The YMCA of Greenville is a dynamic and rapidly growing association that seeks to strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

The Program Director supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Program Director is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and daily operations of Child Watch, Aquatics, and Youth Programming at the Life Center YMCA. This role ensures high-quality program delivery, staff supervision, member engagement, and safety compliance while fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and mission-driven environment for children and families.

As a key member of the leadership team, the Program Director will oversee program development, staff training, budget management, and community partnerships. This position requires strong leadership, organization, and relationship-building skills to create meaningful experiences that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Not only will you be part of amazing mission driven work, we offer the following Full Time benefits:

• Work Today, Get Paid Today!!! Instant access to your earned wages before payday.
• 12% Retirement Contribution, once fully vested
• 403b Retirement Savings Plan
• Separate Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• Medical Benefits
• Company Paid Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 11 Company Paid Holidays
• Household Membership to the YMCA of Greenville
• 50% Discount on Programs, including Childcare, Sports, Personal Training, and Aquatics.

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.

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.

Program Leadership & Development

• Oversee the strategic direction, planning, and execution of Child Watch, Aquatics, and Youth Programs, ensuring alignment with YMCA mission and values.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate innovative and engaging programs that meet community needs and drive participation.
• Ensure that all programs comply with YMCA standards, state regulations, and safety protocols.
• Monitor program performance, attendance, and outcomes, using data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Expand youth programming offerings to enhance membership engagement and community impact.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff, ensuring a positive and professional work culture.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to Aquatics, Child Watch, and Youth Program staff.
• Ensure staff certifications (CPR, Lifeguarding, Childcare, etc.) are current and in compliance with YMCA and state requirements.
• Develop and lead ongoing training and professional development opportunities for staff.

Member & Community Engagement

• Foster strong relationships with members, parents, and community partners to promote programs and encourage participation.
• Handle parent/member concerns promptly and professionally, ensuring a positive experience for all families.
• Actively engage with the community to expand partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborations that benefit YMCA youth programs.
• Create marketing strategies in partnership with the Membership & Communications team to promote youth programming.

Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure all Child Watch and Aquatics programs meet state licensing, risk management, and YMCA safety standards.
• Maintain accurate records of staff certifications, safety audits, and compliance reports.
• Oversee pool operations to ensure adherence to health and safety standards, including proper lifeguard coverage and water safety protocols.
• Develop and implement emergency action plans for all youth programs.

Financial & Operational Management

• Develop and manage the budget for Child Watch, Aquatics, and Youth Programs, ensuring financial sustainability.
• Monitor revenue and expenses, making necessary adjustments to maintain program viability.
• Identify opportunities for grants, sponsorships, and fundraising to support program growth.
• Maintain program supplies, equipment, and facility readiness to ensure a high-quality experience for participants.

Other Expectations:

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
• Attend/complete required abuse risk management training
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers.
• Follow mandated reporting requirements.
• Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities.
  • Maintenance Employees-ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker-rooms and bathrooms), etc.
  • Front Desk Personnel- ensure consumers are properly signed in and out, ensure only authorized adults are allowed in the facility, etc. 
• Follow employees and volunteers screening requirements and use screening instruments to screen for abuse risk.
• Provide employees and volunteers with ongoing supervision and training related to abuse risk.
• Provide employees and volunteers with regular feedback regarding their boundaries with consumers.
• Require employees and volunteers to adhere to policies and procedures related to abuse risk.
• Respond quickly to policy and procedure violations using the organization’s progressive disciplinary procedures.
• Respond seriously and confidentially to reports of suspicious and inappropriate behaviors.
• Follow mandated reporting requirements.
• Communicate to all employees and volunteers the organization’s commitment to protect their consumer from abuse.
• Report essential abuse risk management information to the board of directors.

*Compensation will be determined commensurate qualifications and experience.*

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Youth Development, Education, Sports Management, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in program management, childcare, aquatics, or youth programming or equivalent experience
• Proven experience leading and developing teams, with a focus on coaching and mentorship.
• Certifications (or willingness to obtain within 60 days):
  • CPR/AED & First Aid (Required)
  • Lifeguard Certification (Preferred for aquatics oversight)
• Strong knowledge of youth development principles, safety regulations, and program best practices.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop and manage budgets, track expenses, and ensure financial sustainability.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and program management software.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed. Must be over the age of 21.
• Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.
• Incumbent must complete mandatory trainings of New Staff Orientation, BBP/Child Abuse Prevention and CPR/1^st Aid/AED trainings within 30 days of employment.