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Children Program Director Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Senior Program Director

Greenfield, WI · On-site

$58K - $61K/yr

Minimum of 240 hours of related experience working with early childhood or school-aged children in ... Program Director Somerset Hills YMCA Assn Director of Licensing YMCA of Greater Richmond

UW Health

RN Program Director, Congenital Heart

Madison, WI · On-site

$105K - $158K/yr

The RN Program Director is more than an operations role. You will help take a growing congenital ... Be part of Forward Pediatric Alliance, a one-of-a-kind collaboration between Children's Wisconsin ...

JobRx, Inc.

WI · On-site

$130 - $195/hr

Rapidly-Expanding Children's Hospital * Leadership Role: PGY1 Residency & Pharmacy Operations ... Additionally, this leader serves as the Residency Program Director (RPD) for the pharmacy's PGY-1 ...

YMCA

Day Camp Director

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$43K - $53K/yr

Must be at least 21 years of age * 3+ years working in an organized children's program * 3+ years ... Have the DC Director actively involved in the School Age (SA) Program to connect with families and ...

YMCA

Licensed Program Coordinator

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

... children, staff, parents, and school community members * Ensure that the care of the participants is a key priority through direct supervision of the programs and support of staff in the absence of ...

YMCA

Assistant Director Day Camp

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$21/hr

Under the supervision of the Day Camp Director, the Day Camp Assistant Director is responsible for ... and program requirements such as sign-in/check-out sheets, lesson plans, children enrollment ...

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Children Program Director information

What does a Children Program Director do?

A Children Program Director is responsible for designing, managing, and evaluating programs and activities for children, often within educational, recreational, or community settings. They oversee staff, develop age-appropriate curricula, ensure the safety and well-being of participants, and coordinate with parents and community organizations. Their role involves budgeting, scheduling, and maintaining compliance with relevant regulations to create a positive and enriching environment for children.

How much does a director of children's services make?

The salary for a Children’s Program Director typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Higher salaries are common in larger organizations or urban areas, and the role often requires strong leadership, program management skills, and relevant certifications.

What are some common challenges faced by a Children Program Director, and how can they be effectively managed?

Children Program Directors often face challenges such as balancing diverse needs of children, managing staff, and ensuring program compliance with safety and educational standards. Effective management involves maintaining clear communication with team members, staying updated on best practices in child development, and fostering strong relationships with parents and community partners. Proactively addressing staff training and seeking regular feedback can also help create a positive, adaptable program environment.

What is the highest paying job in child development?

The highest paying roles in child development often include senior positions such as Child Development Director or Pediatric Healthcare Executive, which require advanced degrees and extensive experience. These roles typically involve leadership, policy development, or specialized clinical skills and can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually.

What is the highest paid job in childcare?

The highest paid roles in childcare often include executive positions such as Childcare Center Directors or Owners, who manage large facilities and oversee staff and budgets. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and strong leadership skills, with salaries varying based on location and facility size.

What is the difference between Children Program Director vs Children Activities Coordinator?

Children Program DirectorChildren Activities Coordinator
Develops and oversees overall program strategies and policiesPlans and executes specific activities and events for children
Requires higher-level management skills and experienceFocuses on day-to-day activity coordination
Typically holds a bachelor's degree in education, recreation, or related fieldMay require similar certifications but less managerial experience
Works in community centers, schools, or religious organizationsWorks in similar environments, often under supervision

The Children Program Director focuses on strategic planning and program management, while the Children Activities Coordinator handles the execution of specific activities. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in similar settings, but the director has broader responsibilities and leadership duties.

What qualifications do you need to be a program director?

Children Program Directors typically need a bachelor's degree in education, social work, or a related field, along with experience working with children and in program management. Strong leadership, communication skills, and knowledge of safety regulations are also important. Some positions may require certifications such as CPR or first aid.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Children Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Children Program Director, you need a background in education, child development, or a related field, often with a bachelor's degree and experience in program management. Familiarity with curriculum planning tools, child safety regulations, and management software is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you inspire staff, engage families, and respond effectively to challenges. These competencies are essential for creating enriching, safe, and effective programs that support children's growth and well-being.
What are the most commonly searched types of Children Program jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Children Program jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Children Program Director jobs in Wisconsin? For Children Program Director jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Children Program Director jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Children Program Director jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Children Program Director jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Children Program Director job openings:
Children Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Children Program Director job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.
Senior Program Director

Senior Program Director

YMCA

Greenfield, WI • On-site

$58K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,986 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

558th of 759 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Join the Southwest YMCA as our next Senior Program Director!
Job Description
The Senior Program Director is responsible for the planning, development, supervision, and oversight of all Before and After School Care (Y BASE), camp, preschool, and 4K programs. The Senior Program Director will oversee the development and implementation of educational curriculum and activities. This position manages director-level staff within the branch which includes hiring, training, supervision, and development to ensure that participation in licensed programming occurs in a fun, healthy and safe environment.
Qualifications
  • Must be at least 21 years of age and have 240 hours of experience in an approved education setting.
  • Must have completed high school or equivalent.
  • Must meet Child Care Licensing requirements including one of the following: an Associate or Bachelor's degree (related field preferred); or otherwise qualified as a School-Age Director through The Wisconsin Registry.
  • Minimum of 240 hours of related experience working with early childhood or school-aged children in an approved setting.
  • A minimum of one year experience supervising staff is preferred.
  • Requires timely, professional, thorough communication to staff, school leadership, and participants.
  • Must have practical knowledge of Wisconsin DCF licensing requirements.
  • Must be able and willing to obtain CPR, First Aid, AED. Abusive Head Trauma, Mandated Reporter, Wisconsin Registry certification, and additional non-credit school-age coursework (as needed).
  • Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with others.
  • Ability to relate effectively with diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills required.
  • Exhibit the core values of caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility in all aspects of their work with the YMCA.
  • Must have ability to participate in and lead indoor and outdoor physical activities and provide custodial care of children.
  • Must have a current driver's license and be able to travel to multiple work sites during a workday.

    • Essential Functions
  • Oversee the development, implementation and promotion of high-quality before and after school care, preschool and 4K programming during the school year and camp and summer learning adventures programming during the summer months.
  • Supervise and develop staff in accordance with Y policies, mission, and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training, planning and assigning work, evaluating performance, and addressing and resolving issues.
  • Create and maintain positive relationships with school leadership, community organizations, members, participants, and staff.
  • Ensures records of staff certifications are current and complete.
  • Work in cooperation with leadership and YMCA guidelines to establish and expand new programming and activities.
  • Implement an evaluation procedure for programs and staff to help ensure desired program outcomes are consistently achieved.
  • Promptly respond to member and participant needs and manage complaints in a courteous, patient manner using active listening and problem-solving techniques.
  • Accurately maintain participant records and other documentation in accordance with department requirements. Compile program statistics, while monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of and participation in programs areas.
  • Ensure that programs follow safety protocol as established by the YMCA Association and branch guidelines. Monitor daily operations to adhere to all state, local and YMCA health and safety regulations.
  • Role model strong fiscal stewardship through the development and monitoring of the approved annual budget with recommended adjustments.
  • Uphold the core values of the Y when working with people within the Y facilities and community.
  • Participate and recruit staff, members, vendors and program participants in financial development efforts such as the Annual Community Support Campaign.
  • Participate in cabinet work as directed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

    • Work Environment & Physical Demands:
    Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs. and work indoors and outdoors; must be able to assume postures in low levels to allow physical and visual contact with children; see and hear well enough to keep children safe; and engage in physical activity with children.
    Ymca Careers
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