Director, Early Education Programs (Association Office)

Description:

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

We are seeking an experienced professional who will be responsible for the implementation, integration, alignment, and coordination of our citywide Early Childhood and enrichment programming. Under the supervision of the of the Vice President for Youth & Community Development, the Director of Early Education Programs is responsible for developing and leading a broad portfolio of early childhood programs that will strengthen children’s wellbeing and endeavor to ensure that children are curious, inspired, and adept learners, and are well prepared for school and life. By strategically assessing community needs with YMCA branches and City and community stakeholders, the Director of Early Childhood will successfully maintain and continue to improve the quality of all Early Learning, Early Childhood afterschool programming, and Early Childhood enrichment programs. 

Responsibilities:

• Foster and create new and innovative Early Learner, youth, family, and community programs with our branches and off-sites that meet the needs of the community, in keeping with the Branch priority objectives and strategic plan.
• Develop content and curriculum, as well as developmentally appropriate YMCA program practices for early childhood from birth through age 8 in collaboration with our branch program leadership.
• Ensure that programs meet contractual and regulatory obligations of the Department of Education and Department of Health while fulfilling the program mandates of the YMCA of Greater New York and funders.
• Develop, manage, and successfully meet budget objectives, while seeking to strategically provide for a growth in service offerings.
• Effectively develop partnerships with community organizations and coalitions to provide services, programs, and referrals to YMCA branches, participants and families.
• Lead and convene Early Childhood Cabinet meetings and manage any subsequent workgroups.
• Become a certified trainer in two youth areas (such as Child Abuse Prevention and Ethics and Boundaries) and lead training events.
• Work with Branch and Association Office leadership to design, develop, and implement a marketing and communication plan which promotes the Early Learner Programs, Early Childhood after school programming, and Early Childhood enrichment programs to local community groups.
• Develop resource lists to be utilized by parents and branches.
• Plan and coordinate the Early Childhood Conference with NYC University.
• Knowledge and experience with creative, fee-based enrichment programming.
• Ensure branches have adequate systems and supports to maintain accurate and timely program documentation (attendance, sign in / out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident reports, as appropriate).
• Work closely with the Senior Director of Data Analytics, and support the research / evaluation of the initiatives by supervising and coordinating the collection of data, ensure the timely submission of reports, and monitor and sustain data integrity systems. 
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all staff and participants.
• Ensure the health, safety and well-being of participants by understanding, maintaining, and ensuring that staff and participants follow Risk Management and safety procedures.
• Analyze and respond to developing trends in the fields of early childhood, youth and program development.

Qualifications: