Director of Child Care & Camp Operations - Marblehead YMCA

The Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA is seeking a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as our Director of Childcare and Camp Operations, overseeing and supporting our thriving childcare and camp programs. This pivotal role manages a team of four direct reports and is responsible for the planning and execution of our After-School, Early Education, and Summer Camp programs. We are looking for a leader who can ensure operational excellence, provide strategic direction, and deliver exceptional experiences for the children and families we serve.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of four direct reports, each responsible for critical program areas:
  • After-School Programs: Oversee six off-site programs serving families in the Marblehead and Swampscott School Districts.
  • Early Learning Center (ELC): Ensure the success of our on-site childcare program, serving over 160 children daily.
  • Summer Camps: Oversee operations for Sports, Gymnastics, and Island Summer Camps, welcoming approximately 3,500 children annually.

Strategic Planning and Growth

• Develop and execute a forward-thinking vision for program growth and impact.
• Support the expansion of the Early Learning Center to increase infant and toddler capacity.
• Support established planning efforts for renovations to Children’s Island Camp to enhance the summer camp experience.
• Strengthen partnerships with local school districts to align programs with community needs and goals.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure all programs maintain the highest standards of quality, safety, and alignment with YMCA values.
• Manage program budgets, staffing, and enrollment to achieve financial sustainability and foster growth.
• Collaborate with other YMCA departments to align childcare and camp operations with organizational goals and mission.

Community Engagement

• Act as a key ambassador for the YMCA, fostering strong relationships with families, schools, and community partners.

Ideal Candidate:

• Experienced Leader: Demonstrated success managing large, multi-site programs, including EEC-licensed care (After-School/ELC) and DPH-regulated summer camps.
• Inspiring Manager: Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate childcare and camp teams.
• Hands-On Approach: Approachable and ready to actively engage with staff, families, and programs.
• Strategic Thinker: Skilled in identifying trends, building action plans, and solving challenges proactively.
• Balanced Perspective: Capable of supporting day-to-day operations while maintaining a big-picture, strategic outlook.

Why Work for the Y?

At the YMCA, you’re more than an employee—you’re part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to making a difference.

• Professional Growth: Paid training, development, and advancement opportunities across seven YMCA locations.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and employer-funded life insurance for full-time staff.
• Generous Time Off 3 weeks paid vacation, plus sick and personal time for full-time employees.
• Retirement Plan: 12% company contribution to your retirement fund (vested, no match required).
• Free Y Membership: Access to swim classes, fitness programs, discounts on childcare, camp, and more!

Be part of a team that supports your career, health, and well-being while making a difference in your community!

• Three or more years of management experience in early childhood education and/or out-of-school time programming, preferably in a YMCA or nonprofit setting.
• Bachelor's degree in education, human services, social services, or a related field (preferred).
• Technical expertise in leading early childhood and out-of-school time programs, with the ability to manage financial aid provided by the Commonwealth.
• Strong ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must complete the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) fingerprinting requirement prior to the first day of work.
• Must provide and maintain all required documents and certifications in accordance with the Massachusetts EEC regulations.
• Must complete all mandatory training, certifications, and program orientation as outlined by the Massachusetts EEC and the YMCA of the North Shore Training Plan.

The YMCA is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, protected genetic information, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran's status.