Fun in the Sun - Program Leader

Job Title: Fun in the Sun - Program Leader

Supervisor: Community Impact Program Manager

Location: Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Solvang

Status: Full-time, Seasonal, Non-exempt

Dates: June 2025 – August 8, 2025

About United Way of Santa Barbara County:

Since 1923, United Way of Santa Barbara County has been a key leader in local efforts to empower children, families, and communities through its own unique collaborative programs and initiatives, partnership convening efforts, volunteer development, and funding. United Way’s mission is to enrich the lives of children and families and build resilient communities by leading local programs and partnerships that improve school readiness and academic achievement, financial empowerment, and crisis response and recovery. To learn more, please visit unitedwaysb.org.

Program Overview

Fun in the Sun is a national award-winning summer learning program offered to students and families across Santa Barbara County. Designed to provide a comprehensive and enriching learning experience, the free, full-day program operates Monday - Friday, each summer supported by 80 community partners. Each day, students participate in daily rotations of academics, hands-on STEAM and enrichment activities, community field trips, and outdoor exploration, movement, and play.

In 2025 Fun in the Sun serves will serve 300 students from Transitional Kindergarten to 5th grade across the county. Students are identified and selected in collaboration with local educators and school districts based on academic and household need.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver high-quality, developmentally appropriate activities that promote academic achievement and enrichment in literacy, math, STEAM, social-emotional learning, health and well-being, and community exploration.
• Prepare all necessary supplies and set up learning environments to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Supervise a group of up to 13 first-grade students, maintaining a 13:1 student-to-staff ratio, with additional support from a high school volunteer (Leader in Training).
• Ensure student safety at all times, including during off-site field trips and enrichment excursions, while upholding all program policies and procedures.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment through effective classroom management and relationship-building.
• Address and redirect student behavior in a positive, respectful, and developmentally appropriate manner.
• Serve as a role model by demonstrating responsibility, kindness, and a growth mindset.
• Follow the daily program schedule to ensure consistent and effective delivery of activities.
• Participate in enrichment sessions led by external providers to encourage and support student engagement.
• Maintain accurate attendance records and document student progress and behavior as required.
• Administer pre- and post-program evaluations to help assess student growth and overall program impact.
• Collaborate with site staff and volunteers to enhance the student experience and ensure program quality.
• Communicate regularly with the Site Coordinator regarding student needs, program concerns, and site updates.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and proper care of shared program spaces, supplies, and equipment.
• Assist with special events, parent engagement activities, and other site-based initiatives.
• Represent the program positively and professionally to students, families, volunteers, partners, and community members.
• Attend and actively participate in all required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the program and its participants.

• Associate or bachelor’s Degree preferred; coursework in education, child development, or a related field is desirable.
• At least 2 years of experience working with children in structured settings such as classrooms, afterschool programs, or camps.
• Strong background in youth development and classroom management.
• Ability to engage effectively with children and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
• First Aid, CPR, and Mandated Reporter certifications required prior to the program start date.
• Negative TB test within the past four years, in compliance with Education Code 49406.
• Must successfully complete Live Scan fingerprinting, DOJ background check, and Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) clearance per Education Code 45125.01.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

United Way of Santa Barbara County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training