in YMCA initiatives and leadership activities.
• Maintains accurate records and program quality data.
• Collaborates on marketing and outreach to promote participation.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Communication

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

OCFS Director qualification (60 credits + 18 in related field) or Associate degree

Job description

Posted Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 4:00 AM | Expires Monday, September 14, 2026 at 3:59 AM

Our Mission

YMCA Buffalo Niagara is a charitable, community-based organization committed to providing programs designed to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Full-Time Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following comprehensive benefits package is offered to full-time employees and is designed to support your health, financial security, and career growth:

• Free health insurance
• Employer-paid group term life insurance (1x annual salary)
• Employer-paid long-term disability coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Child & Family Services
• A variety of voluntary benefit options

Employees are immediately eligible to enroll and contribute to the Y Retirement Fund 403(b) plan, with a generous 12% employer-paid contribution after eligibility requirements are met.

Our comprehensive paid time off program includes personal time off, holidays, and sick leave.

Staff receive a complimentary YMCA Buffalo Niagara membership and program discounts.

Additional benefits include ongoing training, an extensive leadership development program, and opportunities for career advancement.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Director is responsible for the leadership, development, and daily operations of School Age Child Care and Day Camp programs at assigned locations. This position ensures high-quality, safety, and engaging programs that meet community needs while supporting YMCA mission-driven outcomes. The Program Director recruits, develops, and supervises staff, manages program operations and budgets, and ensures compliance with all applicable regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Program Leadership & Development
  Ensures programs meet community needs by overseeing current offerings, evaluating effectiveness, and developing or expanding programs as appropriate. Supports marketing and outreach efforts to promote participation and community engagement.
• Operations & Fiscal Management
  Directs the day-to-day operations of SACC and Day Camp programs. Develops, manages, and monitors program budgets to meet or exceed fiscal goals. Maintains accurate participant records, tracks enrollment and engagement, and implements improvements based on data and feedback.
• Staff Leadership & Development
  Recruits, hires, trains, and supervises program staff. Provides ongoing coaching, professional development, and performance evaluations to build a strong, engaged team. Ensures staff schedules are effectively managed and all required certifications and trainings are current.
• Relationship Building & Communication
  Models and fosters a culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration. Builds and maintains strong relationships with staff, families, participants, school partners, OCFS representatives, and community stakeholders. Communicates clearly, consistently, and professionally.
• Compliance & Risk Management
  Ensures full compliance with YMCA policies and all federal, state, and local regulations, including New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) licensing requirements. Maintains a safe environment by enforcing safety procedures, conducting regular inspections, and ensuring proper documentation.
• Facilities & Program Environment
  Maintains clean, safe, and well-organized program spaces. Ensures adequate supplies are available and equipment is properly maintained and utilized.
• YMCA Leadership & Engagement
  Actively participates in YMCA initiatives, including committees, special events, and fundraising activities. Serves as a member of the YMCA management team and supports the overall mission, vision, and strategic objectives of the organization.
• Additional Responsibilities
  Performs other duties as assigned to support program success and organizational effectiveness.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of related experience, including at least one (1) year in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Meets New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) requirements for a School Age Child Care Director, including: Associate’s degree in a childcare/development-related field or completion of at least 60 college credits with 18 credits in a related field; and Two (2) years of direct experience working with children under age 13, including one (1) year in a supervisory capacity
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and retain high-performing teams.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Sound judgment with the ability to problem-solve and make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and all segments of the community.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demand described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, sit, reach with hands, grasp, stand, sit, hear, speak, have finger dexterity, walk, lift up to 25 pounds, push, pull and have visual acuity.
• Remain alert at all times.

Responsibilities require a flexible work schedule including evening/weekend hours and require travel to various locations.

YMCA Buffalo Niagara is an Equal Opportunity Employer.