Associate Director of Arts & Enrichment

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Associate Director of Arts & Enrichment plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the YMCA by directly overseeing the development, growth, and management of various programs, with a primary focus on Arts & Enrichment. Reporting to the Senior Director of Enrichment & Family Programs, this position assumes direct responsibility for ensuring the success of the Theatre/Dance, Gymnastics, Birthday Party, Adult/Child, Beyond the Bell, and Summer Camp departments. The Associate Director of Arts & Enrichment exercises sound judgment, provides strategic assistance in budget development, policy formulation, procedure establishment, and staff supervision. Lead recruitment efforts, provide comprehensive training, and ongoing support to assigned staff members, while serving as a primary liaison to relevant committees. A heavy focus of this position will be on the growth of inclusive programming, while also implementing positive behavioral management in our current programs to ensure we are available for all.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Assist and support the Senior Director of Enrichment & Family Programs in developing, implementing, and managing the operating plan to promote programs and grow participation within all youth enrichment, arts, and family programs, ensuring a safe, educational, social, and nurturing environment, and overseeing daily operations.
2. Provide strategic leadership and oversight to the Day Camps managed by the Arts & Enrichment team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Provide direct management and oversight of the Camp program, including planning, staffing, daily operations, and evaluation.
3. Collaborate closely with the Senior Director to lead strategic program development and implementation efforts, maintaining meticulous records of program participants. Take direct charge of the administration of theatre and dance programs, adult/child classes, enrichment classes, Beyond the Bell afterschool enrichment, and summer camp.
4. Build and enhance relationships with school district leadership, relevant community partners, groups, and key stakeholders to further the impact and mission of the YMCA's work, positioning the YMCA as a key community partner. Maintain effective working relationships with community partners, including school administrators, community-based organizations, town officials, and other cultural entities to enhance programming and visibility.
5. Provide strategic influence in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and training assigned staff and volunteers for all Arts & Enrichment departments. Review and evaluate the performance of lead staff and conduct regular leadership staff meetings and trainings.
6. Ensure adherence to YMCA standards, American Camp Association guidelines, and USA-Gymnastics requirements. Develop innovative strategies to motivate staff and achieve program excellence.
7. Assist in developing and monitoring program budgets to achieve and exceed fiscal objectives, optimizing resource utilization and maximizing program effectiveness.
8. Lead staff in exercising sound judgment in resolving issues with parents, school teachers, and administrators, consulting with the leadership, and supporting administrative departments when necessary.
9. Facilitate regular, up-to-date communication with families, the school district, and key stakeholders to provide transparent updates and solicit valuable feedback.
10. Conduct regular, hands-on program observations and trainings to uphold stringent quality and safety standards. Contribute actively to monthly reports outlining observations, requirements, and opportunities for improvement.
11. Work with the branch leadership to create a philanthropic culture, raising awareness of the YMCA’s non-profit status and designing a member phase campaign focused on identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
12. Provide dynamic leadership and mentorship to frontline staff, modeling exemplary relationship-building skills in all interactions.
13. Actively participate in and champion the Annual Campaign, taking a lead role in event planning and execution to drive fundraising success.
14. Support program directors in managing and maintaining data and reports as required for assigned programs, ensuring timely delivery.
15. Handle administrative duties, including but not limited to payroll, HR-related documents, accident reports, and budget management.
16. Engage fully in required Branch and Association-wide activities and events, representing the YMCA with professionalism and enthusiasm.
17. Strictly adhere to all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety protocols. Complete thorough and accurate incident reports as necessary.
18. Attend all scheduled committee and staff meetings as required by the supervisor, actively contributing to strategic discussions and decision-making processes.
19. Assume direct responsibility for procurement and oversight of supplies for all assigned programs, ensuring operational efficiency and readiness.
20. Assume direct responsibility for procurement and oversight of supplies for all assigned programs, ensuring operational efficiency and readiness.
21. Perform any other job-related duties as requested and necessary, demonstrating unwavering commitment to program excellence and organizational success.

Direct Reports: Birthday Party, Summer Discovery, Enrichment, Gymnastics, and Beyond the Bell Staff

Budgetary Responsibility: Summer Discovery Camp; Birthday Parties

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

Mission Advancement : Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration : Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness : Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth : Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in the Arts, Recreation, Education, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Knowledge of successful Arts & Enrichment program practices and quality program development.
• Two or more years of program or business management experience.
• Ability to oversee the direction of multi-site programs through supervision of staff, marketing and public relations, program development and fundraising.
• Ability to effectively communicate in various venues, i.e., public speaking, presentations.
• Proven track record of developing authentic and deepened relationships with others.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborations with community organizations.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills, software proficiency with Microsoft applications.
• CPR, First Aid and AED certifications required (or obtained within 90 days of hire).
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle for transportation.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust. Changing lighting levels may be experienced during theatre programming.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but can be high volume at times.