Edwardsville YMCA is a high-performing, independent YMCA in a bustling yet quaint community with strong, mission-driven operations.
Job Description
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Executive Director of Programs, the Senior Program Director of Aquatics and Youth Development will be responsible for the leadership of the Edwardsville YMCA Aquatics Department, Summer Camp and Preschool, and their staff in developing and maintaining the best-in-class programming, while supporting the mission of the YMCA. The Senior Program Director of Aquatics and Youth Development will follow all Edwardsville YMCA, Illinois State, and DCFS standards to maintain safety for all aquatics, summer camp and preschool participants.
Our Culture
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are WELCOMING: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are GENUINE: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are HOPEFUL: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are NURTURING: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are DETERMINED: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent.
- Two to three years of related experience is preferred.
- Proven work history in supervision and leadership roles.
- Current YMCA Lifeguard or American Red Cross Lifeguard (including CPR/AED).
- American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor preferred or willing to obtain.
- Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
Work Environment & 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 required essential functions.
- Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to safely supervise and participate in children’s activities in indoor and outdoor environments.
- Must have visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to respond swiftly in an emergency situation.
- Must be able to coordinate a variety of large and small tasks simultaneously and handle tension and stress in a positive manner.
Essential Functions
- Aquatics Operations Oversight: Oversee all aquatics operations, including scheduling and supervising lifeguards and swim instructors. Ensure timely shift coverage, proper attire, and readiness of staff, along with maintaining equipment standards (e.g., rescue tubes, fanny packs, masks, gloves).
- Program Planning and Implementation: Plan, prepare, and implement engaging activities for summer camp as well as ensure the preschool promotes development and align with YMCA objectives.
- Personnel Management: Recruit, hire, train, develop, and schedule aquatics, summer camp, and preschool personnel across multiple locations. Supervise swim instructors and camp/preschool staff to ensure programs begin and end on time, attendance is recorded, skills are assessed, and progress reports are distributed.
- Daily Management Support: Support the management and administration of aquatics, summer camp, and preschool programs, including approving time cards and payroll.
- Budget Management: Develop, implement, track, and control budgets for aquatics, summer camp, and preschool programs in accordance with YMCA Branch and Association guidelines to meet fiscal objectives.
- Training and Certification: Conduct lifeguarding, swim instruction, First Aid, CPR training sessions, and staff development. Ensure all staff understand and comply with YMCA, state, and local health and safety requirements.
- Staff Supervision and Accountability: Provide supervision to ensure that staff contribute to each child's physical, intellectual, personal, emotional, and social development. Hold staff accountable for fulfilling job expectations and assist in completing performance reviews at the end of seasonal programs.
- Environment Maintenance: Ensure a clean and welcoming physical environment for aquatics, summer camp, and preschool sessions.
- Safety and Compliance: Sustain a secure environment by enforcing YMCA policies and program rules. Respond appropriately to accidents, incidents, and emergencies.
- Community Engagement and Fundraising: Actively participate in YMCA fundraising activities and special events, contributing to community engagement and organizational goals.
- Communication and Customer Service: Respond to member and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner, ensuring high levels of customer service.
- Ongoing Education and Participation: Complete required continuing education and YMCA training per employee policy, and actively participate in staff meetings to enhance program delivery and staff collaboration.
- Field Trip Supervision: Accompany campers and preschool participants on field trips and remain on-site until all participants have been picked up at the end of the day.
- Additional Responsibilities: Perform all other duties as assigned to support the overall mission and operations of the YMCA.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
(Leader/Team Leader)
Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fundraising.
Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.
Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.
Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
