Executive Director of of Licensed Childcare

Deadline to Apply: October 14, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the VP of Operations, the Executive Director of Licensed Childcare provides strategic and operational oversight of the YMCA of Frederick County’s licensed childcare departments (to include Before/After Care sites, summer and school vacation programs, associated grants, and the Kids Unlimited Program). This position is responsible for ensuring the overall quality, growth, financial sustainability, regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness of licensed child care programs across the Association. The Executive Director provides leadership and direction to the Licensed Childcare leadership team and works with Human Resources to recruit, develop, coach and retain high quality staff who deliver safe, engaging, inclusive, exceptional experiences for children and families. The Executive Director of Licensed Childcare serves as an advocate for licensed child care, integral in the association strategic planning and mission advancement.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

He/she must have the ability to demonstrate understanding of program development and management in Licensed Child Care; effective and efficient time management; demonstrate capacity for managing and leading people; excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal and coaching skills, and organizational skills; ability to exemplify a “Y-Voice” that demonstrates determination, genuine concern, welcoming attitude, hopefulness and a nurturing spirit.

Understand ethical behavior and business practices, and ensure that one's own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization; maintain a work ethic that holds a high standard to organizational accountability.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values 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. We are welcoming: WE are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: We value you and embrace your individuality. We are nurturing: We support you in your journey to develop to your full potential.

OUR BENEFITS:

We offer an extensive benefits package for our full-time employees which includes:

• Free Household Membership
• Medical Dental & Vision
• Life insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Retirement benefits will vest at 12% after 2 years of employment
• Discount on childcare and other Y programs
• Paid Time Off
• Bereavement leave

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Staff Leadership and Development:

• Work collaboratively with Human Resources to recruit, interview, hire, onboard, train and develop staff and volunteers as needed.
• Provide effective supervision, coaching, direction, and scheduling of staff to ensure high quality program operations.
• Establish clear performance expectations and standards for direct reports and conduct timely performance evaluations.
• Develop and support the professional growth of department members.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture aligned with YMCA values.

Program Operations:

• Provide leadership and oversight for assigned childcare, camp and Kids Unlimited programs, as applicable.
• Develop, implement and evaluate program objectives, services and operational strategies that support program growth, quality, retention and financial sustainability.
• Ensure programs are appropriately staffed, scheduled, supplied and prepared to meet operational and program needs.
• Monitor program participation, enrollment, retention, customer feedback and other key performance indicators, taking appropriate action as applicable.
• Collaborate with other key departments that help to ensure coordinated services and a positive experience for members, participants, and families.
• Ensure all assigned programs operate in compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulations, licensing requirements, YMCA standards and organizational policies and procedures.
• Establish and monitor program standards and procedures, identifying compliance concerns and developing corrective action plans in collaboration with appropriate Y leadership.
• Prepare for and participate in licensing visits, inspections audits and quality assessments.

Financial Management:

• Develop, administer, monitor and evaluate departmental and program budgets in alignment with YMCA strategic priorities.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase revenue, improve enrollment, control expenses and achieve financial goals.
• Participate in the YMCA Annual Campaign, supporting fundraising initiatives, including Send a Kid to Camp, as appropriate.
• Identify, develop and pursue grant opportunities that support program needs and organizational priorities.
• Participate in special events that support the mission and goals of the YMCA.
• Develop and manage capital needs as appropriate.

Strategic Leadership:

• Participate in the development and implementation of the YMCA’s strategic plan.
• Develop and implement departmental and program-specific goals, objectives, and action plans that support the Association’s priorities; monitoring progress as applicable.
• Serve on YMCA work group and committees as assigned.
• Serve as Leader on Duty, providing leadership support as assigned.
• Demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional development and remain current with industry trends, best practices, regulations and standards.

Administration:

• Complete administrative responsibilities accurately, efficiently, and within established deadlines.
• Work independently while maintaining effective communication and collaboration with supervisors, peers, staff and other departments.
• Collect, analyze and utilize program data, participation information, financial reports, customer feedback and other information to guide decision-making.
• Ensure program marketing, communications, branding and promotional materials meet YMCA standards and accurately represent program offerings.

Facility and Risk Management:

• Ensure assigned facilities, grounds, equipment, and program spaces are safe, clean, functional, welcoming and appropriate for program use.
• Ensure programs follow established emergency action plans, safety protocols, incident reporting requirements, and risk management protocols.
• Identify potential risks and take appropriate action to mitigate them.

Community and Partnerships:

• Develop and maintain positive professional relationships with families, members, schools, businesses, civic organizations, community agencies, and other partners.
• Build relationships with community leaders and organizations to increase awareness, participation, support and access to YMCA programs and services.
• Identify opportunities to expand services and respond to emerging community needs.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required. Ideally in Education, or other Youth Development specific area.
• Minimum of five years of staff management experience.
• Experience and/or understanding of how to align programs to academic, social-emotional, character and physical youth development.
• Passionate belief in the Y’s cause of nurturing the potential of all youth, supporting healthy living for all people and finding ways to help and support our community.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

YMCA CERTIFICATES/TRAININGS:

• Blood borne Pathogen Training
• CPR, First Aid, AED, Oxygen Certification
• Code of Conduct Training
• Completion of YUSA Multi- Team branch leader Certification within two years of start date of employment
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the YMCA insurance carrier with an acceptable driving record
• Acceptable screening results with comprehensive background check