Program Director

The YMCA of Greater New York is a well-established nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth, improving health, and strengthening communities throughout New York City. Founded in 1852, the YMCA has grown to serve a vibrant and diverse population of over half a million New Yorkers via its 24 branches across the city. The YMCA is renowned for its commitment to fostering community engagement and developing programs that promote learning, growth, and wellness among children and families. With a long-standing history and a wide-reaching impact, the YMCA of Greater New York stands as a pillar of community support, offering opportunities that nurture leadership, cultural inclusion, and personal development for all participants and staff members.

The YMCA operates with a people-first approach grounded in its "LEAP" career framework, which emphasizes Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, and Personal Growth. This framework supports a collaborative environment where staff members are encouraged to grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to the communities they serve. This dedication to staff development ensures that the YMCA continues to enhance its community impact through compassionate, innovative, and inclusive programming.

The Program Director position at the Vanderbilt YMCA offers a rewarding career opportunity for a dynamic leader passionate about youth development. Reporting directly to the Youth & Family Director, the Program Director will lead the Afterschool initiative with strategic insight and operational excellence. The role involves overseeing all facets of the program to ensure high-quality, holistic youth development tailored to the needs of children in grades K-5 or 6-8.

Key responsibilities include providing robust team leadership by supervising, mentoring, and guiding a diverse staff to deliver engaging, developmentally-appropriate programming. The Program Director will be responsible for the design and implementation of innovative activities that promote learning and growth, focusing particularly on mental wellness, social-emotional learning, and inclusion for children of all abilities. They will also manage budgets and ensure compliance with contractual and reporting requirements.

Beyond operational duties, the Program Director will work closely with community partners, funders, and school staff to cultivate meaningful relationships and elevate program services. A critical part of the role is to develop and execute recruitment strategies to maintain high participation rates and utilize data-driven approaches to continuously improve program quality. The position requires the management of mental wellness initiatives that support participants, families, and staff, including coordination with external mental health and social service providers.

With an annual salary of $66,300, this full-time position offers the chance to join a dedicated team that values leadership, collaboration, and impact. The successful candidate will thrive in a mission-driven environment and gain invaluable experience in program administration, community engagement, and youth services. The YMCA of Greater New York provides numerous benefits, including retirement plans, medical coverage, paid time off, and complimentary YMCA membership, making this an attractive opportunity for professionals passionate about making a difference in children’s lives and strengthening families through afterschool programming.