Primary Summary:
The Executive Director of School-Based Programs provides strategic leadership and oversight for all school-based initiatives at the YMCA, ensuring they align with the organization’s focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This role involves developing, managing, and expanding key programs, including afterschool care, summer day camps, and partnerships with local school districts. The Executive Director will ensure these programs consistently deliver high-quality experiences, meet the diverse needs of the communities served, and contribute to the YMCA’s broader mission impact while maintaining operational and financial excellence.
Currently, the YMCA operates 18 afterschool programs and 2 day camps across three school districts, with an annual operating budget of $3.4 million. The Executive Director leads relationship-building with community partners and leaders to ensure no child is turned away from the ability to participate in all programs due to financial need through the strengthening of the school-based branch annual campaign.
Target Start Date: February 2025; Moving allowance provided.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Leadership & Development:
- Provide leadership and direction for all YMCA school-based programs, ensuring alignment with YMCA goals and community needs.
- Develop and implement innovative, high-quality programs such as afterschool care, tutoring, and school-based summer day camps.
- Ensure the development and delivery of high-quality programs by creating and refining curricula, regularly monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness, and implementing necessary improvements.
- Foster relationships with school district leaders, educators, and community stakeholders to enhance program offerings and partnerships.
Strategic Planning:
- Work with Senior Leaders to develop and execute a strategic plan to grow and strengthen school-based programs, increase enrollment, and expand partnerships with local schools.
- Stay current on educational trends and youth development best practices to ensure YMCA programs remain relevant and effective.
- Lead efforts to identify new school-based opportunities and collaborate with senior leadership on expansion initiatives.
Staff and Volunteer Management:
- Recruit, hire, train, develop, evaluate, and recognize staff and volunteers in assigned areas, ensuring a high-performing team that aligns with the YMCA’s mission.
- Provide coaching and leadership to program directors and coordinators, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning.
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to staffing, youth supervision, and program operations. Maintain staff certifications and ensure they are current and complete.
Financial Management & Budgeting:
- Develop, manage, and monitor operating budgets for school-based programs, ensuring financial sustainability and operational efficiency and that targets are met or exceeded.
- Oversee fee structures, grant funding, and financial assistance programs to ensure accessibility and affordability for all families.
- Track program performance metrics, ensuring programs meet or exceed budgeted goals, and provide regular reports to executive leadership. Take corrective actions to address variances from budgeted goals.
Partnership Development & Community Engagement:
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with local school districts, principals, and community organizations to promote program growth and collaboration.
- Demonstrate strong relationship-building skills in all interactions, including the "Listen First" approach, and engage with parents and caregivers to ensure program satisfaction and build a strong YMCA presence in the school community.
- Collaborate with the fundraising team to secure grants, donations, and other funding sources for school-based programs.
Program Evaluation & Quality Assurance:
- Monitor and assess the quality of all school-based programs, ensuring they meet YMCA standards for safety, learning outcomes, and overall effectiveness.
- Implement continuous improvement strategies through regular feedback from parents, school partners, and participants.
- Ensure quality results by addressing programmatic issues and implementing strategies to keep programs high-quality and impactful.
Compliance & Risk Management:
- Ensure all programs comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including child safety, health protocols, and licensing requirements.
- Implement comprehensive risk management policies to ensure a safe environment for all participants and staff.
- Conduct regular program audits and site visits to ensure compliance with YMCA standards and operational procedures.
- 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.
Professional Development:
- Stay updated on professional knowledge of all programs through self-study, research, and participation in conferences/workshops.
Marketing & Fundraising:
- Lead the Annual Campaign effort for School-Based programs, achieving budgeted goals.
- Work with the Marketing Department to create marketing materials and plans for school-based programs.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Perform all other duties as assigned to support the overall mission and goals of the organization.
Comprehensive Benefits for Full-Time Employees
At the YMCA of Greater Birmingham, we’re proud to offer a robust and unique benefits package, including:
- Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
- Disability & Life Insurance: Long-term disability (upon eligibility) and company-paid life insurance.
- Generous Time Off: A very generous PTO plan, 10 paid holidays, 6 weeks of paid FMLA, and 1 week of grandparent leave.
- Retirement: 403(b) retirement savings plan with a 12% company contribution after 2 years of eligibility.
- Family-Friendly Perks: Free Y membership, free summer day camp and afterschool care, one free session of summer resident camp, and discounts on childcare programs, youth sports, swim lessons, and more.
- Professional Development: Educational partnerships offering tuition discounts.
Join our team to enjoy these exceptional benefits while making a difference in our community.
