School-Age Site Lead

YMCA of Rock River Valley, Inc.; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 17,908 - 24,796; Part time

Job summary

YMCA of Rock River Valley, Inc. is seeking a part-time School-Age Site Lead to oversee daily operations of after-school programs and summer camps. You will guide a team of staff, ensure safety, and foster engaging, inclusive programming across multiple sites in the Rockford area.

You will collaborate with families and school leaders to deliver high-quality youth development experiences, while managing schedules, compliance, and program quality on a day-to-day basis.

Qualifications

• Age 18+ requirement.
• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• 1 year of leadership experience in childcare preferred.
• YMCA Leader certification preferred.
• Gateways Health & Safety, DCFS Mandated Reporter training required on hire.
• CPR, AED and First Aid certifications required within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of before/after school programs.
• Serve as Site Lead or Group Leader during no-school days and summer camps as assigned.
• Supervise, mentor, and support site staff to ensure program quality and teamwork.
• Engage youth through academics, recreation, and social-emotional activities.
• Supervise all activities including swimming and water-based programs for safety.
• Develop daily schedules and manage attendance records.
• Complete required reports and incident documentation accurately.
• Use positive behavior strategies to maintain a respectful and inclusive environment.
• Maintain site supplies and clean, organized spaces.
• Engage families through communication and events.
• Partner with school leadership to support site operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve programming and implement changes.
• Attend trainings and meetings, communicate concerns to leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Community partnerships

Education

High School Diploma or GED

YMCA Leader certification

Gateways Health & Safety Training

CPR, AED and First Aid

Illinois DCFS Mandated Reporter Training

Job description

YOUR IMPACT

The School-Age Site Lead position requires a dedicated and enthusiastic individual who is capable of overseeing the daily operations of after school programs, as well as summer camp activities. The Site Lead will inspire and guide a team of staff to deliver high-quality, engaging programming that supports the academic, recreational, and social/emotional development of youth. This role requires a strong commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, along with excellent organizational skills and a collaborative approach to building positive relationships with families, school leadership, and the broader community to ensure programs operate smoothly and consistently. Regardless of primary assignment, this position may be required to travel between program sites as needed.

Supporting Families In These Districts

• Harlem
• Pecatonica
• Rockford
• Winnebago
• Belvidere
• Poplar Grove

What Your Day May Look Like

No two days are the same in this role — but every day centers on leading a high-quality youth program, supporting staff, building family and school partnerships, and creating a safe, engaging environment where children can thrive.

• Lead day-to-day operations of before and/or after school program sites during the school year
• Serve as Site Lead or Group Leader during no school days and summer camp programs as assigned
• Supervise, mentor, and support site staff to ensure strong program quality and teamwork
• Actively engage with youth through academic, recreational, and social-emotional programming
• Supervise all activities, including swimming and water-based programs, to ensure participant safety
• Develop daily schedules and manage student groupings, rosters, and attendance records
• Complete required reports, paperwork, incident documentation, and compliance records accurately
• Use positive behavior strategies to create a respectful, inclusive, and well-managed environment
• Maintain site supplies, equipment, and clean, organized program spaces
• Build strong relationships with families through communication and engagement opportunities
• Partner with school leadership to support successful site operations and collaboration
• Identify opportunities for improvement and implement strategies to strengthen programming
• Attend trainings, meetings, and communicate concerns to leadership promptly
• Follow all YMCA policies, state regulations, and report safety concerns as needed

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION: 4 Positions

Position 1, 2 & 3: RPS and Harlem Districts

Part Time, Non-Exempt
Monday - Friday 1:30-5:45 pm
First Wednesday of the Month Meeting 6:15-7:15 pm (Good Shepherd YMCA)
$15.75 per hour

Position 4: Belvidere Family YMCA

Part Time, Non-Exempt
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 1:30-6:00 pm
Wednesday 12:30-6:00 pm
Starting at $15.75 per hour

WORK LOCATION

This position may serve schools in these districts: RPS 205, Harlem 122, Pecatonica, Winnebago, Belvidere, Poplar Grove. Placements will be determined at time of hire. Regardless of primary assignment, this position may be required to travel between sites as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum age of 18
• Minimum High School Diploma or GED preferred
• 1-year related experience of leadership in a childcare setting preferred
• YMCA Leader certification preferred
• Training required upon hire: Gateways Child Development Health & Safety, IL DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect/Mandated Reporter. Any additional certifications that are required by the state of Illinois
• CACFP/SFSP Training required within 90 days
• CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days
• Current Praesidium Academy trainings

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