Senior Program Director

Kids for the Future; La Honda (CA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater San Francisco seeks a Senior Director to lead branch youth and adult programming, ensuring program quality, staff development, operational excellence, customer experience, and financial performance.

You will grow and diversify programming and revenue, build partnerships, supervise the Group Services Director, and align efforts with the organization's mission and values. This exempt role requires strategic leadership and a passion for community impact.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision, leadership, and direction for camping, outdoor education, group services, aquatic, and adventure-based programs.
• Develop and implement departmental goals, strategies, and annual operating plans aligned with organizational priorities.
• Evaluate program outcomes and operational performance using data, participant feedback, and key performance indicators.
• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with organizational leadership to support branch-wide initiatives and strategic objectives.

Job description

• Base Pay $78,000.00 - $82,000.00 / Year
• Job Category Youth Development
• Employee Type Salaried - Full Time

Careers by E mpowering Futures, Building Communities

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation's most pressing social issues.

Our Organizational Culture

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage , we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility , allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative , as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy , treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.

Position Summary

The Senior Director is responsible for the leadership, strategic direction, and overall success of the branch’syouth and adult programing. This role oversees program quality, staff development, operational excellence, customer experience, and financial performance across the department. A key responsibility of this position is togrow and diversify the department’s programming and revenue streams. The Senior Director will identify new program opportunities, develop innovative experiences, strengthen partnerships, and create new ways for the department to generate sustainable revenue while remaining aligned with the organization’s mission and values.

The Senior Director will also directly supervise and support theGroup Services Director, providing leadership, accountability, and strategic direction to ensure the group services operation continues to grow and deliver an exceptional experience to participants.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Department Management

• Provide strategic vision, leadership, and direction for all camping, outdoor education, group services, aquatic, and adventure-based programs.
• Develop and implement departmental goals, strategies, and annual operating plans aligned with organizational priorities.
• Evaluate program outcomes and operational performance using data, participant feedback, and key performance indicators.
• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with organizational leadership to support branch-wide initiatives and strategic objectives.

Program Development & Quality

• Ensure programs deliver high-quality, engaging, and mission-driven experiences for participants.
• Identify opportunities for new programs, services, and markets that increase community impact and organizational sustainability.
• Establish and maintain quality standards, policies, and procedures across all program areas.
• Monitor participant satisfaction and implement improvements based on feedback and outcomes.
• Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets to achieve financial goals.
• Lead efforts to diversify and grow earned revenue through program expansion, partnerships, special events, and other opportunities.
• Analyze financial performance and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and fiscal sustainability.
• Monitor enrollment trends, revenue generation, and expense management across all program areas.
• Support fundraising initiatives, grant opportunities, sponsorship development, and donor engagement as appropriate.
• Recruit, hire, develop, supervise, and evaluate department leadership and staff.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to support employee growth and performance.
• Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and accountability measures.
• Promote employee engagement, inclusion, and retention through effective leadership and communication.
• Ensure staff receive required certifications, training, and professional development.

Community Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain positive relationships with participants, families, schools, community organizations, public agencies, and business partners.
• Represent the YMCA within the community and serve as an ambassador for camping and outdoor programs.
• Develop strategic partnerships that enhance program quality, accessibility, and sustainability.
• Respond professionally to escalated participant, family, and community concerns.

Operations, Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with YMCA policies, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Oversee risk management, emergency preparedness, participant safety, and incident response procedures.
• Ensure appropriate supervision, mandated reporting practices, and child abuse prevention protocols are implemented and followed.
• Collaborate with facilities and operations teams to support safe, effective, and efficient use of program spaces and resources.
• Monitor and maintain appropriate staffing, equipment, and operational procedures.

Organizational Leadership

• Demonstrate and promote the YMCA's values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Contribute to organizational planning, leadership initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Education, Outdoor Education, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional and community experience.
• Three or more years of progressive leadership experience in camp, youth development, outdoor education, recreation, hospitality, nonprofit, or related programming.
• Two or more years of experience supervising and developing staff and leaders.
• Experience managing budgets, financial performance, and operational planning.
• Demonstrated success developing programs, partnerships, and revenue-generating initiatives.
• Strong leadership, organizational, project management, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience working effectively with individuals, families, and communities from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
• Ability to build and maintain positive, inclusive relationships with participants, staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain upon hire.
• TB clearance as required for programs operating on school sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience leading residential camp, outdoor education, conference/group services, or adventure-based programming.
• Current ropes course facilitation and rescue certification.
• Food Safety Manager Certification or equivalent.
• Experience with YMCA operations and programs.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, or other languages reflective of the communities served.
• Experience with strategic planning, fundraising, grants, donor relations, or community engagement initiatives

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including camps, program facilities, schools, waterfront areas, and natural outdoor settings. The position requires regular movement throughout program locations, occasional lifting and carrying of up to 25 pounds, and the ability to participate in program activities, site inspections, and emergency response as needed. Evening, weekend, and overnight work may be required to support programs, events, and operational needs.

Disclaimers

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.
• Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Salary Description

The Senior Program Director position offers an exempt salary range of $78k- $82k, based on experience,qualifications,andalignmentwithsalarybenchmarksforsimilarroles.Compensationis in accordance with grant funding approval and program budget requirements