School-Age Program Director

YMCA of Rock River Valley; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Rock River Valley is seeking a School-Age Program Director to oversee Before and After School and Adventure Camp programs, ensuring safety, quality, and engaging experiences for youth and families. You will supervise staff across sites and collaborate with the VP of Youth Development to guide program strategy.

This role emphasizes staff coaching, curriculum implementation, enrollment growth, and compliance with YMCA standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1–2 years of leadership experience in childcare.
• Experience in staff supervision and development.
• Current Praesidium Academy training.
• CPR, AED and First Aid certifications required within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Visit program sites, connecting with staff, and ensuring safety and engagement.
• Lead and develop your team by coaching staff and facilitating trainings.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, curriculum implementation, and daily operations across sites.
• Build relationships with families, schools, and community partners.
• Drive program growth by monitoring enrollment and expanding services.
• Oversee budgets, staff certifications, registrations, billing, inventory, and compliance.
• Coordinate special events and community engagement opportunities.
• Ensure safe, welcoming environments by addressing safety concerns promptly.
• Mentor staff and support a child-centered exceptional experience.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Coaching

Training delivery

Budget oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Career Opportunities with YMCA of Rock River Valley

YOUR IMPACT

Under the guidance of the Vice President of Youth Development, the School-Age Program Director is responsible for organizing, delivering, and ensuring the quality of YMCA's Before and After School and Adventure Camp programs for members, program participants, and the wider community. The Director directly supervises and supports staff within the assigned programs, working independently under general supervision to determine the best approach to completing tasks.

WHAT YOUR DAY MAY LOOK LIKE

No two days are the same in this role—but every day is centered on developing people, strengthening programs, and creating opportunities for youth and families to thrive.

• Visit program sites, connecting with staff, checking in on participants, and ensuring programs are safe, engaging, and operating at a high level.
• Lead and develop your team by coaching staff, facilitating trainings, providing feedback, and creating opportunities for professional growth.
• Support multiple program locations by overseeing staffing, scheduling, curriculum implementation, and daily operations.
• Build meaningful relationships with families, schools, and community partners to strengthen collaboration and create exceptional participant experiences.
• Drive program growth by monitoring enrollment, identifying opportunities to expand services, and continuously improving program quality.
• Manage the details that matter by overseeing budgets, staff certifications, registrations, billing, inventory, and compliance with YMCA and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate special events and community engagement opportunities that bring families together and showcase the YMCA's impact.
• Ensure safe, welcoming environments by supporting emergency preparedness, maintaining quality facilities, and addressing safety concerns promptly.
• End the day knowing your leadership made a difference, whether it was mentoring a staff member, supporting a family, solving an operational challenge, or helping a child have an exceptional experience.

If you enjoy leading teams, building relationships, and balancing strategy with hands-on support - this role is for you.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION: 2 Positions

2 Positions: Good Shepherd YMCA

Full Time, Exempt
Monday-Friday, hours vary between 6:30 am - 5:45 pm
Occasional nights/weekends outside of regular operational hours based on facility or department needs
$43,888 - $50,000 per year

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related field; Minimum High School Diploma or GED required
• Training required upon hire: Child Abuse Prevention, Blood-borne Pathogens, IL Gateways Child Development Overview, Health Issues for Group Care, Nutrition Issues for Group Care, Safety Issues for Group Care; IL DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect/Mandated Reporter. Any additional certifications that are required by the state of Illinois
• 1-2 years related experience in leadership in a childcare setting
• Experience in effectively managing a staff team
• Current Praesidium Academy training
• CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility