Theater and Creative Arts Director

Embark on a Journey of Impactful Adventure

The Theater and Creative Arts Director is responsible for leading the vision, growth, and delivery of all theater and creative arts programming for youth ages 5–18 years. This position directs youth theater performances, oversees engaging arts-based classes, and a robust portfolio of theater and art camps during the summer months. The ideal candidate is a passionate and experienced arts professional who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and is eager to inspire creativity, confidence, and community through the performing and visual arts. Recruits, trains and supports assigned staff and volunteers. Additional responsibilities include hiring, onboarding and training of staff and volunteers; curriculum development; providing budget input; and adhering to all regulatory and Association standards. This is an entry-level management position that considers the size, scope and budget of the program area and/or branch in classification.

Who Are We?

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) was named a 2025 Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer for a second consecutive year. An association of nine YMCAs serving Chester County, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility through life-changing programs for all.  

Perks & Benefits

• Free family YMCA membership, including outdoor pools
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid holidays and plentiful PTO for full-time employees
• Babysitting while you work (up to 4 hours per day)
• Generous program discounts on childcare, camp, youth sports, swimming lessons and more!
• 12% employer contribution to retirement savings upon reaching eligibility and optional 403B retirement savings plan upon hire.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Continuing education reimbursement, tuition discounts with Chestnut Hill College and Immaculata University
• Career development and paid training
• Unlimited referral bonus beginning at $300.00 

What You’ll Do

• Direct youth theater performances for ages 5–18, including show selection, auditions, rehearsals, and performances. 

• Teach theater and art classes during evenings and weekends, creating fun, age-appropriate, and skill-building experiences for participants. 

• Oversee and manage summer camp programming in theater and creative arts, ensuring engaging, high-quality experiences aligned with YMCA values. 

• Supervise and support seasonal and part-time staff, and volunteers involved in arts programming. 

• Collaborate with youth programs and marketing teams to promote arts offerings and grow participation. 

• Develop and manage program budgets, class schedules, and registration processes. 

• Foster a positive and supportive environment that encourages creativity, teamwork, and personal growth in every participant 

• Executes strategies to ensure that members and/or program participants connect with one another and connect with the YMCA.   

• Provides input towards the development of program and/or branch budgets as requested by management.  

• Hires, trains, and supervises hourly staff and volunteers in assigned area.    

• Manages payroll for program team  

• Facilitates communication and provides leadership to assigned part time staff.  

• Aids in the branch community campaign as needed.  

• Assures compliance with state and local regulations.   

• Ensures that program and Association standards are met, and safety procedures are followed.  

• Ensures execution of high-quality programs through innovative program delivery.  

• Coordinates special events and activities as required for the program.  

• Provides data, rosters, schedules, and reports as required for assigned programs.  

• Interfaces with and resolves member concerns to further member engagement.  

• Establishes and maintains collaborations with community organizations  

• Ensure compliance with all YGBW policies and standard operating procedures.   

• Perform other related duties as assigned.  

What You'll Need

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience directing theater productions, teaching arts-based programs, or managing creative arts initiatives. 
• Experience with stage production, technical elements, and performance management.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends during the program year and extended hours during the summer camp season. 
• Two-year college degree or equivalent experience preferred 
• Experience directing programs through supervision of volunteers and staff 
• Previous experience with diverse populations 
• YMCA Team Leader certification preferred
• Must be fluent in spoken and written English
• Obtain and maintain all new hire certifications and trainings within 90 days of hire

Work Conditions and Physical Demands

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. The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities. 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. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Why You Need To Apply

Not meeting every single requirement? That’s perfectly okay! Research shows that women and marginalized groups are often hesitant to apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications. If you’re excited about this role, don’t let a few mismatches in your experience hold you back. We want to see your application! You could be exactly what we’re looking for!