Childcare Director

The Y is the leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and one another. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. 

The YMCA is seeking a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as our Director of Childcare, overseeing and supporting our thriving childcare and day camp programs. This pivotal role manages a team of direct reports and is responsible for the planning and execution of our After-School and Summer Camp programs. We are looking for a leader who can ensure operational excellence, provide strategic direction, and deliver exceptional experiences for the children and families we serve.

·       Bachelor's degree in early childhood, child development, or related field or equivalent. Must meet administrator-level licensing requirements for the State of Alaska.

·       Two years of related experience as a coordinator or supervisor of childcare programs is preferred.

·       Become familiar with the State of Alaska childcare licensing and childcare assistance regulations. 

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to present information effectively to large groups of adults including children in both instructional and non-instructional settings.

·       Ability to make mature judgments and carry out job assignments while under stress.

·       Able to work with people of all ages, including older adults.

·       Ability to work independently when necessary.

·       Ability to work as a part of a team and foster a teamwork environment.

·       Ability and willingness to learn District recreation software, timekeeping and other software applications.

·       Good work ethic and a desire to see projects through to completion.

·       Ability to multi-task and work under pressure while meeting deadlines.

·       Must be willing to accept direction and supervision.

·       Ability to prioritize and follow through effectively.

·       Strong commitment and ability to provide high quality customer service.

·        Research skills, including use of the Internet and other resources.

·       Manage, direct, and coordinate the school-age childcare programs for the YMCA of Alaska. Ensures the delivery of high-quality programs and initiates new program activities. Expands programs within the community in accordance with strategic and operational plans.

·        Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules, and directs personnel and volunteers as needed. Review and evaluate staff performance. Develop strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals.

·        Develops, manages and controls budgets related to the position. Ensure program operates within budget and that program fees are collected.

·        Assures compliance with federal, state and local regulations as they relate to program areas, including ADA accommodations where appropriate. Ensures that YMCA program standards are met and safety procedures followed.

·        Provides for the upkeep of assigned program facilities and equipment and ensures the physical environment supports healthy living.

·        Develops and maintains relationships with state childcare licensing agencies, school administration, parent groups and other organizations and agencies related to assigned programs. Responds to all agencies, parents and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.

·        Provides staff leadership for the annual fund-raising campaign and committees as assigned.

·        Maintains proper records/department files.

·        Organizes special events for parents. Assists in YMCA fundraising activities.

·       Assists with Program Committee meetings.

·       Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information.

·       Compiles program statistics. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of and participation in programs.

·       Performs other duties as assigned.

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. Cultivate relationships to support fund-raising.

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 tailors’ 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 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.