Early Childhood Education Director - YMCA

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Director of Early  Childhood Programs is at YMCA of Southern Arizona is responsible for assisting the Vice President of Mission Advancement with the administration and operation of the early childhood centers and branch Learn & Play programs. Responsibilities include leadership for the development of high quality early learning initiatives while providing opportunities to shape values and encourage lifelong learning for children. The incumbent must embrace the Association’s matrix management system and demonstrate collaborative philosophy. This position will supervise and lead Early Childhood Program part-time and full-time staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DIRECTOR:

•  Provides leadership and models excellent customer service to provide a welcoming environment for all staff, members, and guests by following customer service best practices. This includes (but is not limited to) adhering to the “ten-foot rule” and maintaining eye contact.
   Delivers a personalized approach when engaging with participants that creates a positive experience. This includes (but is not limited to) introductions to other YMCA program areas and services.
   Ensures that staff actively engage YMCA members, program participants, and guests through different forms of media including in-person and over the phone.
   Takes ownership through seeking to understand concerns and successfully takes actions to resolve each unique situation. Notifies appropriate leadership in a timely manner to ensure the best outcome for all parties involved.
   Has the ability to respond appropriately to emergency situations while adhering to the safety policies and procedures set by the YMCA of Southern Arizona.
   Is adept at utilizing the current operating software system to maximize an individual’s experience through program registrations and other software functions; including training other staff as needed.
   Creates preventative maintenance plans. Initiates and oversees maintenance of program supplies and equipment to ensure high program quality and creates proposals for leadership about programmatic needs.
   Provides supervision for and initiates appropriate actions to maintain safety, cleanliness, and organization throughout the facility with priority in assigned program areas.
   Ensures early childhood programs and services meet community needs to include supervising existing program activities, establishing new program activities, and expanding the program within the community as needed. Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information.
   Recruits and hires diverse staff and volunteer teams across multiple dimensions of diversity. Onboards and develops them for success. Develops continuing education schedule which includes options relevant to early childhood education.
   Models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations and within each branch location. Maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within area of responsibility.
   Manages early childhood programs, including developing and monitoring the program budget to meet fiscal objectives; compiling program statistics to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of and participation in program.
   Assures compliance with state and local regulations as they relate to program areas. Ensures that program standards are met and safety procedures followed. Develops and maintains relationships with state childcare licensing agencies.
   Provides leadership and support to the annual fundraising campaign and volunteer committees/boards as assigned.
   Performs all other duties as assigned.

*This is not an exhaustive list of job duties. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned.

REQUIREMENTS OF AN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DIRECTOR:

• ● Must be at least 21 years of age.
  ● Current Fingerprint Clearance Card.
  ● Current CPR, First Aid, AED certifications or completion within thirty (30) days of hire.
  ● Proof of Health Exam and negative TB test.
  ● Bachelor’s Degree in Early Education or closely related field preferred. NAC, CDA, CCP, or CPC credentials preferred.
  ● Three (3) to five (5) years related experience preferred.
  ● At least six (6) months experience in a supervisory role.
  ● Completion of assigned online training within seven (7) days of hire.
  ● Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program activities.
  ● Previous experience with diverse populations and/or the ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
  ● Understands the YMCA of Southern Arizona is a public accommodation committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  ● Bilingual preferred.

FULL TIME BENEFITS:

• Free YMCA membership for employee, one additional adult, and all the employee's dependents under age 24, living in the household
• 12% Employer funded retirement plan (once eligible)
• Medical Insurance and 100% Employer funded dental and vision insurance (employee only - dependents may be added at employee's expense)
• 100% Employer funded long-term disability and life insurance after 90 days of employment
• One (1) sick day accrued per months up to 60 days (will roll over)
• Seven (7) paid holidays and three (3) paid personal days per year
• Vacation time accrued after 90 days of employment - accrual amount based on years of service
• 50% off of YMCA of Southern Arizona programs (such as swim lessons, child care, personal training packages, camp registrations, sports leagues, and more!)

OUR YMCA 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.

This job announcement is not intended to be inclusive of all functions, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position, however, representative of the essential job functions and typical criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the position.