Sun - Program Leader

Description

Job Title
:
Fun in the Sun - Program Leader

Supervisor: Community Impact Manager

Location: Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Ynez Valley, Guadalupe

Status: Full-time, Seasonal, Non-exempt

Required Training Dates: April 18, May 16 and 30;
June 15, 16, 17, and 18, 2026

Program Dates: June 22 – July 31, 2026 (No program on Friday, July 3, observance of Independence Day Holiday)

Fun in the Sun (FITS) is a national award-winning summer learning and enrichment program serving students across Santa Barbara County. The program operates as a free, full-day experience, Monday through Friday during the summer, in partnership with more than 80 community organizations.

FITS provides a comprehensive, student-centered learning environment that integrates literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional learning with hands-on enrichment and exploration. Students participate in evidence-based SEL curriculum, project-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), gardening and environmental education, arts enrichment, physical fitness and recreation, outdoor learning, and community field trips.

In 2025, FITS will serve more than 450 students from Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade across multiple school districts. Enrollment is coordinated in partnership with school districts to expand access for students and families who would benefit most from high-quality summer learning opportunities.

• Plan and deliver high-quality, developmentally appropriate activities that promote academic achievement and enrichment in literacy, math, STEAM, social-emotional learning, health and well-being, and community exploration.
• Prepare all necessary supplies and set up learning environments to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Supervise a group of up to 13 first-grade students, maintaining a 13:1 student-to-staff ratio, with additional support from a high school volunteer (Leader in Training).
• Ensure student safety at all times, including during off-site field trips and enrichment excursions, while upholding all program policies and procedures.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment through effective classroom management and relationship-building.
• Address and redirect student behavior in a positive, respectful, and developmentally appropriate manner.
• Serve as a role model by demonstrating responsibility, kindness, and a growth mindset.
• Follow the daily program schedule to ensure consistent and effective delivery of activities.
• Participate in enrichment sessions led by external providers to encourage and support student engagement.
• Maintain accurate attendance records and document student progress and behavior as required.
• Administer pre- and post-program evaluations to help assess student growth and overall program impact.
• Collaborate with site staff and volunteers to enhance the student experience and ensure program quality.
• Communicate regularly with the Site Coordinator regarding student needs, program concerns, and site updates.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and proper care of shared program spaces, supplies, and equipment.
• Assist with special events, parent engagement activities, and other site-based initiatives.
• Represent the program positively and professionally to students, families, volunteers, partners, and community members.
• Attend and actively participate in all required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the program and its participants.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred; coursework in education, child development, or a related field is strongly valued.
• At least 2 years of experience working with children in experience in education, expanded learning, or youth development programs strongly valued.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with youth and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, using culturally responsive practices.
• Ability to build authentic, developmentally appropriate relationships with students and families.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a service-oriented approach.
• Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification required (or ability to obtain prior to program start).
• Negative TB test within the past four years (per Education Code 49406).
• Must successfully complete Live Scan fingerprinting, DOJ criminal record clearance, and Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) check (per Education Code 45125.01).
• Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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

United Way of Santa Barbara County provides equal…