Youth Programming & Recreation Director

About Us:

At the YMCA of Greater Birmingham, our mission is to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We believe in nurturing the potential of every child and teen, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Our day camp, aquatic and youth programming initiatives are designed to provide enriching experiences that promote personal growth, leadership, and lifelong skills. We are on the hunt for a dynamic, vibrant, and versatile individual to take on the exciting role of Youth Programming & Recreation Director. Join us in creating an engaging, safe, supportive environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential! 

The Role:

Are you a high-energy leader who can turn ordinary days into extraordinary adventures? Do you have a passion for creating engaging programs, ensuring water safety, and managing a lively camp environment? Are you looking for an opportunity to foster the growth of other professionals and future leaders? If you’re ready to inspire and lead with enthusiasm and creativity, this position is made for you!

Key Responsibilities:

1. Day Camp Duties:

   • Lead our day camp programs with creativity and joy, ensuring each day is filled with fun and engaging activities.

   • Develop and oversee a diverse schedule of activities that captivate and inspire children.

   • Manage and support a team of camp counselors, providing guidance and fostering a positive, inclusive atmosphere.

   • Ensure a safe and supportive environment where every child feels welcomed and valued.

2. Youth Programming Duties:

   • Design and implement a variety of engaging enrichment programs that cater to the interests and developmental needs of children.

   • Coordinate with staff to create a balanced schedule that includes physical activities, creative projects, and team-building exercises.

   • Support Sports Director in implementing branch specific programs.

   • Continuously evaluate and adapt programs to enhance child satisfaction and address evolving needs.

   • Build a nurturing environment that supports personal growth and fosters confidence in every child.

3. Aquatics Duties:

   • Oversee all aquatic operations with a focus on safety and enjoyment.

   • Further develop and expand swim lesson offerings and other aquatic programs.

   • Implement and manage a comprehensive aquatics program, including training and supervising lifeguards and aquatic staff.

   • Maintain high standards for water safety and quality, conducting regular inspections and emergency drills.

   • Promote a fun and engaging aquatic environment while ensuring all safety protocols are adhered to.

4. Administrative Leadership Duties:

   • Create and maintain the budget for day camp, aquatics, and youth programming, ensuring financial sustainability and efficient resource use.

   • Attend and actively participate in association-wide meetings to innovate and support similar programs across the YMCA of Greater Birmingham.

   • Engage in leadership team meetings to collaborate, share insights, and drive the overall success of YMCA programs.

   • Build and inspire a strong, capable, enthusiastic team dedicated to the YMCA’s mission.

   • Support the annual campaign to fundraise for YMCA programs and initiatives, contributing to our community’s growth and well-being.

   • Participate in and support association and community engagement events, representing the YMCA and fostering the development of community relationships.

Supervisors and administrators will: 

• Follow employee's and volunteers' screening requirements and use screening instruments to screen for abuse risk. 

• Provide employees and volunteers with ongoing supervision and training related to abuse risk. 

• Provide employees and volunteers with regular feedback regarding their boundaries with children and teens. 

• Require employees and volunteers to adhere to policies and procedures related to abuse risk. 

Perks:

• Competitive salary and highly desirable benefits package.

• A dynamic and supportive work environment.

• Endless opportunities to create magical moments, lifelong memories, and significant impacts on the lives of people throughout our community. 

• Access to YMCA facilities and programs, fostering your personal and professional growth.

We can’t wait to meet you and see how we may change lives throughout our community together!

Minimum Requirements: 

• The Youth and Aquatics Program Director must gain a working knowledge of YMCA operations and a belief in its mission. 

• Proven knowledge and experience in programming specific to aquatics, youth, teens, and families.

• Ability and passion to provide a safe environment for all.

• Working knowledge necessary to successfully manage the department budget. 

• Ability to develop, implement, and grow innovative programs that enhance member experience. 

• Ability to interact with and communicate with a diverse population of individuals, including program participants, staff, volunteers, and donors. 

• Ability to recruit, orient, supervise, train, evaluate, and recognize program staff and volunteers adhering to YMCA guidelines. 

• Successful completion of background and Child Abuse and Neglect screening. 

• Acquire and maintain the following certifications within 30 days of start date via YMCA: American Red Cross, American Heart Association and American Health and Safety Institute (ASHI): 1. First Aid/CPR/AED (valid 2 years unless otherwise noted) 

• Requisite Online Training Modules (completed prior to start date and repeated annually). 

• Acquire and maintain lifeguard, LGI and CPR/First Aid Instructor certifications.

Physical Demands: 

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

2. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device. 

3. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment. 

4. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds or more. 

5. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust. 

6. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.