School-Age Program Director

YMCA of the USA; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Rock River Valley is seeking a cause-driven School-Age Program Director to lead before/after school and adventure camp programs. Reporting to the Vice President of Youth Development, you will supervise School-Age Area Coordinators and support staff across locations.

You will drive program growth, ensure safety and engagement, and build strong relationships with families and partners while managing budgets and program operations with a focus on quality and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required or equivalent.
• 1–2 years leader experience in childcare settings.
• Experience in staff management and development.
• CPR, AED and First Aid certifications required within 90 days.
• CPR/AED/First Aid and Praesidium Academy training preferred or required.

Responsibilities

• Visit program sites, engage staff and ensure safe, high-quality operations.
• Coach staff, deliver trainings and support professional growth.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, curriculum, and daily operations across locations.
• Build relationships with families, schools, and community partners.
• Monitor enrollment and drive program growth and quality improvements.
• Manage budgets, registrations, billing, inventory and compliance.
• Coordinate events and community engagement to showcase impact.
• Ensure safe, welcoming environments and address safety concerns promptly.
• Mentor staff, support families, and resolve operational challenges.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CPR/AED/First Aid

Praesidium Academy training

Job description

The YMCA of Rock River Valley is seeking a cause-driven leader to serve as the School-Age Program Director.

Job Description

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 School-Age Area Coordinators and supports staff within the assigned programs, working independently under general supervision to determine the best approach to completing tasks.

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
• YMCA Leader Team Leader certification preferred
• Current Praesidium Academy training
• CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days

Essential Functions

WHAT YOUR DAY MAY LOOK LIKE

• 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.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Critical Thining & Decision Making

Fiscal Management Developing Self & Others

Program/Project Management

Required Certifications

• 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
• YMCA Leader Team Leader certification preferred
• Current Praesidium Academy training
• CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days