Director Of Program Strategy Jobs Near Me

The Newark branch serves as a major hub for membership, aquatics, sports, gymnastics, teen and family programming, and community engagement.
Job Description
The Director of Operations, Programs has the opportunity to provide leadership and direction across a broad range of programs and operations at one of the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA's flagship locations. This role offers the opportunity to develop strong teams, strengthen and grow programs, build meaningful community relationships, and identify new ways to meet the needs of members, participants, and families. The Director will help create an environment where staff are empowered to lead, programs are positioned for continued success, and the YMCA's mission is reflected in the quality and impact of the experiences we provide.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Operations, Programs provides leadership for a broad range of programs and operational functions at the Newark YMCA, with responsibility for program strategy, quality, financial performance, staff leadership, participant experience, and facility readiness across Sports, Aquatics, Gymnastics, Teens, and Family programming.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, recreation, education, human services, nonprofit management, or a related field; advanced degree or relevant professional certification preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive program and/or operational leadership experience, preferably within the YMCA and/or nonprofit sector, with demonstrated leadership in program development, program operations, staff supervision, and service delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership for programs and operations, including developing, implementing, evaluating, and continuously improving programs that advance the organization's mission, strategic priorities, community impact, and financial sustainability.
• Strong understanding of program management and operational effectiveness, including budgeting, resource allocation, program quality, participation and retention, risk management, safety, compliance, and the use of data and performance metrics to evaluate outcomes and drive decision-making.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, including recruiting, training, coaching, mentoring, and retaining staff while establishing clear expectations, accountability, and a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with executive leadership, staff, volunteers, community partners, and other stakeholders to identify community needs, develop innovative programs and services, and strengthen organizational impact and engagement.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, make sound decisions, and effectively address complex operational and programmatic challenges; must demonstrate a strong commitment to the YMCA's mission, values, and commitment to serving diverse communities.
Essential Functions
Program Area Oversight
• Lead Sports, Aquatics, Gymnastics, Teens, and Family program areas at the Newark branch.
• Set program quality standards, scheduling, and participant experience across these areas.
• Manage program budgets and revenue targets within each area.
• Evaluate program performance, participation, community need, financial sustainability, and growth opportunities; lead changes that strengthen program quality, reach, and impact.
• Evaluate program performance, participation, community need, financial sustainability, and growth opportunities; lead changes that strengthen program quality, reach, and impact.
Competitive Teams & Advisory/Parent Groups
• Oversee all competitive teams (swim teams, gymnastics, sports leagues, etc.) including coaching staff, scheduling, and competition logistics.
• Manage and build effective relationships with team-level parent and support groups, including booster clubs and team parent committees and provide leadership and oversight to the Soccer Advisory Board.
Teen Programs
• Build and oversee Leaders Club, Youth in Government, and other teen leadership/civic programs.
• Manage teen program staff and curriculum alignment with association standards.
Facilities & Maintenance
• Oversee all maintenance personnel at the Newark branch.
• Manage all equipment capital purchases for the branch (fitness equipment, pool equipment, program gear, etc.)
• Coordinate day-to-day facility upkeep and repair priorities, escalating major capital/infrastructure needs to the Risk Management and Facilities Director
Staff Leadership
• Lead, coach, and develop program directors/coordinators across Sports, Aquatics, Gymnastics, Teens, and Family programming.
• Provide leadership and accountability for branch maintenance staff.
• Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and accountability while developing leadership capacity and succession within program teams.
Fundraising & Community Partnerships
• Support fundraising efforts, including sponsorships, advertising opportunities, campaigns, and special events.
• Build relationships with businesses, donors, and community partners to support program and YMCA goals.
Cross-Functional Partnership
• Partner with the association office on branch safety compliance, licensing, and major capital planning
• Partner with the Director of Operations, Membership on shared branch events, family programming crossover, and facility scheduling conflicts.
• Report to VP of Operations on program performance, budget, and staffing.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):
Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensure 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. Build relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailor's 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. Develop plans and manage the 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.
Ymca Careers
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