Association Director of Y Guides

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the leadership of the Vice President of Overnight Camping and Y Guides, and in alignment with the policies and mission of the YMCA of the Triangle, the Association Director of Y Guides provides strategic direction, operational management, and innovative program development for the Y Guides program. This role is instrumental in advancing the Association’s vision for deepening family engagement and expanding overnight camping experiences. 

The Director collaborates closely with the Camp Kanata leadership team, branch leaders across the YMCA of the Triangle, and the Sea Gull and Seafarer Extended Season team to cultivate meaningful relationships between families and the YMCA. By aligning, enhancing, and expanding family-focused initiatives across the Association, this role ensures families experience a lasting sense of connection, belonging, and purpose throughout their YMCA journey. 

Bachelor’s degree required; minimum of five years of progressive experience in youth development, overnight camping, human services, or a related field. 
Proven track record of effective leadership and relationship-building, with the ability to inspire trust and lead through influence. 
Demonstrated expertise in program design, development, and execution, with a focus on mission-driven outcomes and participant experience. 
Experienced coach and mentor, skilled in supporting and developing individuals and teams through change, complexity, and growth. 
Highly organized and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and consistently meet deadlines with excellence. 
Strong financial acumen, including the ability to develop and manage complex budgets, analyze performance, and take strategic action when necessary. 
Exceptional communication skills, including written, verbal, and visual communication; confident in delivering presentations, leading meetings, and facilitating group discussions in both in-person and virtual formats. 
Proven success in working with community partners, third-party organizations, and high-level volunteers to advance shared goals and initiatives. 
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Power BI. 
Data-informed decision-maker, with the ability to quickly interpret and apply data to drive strategy and operations. 
Excellent time management and organizational skills, with a focus on accountability and execution. 
Collaborative and influential leader, able to navigate across functions and build alignment toward strategic goals. 
Strategic thinker with strong business acumen, experienced in aligning programs with organizational imperatives, funding priorities, and measurable outcomes. 
Effective problem-solver, able to assess complex situations, analyze data, and generate sound conclusions and action plans. 
Experienced in conflict resolution, with a commitment to fairness, equity, and maintaining a positive workplace culture. 
Deep commitment to the YMCA’s mission and values, with a proven ability to model inclusive leadership and foster high-performing, mission-aligned teams. 
Maintains the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality in all interactions. 
Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities independently while delivering high-quality results. 

Strategic Leadership & Vision 

Establishes and maintains high standards of excellence across all program areas and operational seasons. 
Leads and manages a $3MM annual operating budget, while creating a long-term, mission-aligned business plan that fosters sustainability, innovation, and growth. 
Ensures Y Guides is deeply connected to the program strategies of all three overnight camps and the YMCA of the Triangle’s broader family engagement framework. 
Collaborates with key staff, branch leadership, and Association departments to deliver high-quality experiences where families actively connect, grow, and serve together.  

Team Leadership & Workforce Development 

Recruits, onboards, coaches, and leads a high-performing staff team dedicated to excellence in youth development and family programming. 
Provides direct leadership and professional development to Y Guides’ Senior Program Directors. 
Fosters a values-driven team culture built on collaboration, accountability, and alignment with the YMCA’s mission and core values. 
Champions opportunities for staff growth, succession planning, and internal career advancement.  

Program & Operational Excellence 

Ensures that all Y Guides experiences are safe, inclusive, memorable, and impactful while meeting YMCA standards for family engagement. 
Actively works with the Y Guides Team to strategically visit a portfolio of crews in homes or at crew-specific activities during the program year. 
Leads year-round program delivery, including evenings and weekends. 
Drives enrollment and retention by implementing innovative recruitment tactics, cross-promotion, and community outreach. 
Uses data and feedback loops to guide program decision-making and increase family engagement and YMCA participation. 
Partners with?Marketing & Communications?to craft and deliver compelling promotions and messaging that reflect the voice and vision of Y Guides. 
Serves as the face of the Y Guides program—ensuring consistent, professional, and mission-driven communication with all stakeholders, including families, volunteers, donors, and board members.  

Philanthropy, Advisory Board & Community Engagement 

Partners with the YMCA of the Triangle’s Philanthropy team to lead Y Guides’ Annual Campaign, raising at a minimum of $150,000+ annually with the intent to grow overall philanthropic support. 
Cultivates a culture of philanthropy through intentional volunteer engagement, goal setting, and donor stewardship. 
Identifies and pursues new funding opportunities that align with Y Guides’ mission and growth strategy. 
Recruits, supports, and energizes a forward-thinking Program Advisory Board and related volunteer committees.  

Organizational Leadership & Collaboration 

Works collaboratively with YMCA branch teams and Association departments to ensure Y Guides integrates seamlessly into the broader family engagement landscape. 
Leads with a cross-functional mindset—strengthening relationships across branches, departments, and overnight camp teams. 
Coordinates business operations in partnership with key departments, including Customer Service, Marketing, Communications, IT, Procurement, Finance, HR, and Financial Development. 
Builds and maintains strong relationships with YMCA leadership, branch executives, and external partners to advance shared goals.  

Professional Engagement & Additional Responsibilities 

Serves on Association teams and committees as assigned to advance organizational priorities. 
Performs other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Camping Services.