Youth Program Director Jobs in Ridgefield, CT (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Athletic and Youth Program Director is responsible for building, operating, and continuously improving the YMCA of Greenwich’s aquatic and youth programming portfolio. Acting as the Athletic Director for the YMCA’s competitive swim, dive, and water polo programs, this leader works in close partnership with head coaches to set program standards, drive team growth, and ensure that every athlete has a clear and supported path forward to reach their full potential. This role leads the full swim school operation from traditional lessons to community-based offerings and competitive pathways while also overseeing the YMCA’s youth extracurricular programming and partnerships.

This position brings vision, operational discipline, and a genuine passion for youth development through sport and has the organizational development skills to build quality programs.

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.

REPORTS TO:

Vice President of Youth Development

PAY:

$80,000/annual

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Competitive Athletics – Swim, Dive and Water Polo

• Serve as the Athletic Director for the YMCA’s competitive swim, dive, and water polo programs, providing strategic oversight, program direction, and organizational support to each team’s coaching staff.
• Partner closely with head coaches to set team goals, build program culture, establish athlete development standards, and ensure each competitive program reflects the values and mission of the YMCA.
• Build systems that support coach effectiveness and athlete experience including scheduling, meet logistics, communication with families, and athlete recognition.
• Ensure competitive programs are properly resourced, staffed, and positioned for growth, identifying opportunities to expand participation, strengthen community relationships, and elevate the YMCA’s reputation as a destination for competitive aquatics.
• Champion the development of the whole athlete — ensuring every competitive participant grows not only in their sport but in leadership, character, and life skills that extend well beyond the pool.
• Maintain compliance with all relevant governing body requirements (USA Swimming, USA Diving, USA Water Polo) and ensure coaches hold current and appropriate certifications for their sport.

Youth Development Strategy & Program Quality

• Own the strategic direction, daily operations, and continuous improvement and growth of the YMCA’s full swim school program, and community-based aquatic initiatives.
• Establish and maintain program quality standards aligned with Red Cross WSI Swim Lesson curriculum and national best practices, ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience for every participant at every level.
• Design and strengthen participant pathways that create a natural, well-supported progression from foundational swim lessons through intermediate programming and into competitive aquatics for those who are ready.
• Analyze enrollment trends, session performance, and participant feedback to drive continuous improvement, identify growth opportunities, and ensure programming is responsive to community demand.
• Develop and lead adaptive programming to serve as an entry point into inclusive YMCA programming.
• Partner with Marketing to communicate the swim school’s value proposition and impact, supporting enrollment growth through compelling storytelling and community visibility.

Youth Extracurricular Programming & Partnerships

• Develop, manage, and grow the YMCA’s youth extracurricular portfolio, with a focus on introductory and developmental programming that gives young people their first positive experience with organized athletics and enrichment programming.
• Build and steward partnerships with schools, youth sports organizations, and community groups to expand access, co-develop programming, and grow the YMCA’s presence in the youth sports landscape.
• Ensure all youth sports and extracurricular programs reflect the YMCA’s commitment to access, inclusion, and positive youth development prioritizing participation, character, and skill-building over competition at the introductory level.

Management and Risk

• Champion child abuse prevention across all program areas, ensuring staff are trained, policies are enforced, and a culture of vigilance and reporting is embedded in daily operations.
• Ensure all aquatic and youth sports and extracurricular programs meet or exceed applicable safety standards, regulatory requirements, and YMCA of the USA risk management guidelines.
• Own the financial performance of the full program portfolio — swim school, competitive athletics, and youth sports and extracurricular programs— including annual budget development, revenue targets, expense management, and variance reporting.
• Lead and develop a mixed team of direct reports and coordinators, creating clarity around roles, expectations, and growth pathways at every level of the team.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain high-quality swim instructors, program coordinators, and support staff, building a team that is mission-aligned, technically strong, and excellent with participants and families.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in sports management, recreation, physical education, nonprofit management, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive experience in aquatics, youth sports, or recreation program leadership.
• Demonstrated success managing multi-program portfolios and leading teams.
• Strong financial acumen including experience building and managing budgets, driving enrollment revenue, and analyzing program performance.
• Deep knowledge of youth development principles, progressive skill-building curricula, and structured youth enrichment operations.
• Experience working with or overseeing competitive sports programs and coaching staff strongly preferred.
• Strong partnership development and community engagement skills.
• Excellent communication skills with participants, families, staff, and organizational leadership.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification required.
• Familiarity with USA Swimming, US Diving, or USA Water Polo governance preferred.

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 essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to work in excess of a 40-hour week with irregular hours.

SALARY/BENEFITS:

• Salary is competitive and based on experience.
• The YMCA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance, retirement plan, generous vacation, and paid holidays.

I understand and agree to perform all duties listed above. In order to enhance the overall operation of the YMCA of Greenwich and to support teamwork, I will accept additional responsibilities as assigned.