Operations Director - Licensed Programs

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Operations Director is a strategic, mission-driven and operationally focused leader serving the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. Under the guidance of the Vice President of Operations, they will provide executive leadership and oversight for the assigned portfolio of out-of-school time programs, including: Y Learning Centers (before and afterschool care), Girls on the Run/PACE, and Summer Day Camp. The Executive Director is accountable for the overall quality, growth, financial performance, compliance, safety, and operational effectiveness of the assigned OST portfolio. They will work collaboratively with branch and association leadership, and community partners to ensure programs are responsive to the needs of children, youth, families, and communities served by the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. 

OUR CULTURE: 

Our mission – to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all – and core values – caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and inclusion - are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Executive Leadership & Strategy

Oversees the hiring, training, development, coaching, and supervision of staff, and leads a learning culture of innovation, equity, accountability, and professional growth.

Provides direction and coordination for staff to ensure high-quality program delivery and operational excellence.

Ensures staff create and maintain meaningful and impactful relationships with members, program participants, volunteers, and community leaders. 

Actively participates in the Executive Leadership Team and select program leadership groups.

Direct the assigned  Out-of-School Time (OST) portfolio, aligning vision, growth, and community impact with the YMCA mission. 

Operationalize  strategy, redesign, and expansion for Y Learning Centers, 

Girls on the Run, PACE, and Summer Day Camp. 

Program Quality & Youth Development

Ensures programs are designed and delivered in ways that support the developmental, social, emotional, and educational needs of children and youth. 

Sets operational standards, safety policies, and evidence-based practices to drive youth development quality across all program locations. 

Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of innovative programs and services that respond to identified community needs and drive participation and revenue growth.

Manages audit, evaluation, and observation frameworks to track performance data and execute targeted improvement strategies. 

Leverage feedback from youth, families, staff, and community partners to continuously refine program delivery. 

Fiscal Management/Fundraising

Partners with Finance and the Association Business Office Manager to develop annual operating budgets, forecasts, financial controls, and performance expectations.

Reviews financial performance regularly and takes appropriate action to address variances, risks, or emerging opportunities.

Ensures programs operate within approved budgets while maintaining program quality and mission impact.

Builds high-impact relationships with school districts, families, and funders while driving targeted strategies to boost participation, retention, and overall family satisfaction. 

Manages and provides oversight to the branch budget. Ensures operating budgets meet or exceed targets.

Develops strategies to improve enrollment, revenue generation, retention, expense management, and overall financial sustainability.

Directs the financial development activities of the branch. Personally cultivates donors and secures gifts.

Understands community needs and effectively communicates community benefits. 

Compliance, Safety & Risk Management

Ensures Association standards, policies, and practices are implemented and followed, including those related to branch access, emergency procedures, risk management, and child abuse prevention.

Ensures assigned Out-of-School Time programs operate in compliance with applicable licensing, contractual, regulatory, YMCA, and Association requirements. 

Ensures corrective actions resulting from audits, licensing visits, safety reviews, or other assessments are appropriately addressed and sustained.

Ensures Association child abuse prevention, participant safety, emergency preparedness, incident reporting, and risk management practices are implemented consistently.

Promotes a culture in which safety, compliance, and participant protection are shared leadership responsibilities.

Other duties as assigned.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Ys values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the YMCA’s efforts for all stakeholders. Implements effective systems to develop volunteers at program, fundraising, and policy leadership levels. Secures resources and support for all philanthropic endeavors.

Collaboration: Develops strategies to ensure staff and volunteers reflect the community. Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the YMCA. Serves as a community leader building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance YMCA mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.

Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves members and community in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures, investment policies and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.

Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Anticipates challenges that can sidetrack or derail growth and personal learning. 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

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree is required.

YMCA Multi-Team Leader certification preferred.

Four years experience in youth development or related field.

Five or more years of management experience, preferably in a YMCA or other nonprofit agency.

Experience in management and development of staff and volunteers.

Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

Proven track record of developing authentic relationships with others.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & 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.

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 10 pounds.  

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.