Youth Development Director

Benefits

• Full benefits package including Dental, Vision & Health Insurance
• Generous PTO vacation, 12 paid holidays, and sick leave
• Free Nationwide Y Membership for your Household
• 12% Employer-Funded Retirement Plan upon meeting eligibility
• Learning and development workshops
• Staff Discounts on Programs & Services
• Career advancement opportunities

• Oversees the daily operations of Early Childhood Education programs, ensuring state licensing requirements and YMCA standards are consistently met.
• Responsible for annual licensure of all program sites, including physical inspections, life safety compliance, staff and child file maintenance, and timely completion of developmental assessments (ASQs).
• Ensures compliance with Delaware Stars and NAEYC Accreditation standards, driving continuous quality improvement.
• Maintains adherence to state and local regulations, laws, and codes related to program operations.

• Leads curriculum development and implementation, ensuring alignment with developmental standards and YMCA philosophy.
• Reviews and approves lesson plans, conducts classroom observations, and provides feedback to ensure instructional quality and inclusivity (including ADA compliance).
• Mentors and supports staff ensuring best practices in early childhood education are applied.

• Assists in the recruitment, hiring, training, development, scheduling, and supervision of staff and volunteers.
• Provides coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to ensure staff growth and accountability.
• Supports succession planning and professional development opportunities for the team.

• Collaborates with the Registrar and Business Manager to manage registrations, transitions, terminations, and billing (including POC/ECAP subsidy updates).
• Maintains budget responsibility for curriculum supplies, equipment, and program expenses, ensuring fiscal accountability.
• Supports revenue goals by ensuring enrollment capacity and maintaining positive family relationships.

• Partners with the Senior Youth Development Director and other YMCA leadership to strengthen youth development strategies and initiatives.
• Acts as a resource for families, staff, and community partners by providing effective communication and problem resolution.
• Participates in association-wide initiatives, quality teams, special events, and fundraising campaigns as assigned.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to serve a community of belonging.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, including at least 15 credits in early childhood-related coursework (child development, curriculum planning, positive behavior management, health & safety, nutrition, family/community, professionalism).
• Early Childhood Administrator qualified with the State of Delaware.
• Minimum 24 months of experience working with children ages 0–5 in a licensed group setting.
• At least 12 months of supervisory experience managing a team of 10 or more staff.
• At least 12 months of experience with budget management and fiscal oversight.
• Must possess strong communication skills.
• The ability to evaluate and resolve conflict.
• Organized and detail-oriented.
• Energetic and Flexible.
• Shows initiative; strong work ethic.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.

• Multi-Lingual.
• Minimum 2 years of progressive supervisory experience leading 20 or more staff members.
• Extensive experience in budget management and fiscal accountability.
• Experience supporting children with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• CPR and First Aid Certified.

Compensation: $49,500.00 - $60,000.00 per year

The Association for Early Learning Leaders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been serving directors, owners and administrators of early care and education programs since 1984. Our goal is to strengthen the knowledge, skills and abilities of directors, owners, emerging leaders and other early learning professionals to ensure quality programs for young children.

This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to Association for Early Learning Leaders.