Vice President of Program Quality & Innovation
Listed on 2026-01-13
-
Management
Program / Project Manager
The Vice President of Program Quality & Innovation is a visionary, strategic leader who transforms how we deliver programs throughout the community. As a key member of the leadership team, this role drives both excellence in current programs and bold innovation in what comes next—ensuring our aquatics, sports, arts, and enrichment offerings not only meet community needs today but anticipate and shape what's possible tomorrow.
Partnering closely with the COO, leadership team, and community stakeholders, the VP is accountable for program quality, safety, growth, and innovation. This leader builds a culture of continuous improvement while championing new ideas, delivery models, and program opportunities that differentiate the Y and deepen our community impact. They develop high-performing teams, establish quality standards, leverage YMCA Leading Practices, and ensure every program creates pathways for achievement, relationships, and belonging.
Required:- Bachelor's degree in recreation, education, nonprofit management, or related field; master's degree preferred
- Minimum 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in program management, preferably within a YMCA or mission-driven nonprofit
- Proven track record of program innovation, launching new initiatives, and driving measurable results
- Strong strategic thinking with ability to balance visionary ideas and operational execution
- Experience managing multiple program areas, diverse teams, and complex budgets
- Deep understanding of program development, quality assurance, and continuous improvement methodologies
- Demonstrated success in staff development, coaching, and building high-performing teams
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
- Data-driven mindset with ability to use metrics to inform decisions and demonstrate impact
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and serving all community members
- Ability to work flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as needed
- YMCA or similar nonprofit recreation/wellness organization experience
- YMCA Organizational Leader certification
- Aquatics background with knowledge of swim instruction, competitive programs, and safety standards
- Experience with state licensing, accreditation processes, and regulatory compliance
- Background in youth development, sports programming, or arts education
- Track record of building community partnerships and securing grants or program funding
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).