Early Learning Readiness Director

Company: YMCA of Austin
Location: Austin
Posted on: September 21, 2023

Job Description:

Are you ready for an extraordinary opportunity as a Program Director in the Early Education Department at the East Communities YMCA?The Greater Austin YMCA is hiring a Program Director in the Early Education Department at the East Communities YMCA. This role involves organizing and delivering community-based programs, leading events, and building relationships that positively impact the lives of youth and families. The core responsibility of the Program Director is to plan, organize, and execute the Early Learning Readiness (ELR) program.ELR, a long-standing initiative developed in collaboration with the City of Austin, Any Baby Can, and local school districts focuses on nurturing the bond between caregivers and children through play and learning in a supportive environment. This program provides a stimulating setting to help children (2-5 years) develop essential physical, verbal, and social skills for school readiness. It also empowers caregivers with insights into child development and strategies for skill-building at home. Caregivers and children meet twice weekly over a 38-week program cycle. The curriculum is designed to comprehensively support the holistic development of young children, encompassing brain development, early literacy, cultivating healthy habits, and enhancing strong parenting skills. The ELR program is the foundation for current and future achievements and success.Location:East Communities YMCA -5315 Ed Bluestein Blvd, Austin, TX 78723Salary:$51,000 to $55,000 annual salary for this position. Final compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, certificates, and experience.We Take Care of Our People - Benefits & Perks:The Greater Austin YMCA's mission isn't just a statement-it's a guiding force that shapes our actions every day. Rooted in our unwavering commitment to serving our community and esteemed team members, our mission is a true way of life. We're passionate about fostering health and wellness for all, and we're truly excited to introduce the following comprehensive benefits package that has been thoughtfully designed to prioritize your well-being.

• Health Insurance: We provide comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, to ensure the well-being of our employees.
• Retirement Savings Plan: We offer a 12% employer-funded retirement plan upon meeting eligibility, empowering employees to plan for their future.
• Paid Time Off: Work-life integration is important to us, which is why we provide up to 48 days of paid time off over vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Additional Perks: Free household membership to facilities operated by the Greater Austin YMCA, which is worth $1,000 annually. How You Will Make an Impact (Essential Responsibilities):
  • Lead and oversee all aspects of the Early Learning Readiness program, ensuring its quality, effectiveness, and positive impact on participants.
  • Develop, organize, and manage programs that provide opportunities for youth and adults to achieve and develop essential skills.
  • Recruit, train, and supervise program staff to create a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
  • Ensure that all new staff complete Greater Austin YMCA paperwork and required training.
  • Ensure the completion of necessary program and participant paperwork to meet YMCA, grant, and other standards.
  • Oversee and facilitate the successful delivery of the ELR curriculum, aligning it with program goals and objectives.
  • Secure schools, facilities, equipment, and supplies for program activities and events.
  • Establish and maintain regular communication with school staff to build strong working relationships.
  • Develop and implement recruitment strategies, including flyer distribution, job fairs, Y special events, and school events.
  • Ensure proper supervision of all program participants.
  • Ensure safety procedures are followed and incident/accident reports are filed in a timely manner.
  • Ensure waivers and appropriate risk management paperwork are complete for all participants.
  • Directly supervise staff, create schedulesand approve weekly payroll in assigned program departments.
  • Directly supervise and coordinate volunteers.
  • Track and update ELR program attendance reports in multiple systems.
  • Compile program data and aid in the completion of grant reports.
  • Regularly observe, monitor, and evaluate programs and staff performance.
  • Develop and monitor program budgets to meet fiscal objectives.
  • Promote and incorporate the YMCA core values and character development model into all program activities.
  • Assist in the marketing and distribution of program information to staff, members, program participants, and the community.
  • Develop and distribute program calendar and social media content.
  • Build collaborative relationships and provide accurate and timely program communication to Y leadership and community stakeholders.
  • Identify and cultivate partners in early childhood space to enhance existing programming.
  • Respond to all member and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
  • Attend any program or partner meetings as assigned and needed.
  • Participatein fundraising events and activities at the center, including seeking donations for important YMCA financial development initiatives like the Annual Campaign.
  • Hold the ELR team accountable for achieving at high levels to meet strategic goals and objectives.
  • Model inclusive leadership behaviors and embrace all dimensions of diversity - building strong teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to our mission.
  • Responsible for hiring, coaching, and managing all direct reports and ensuring alignment with association people practices for all positions within their organizational structure.
  • Conduct cycle check-ins and the Annual Check-In with direct reports to ensure progress with OKRs, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, and discuss development opportunities.
  • Responsible for meeting Strategic Plan metrics and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) assigned to the department.
  • Implements a goal-based leadership approach (OKR methodology) and ensures direct reports are actively working towards supporting organizational-level objectives and key results.
  • Represent the Greater Austin YMCA locally, regionally, and nationally, both inside and outside the organization.
  • Expand learning and personal skill development through participation in local and national events and career development training.
  • Participate fully in Association events conducted for staff and volunteers.
  • Complete duties as assigned.What You Bring to Powe Your Purpose: You have demonstrated success in delivering and growing programs as well as implementing innovative strategies to serve youth and adults. You possess a positive attitude and are grounded by a passion to serve those who need our assistance the most. You have the ability to think creatively, adapt regularly, and solve challenges in order to deliver high-quality and impactful programs.
    • Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
      • Preferred qualifications include a bachelor's degree in areas such as human services, youth programming, public health, education, child development, or related fields.
      • An ideal candidate may also have a background in program management, child care, or a related discipline supported by a blend of education, experience, and training.
      • Bilingual proficiency in both English and Spanish is required.
      • Prior experience in program management, particularly in early childhood education or related fields, is preferred.
      • Demonstrated expertise in managing and coaching teams.
      • Proven experience in overseeing programs and coordinating events.
      • Strong attributes of maturity, exceptional leadership skills, and a goal-driven, energetic approach are highly regarded.
      • You're a Cause-Driven Leader - You are effective at:
        • Advancing our mission and cause - providing visionary leadership to ensure resources are mobilized to adapt to new challenges and needs in the community.
        • Building relationships - connecting people to the Y's cause by developing inclusive relationships, partnerships, and collaborations to co-create solutions to pressing social needs.
        • Leading operations - ensuring relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the organization so we can continue to fulfill our promise to the community.
        • Developing and inspiring people - supporting the holistic development of self and others so everyone can embrace the Y's cause, sustain our culture, and inspire others to action. Physical Requirements:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk, and occasionally lift and/or move items, including equipment, furniture, and/or children. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functionsAbout Us:The Greater Austin YMCA is a dynamic, equitable force in the community that helps people of all backgrounds improve their total wellbeing and quality of life. Founded in 1953 and anchored in three Central Texas counties, the Y is a $40 million community enterprise that serves nearly 100,000 people annually through eight centers. We also provide afterschool education and care at more than 70 licensed campuses in four school districts. Unlike any other organization in the region, the Austin Y has the unique ability to welcome, educate and elevate all, and iscommitted to creating innovative programs, places---and people.Additional Information:The organization has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.The Greater Austin YMCA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Greater Austin YMCA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which we have employees. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
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Keywords: YMCA of Austin, Austin , Early Learning Readiness Director, Executive , Austin, Texas