THE OPPORTUNITY:
The Director of Operations, Programs has the opportunity to provide leadership and direction across a broad range of programs and operations at one of the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA’s flagship locations. This role offers the opportunity to develop strong teams, strengthen and grow programs, build meaningful community relationships, and identify new ways to meet the needs of members, participants, and families. The Director will help create an environment where staff are empowered to lead, programs are positioned for continued success, and the YMCA’s mission is reflected in the quality and impact of the experiences we provide.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Operations, Programs provides leadership for a broad range of programs and operational functions at the Newark YMCA, with responsibility for program strategy, quality, financial performance, staff leadership, participant experience, and facility readiness across Sports, Aquatics, Gymnastics, Teens, and Family programming
QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, recreation, education, human services, nonprofit management, or a related field; advanced degree or relevant professional certification preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressive program and/or operational leadership experience, preferably within the YMCA and/or nonprofit sector, with demonstrated leadership in program development, program operations, staff supervision, and service delivery.
- Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership for programs and operations, including developing, implementing, evaluating, and continuously improving programs that advance the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, community impact, and financial sustainability.
- Strong understanding of program management and operational effectiveness, including budgeting, resource allocation, program quality, participation and retention, risk management, safety, compliance, and the use of data and performance metrics to evaluate outcomes and drive decision-making.
- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, including recruiting, training, coaching, mentoring, and retaining staff while establishing clear expectations, accountability, and a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with executive leadership, staff, volunteers, community partners, and other stakeholders to identify community needs, develop innovative programs and services, and strengthen organizational impact and engagement.
- Strong communication, relationship-building, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, make sound decisions, and effectively address complex operational and programmatic challenges; must demonstrate a strong commitment to the YMCA’s mission, values, and commitment to serving diverse communities.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, recreation, education, human services, nonprofit management, or a related field
- Minimum of five years of progressive program and/or operational leadership experience
- Experience in program development, program operations, staff supervision, and service delivery
- Strategic leadership experience developing, implementing, evaluating, and improving programs
- Understanding of budgeting, resource allocation, program quality, participation and retention, risk management, safety, compliance, data, and performance metrics
- Ability to recruit, train, coach, mentor, and retain staff while establishing accountability and collaboration
- Ability to collaborate with executive leadership, staff, volunteers, community partners, and stakeholders
- Strong communication, relationship-building, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Advanced degree or relevant professional certification
- Experience within the YMCA and/or nonprofit sector
What We Do
The Buckeye Valley Family YMCA is a community-based, social service organization focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, aiming to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
