Family & Community Programs Director (Full Time)

Imagine leading programs that bring families together, create joyful memories, support adults and seniors, and open doors for individuals of all abilities. At the Summit Area YMCA, we believe in building a community where everyone feels welcome, supported, and inspired. We are looking for a leader who can help us bring that mission to life every day.

We are seeking a dynamic, community-focused Family and Community Programs Director to develop, grow, and oversee innovative programs and events that connect people of all ages and abilities. This role supports programs for both the Summit YMCA and the Berkeley Heights YMCA and requires regular onsite presence at both branches to lead programs, events, and community initiatives. From family events and senior programs to birthday parties, adaptive programs, community workshops, and our expanding 21 plus special needs programming, this is a role for someone who thrives in a relationship-driven, fast-paced environment where no two days look the same.

You May Be the Right Fit If…

• You are energized by creating meaningful experiences that bring people together.
• You are organized, proactive, and able to juggle events, programs, community relationships, and staff leadership without missing a beat.
• You have a heart for inclusion and believe programs should be accessible and welcoming for all.
• You enjoy building something new, whether it is a community workshop series, a signature annual event, or a new adaptive program.
• You are comfortable collaborating across departments and with external partners to strengthen community impact.
• You enjoy working with staff, volunteers, families, members, and participants of all ages.
• You are enthusiastic, hands-on, and willing to roll up your sleeves on event days.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Innovation

• Design, develop, and expand high-quality programs for families, adults, seniors, and individuals with special needs at both the Summit and Berkeley Heights YMCAs.
• Shape engaging calendars of events and experiences that foster connection and strengthen community.
• Implement monthly health, wellness, and educational workshops in partnership with local organizations and subject matter experts.

Birthday Parties and Facility-Based Events

• Grow and enhance our birthday party program by creating packages, managing reservations, overseeing logistics, and ensuring excellent customer service.
• Coordinate staff, volunteers, and materials to deliver seamless experiences.

Special Needs and Adaptive Programming

• Expand inclusive 21 plus programs and adaptive offerings that meet the needs of participants with varying abilities.
• Lead signature events such as the Extra Special Prom and develop new opportunities for engagement and enrichment.

Event Management and Community Engagement

• Manage all logistics for programs and events to ensure high-quality participant experiences.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, members, volunteers, and community partners.
• Serve as an ambassador for the Y’s mission, contributing to strategic goals and community visibility.

Operations, Administration and Budget Management

• Oversee program budgets, ensuring responsible stewardship and meeting revenue targets.
• Lead program registration, scheduling, rosters, materials, and marketing communications.
• Utilize digital tools such as Daxko Operations and Engage, and JotForm to streamline processes.
• Track participation, gather feedback, and evaluate program outcomes for continuous improvement.

Leadership, Supervision and Volunteer Support

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise staff and volunteers to ensure exceptional program delivery.
• Support volunteer engagement in partnership with the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Foster a positive, inclusive culture that reflects the Y’s values.

Salary & Benefits

This full-time, exempt-level position generally works Monday–Friday during standard business hours, with occasional evening or weekend responsibilities. The Salary range for this position is $50,000 – $60,000 annually, based on experience.

The Summit Area YMCA offers a generous benefits package that includes subsidized medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. Paid time off for vacation, wellness, and holidays, Free YMCA family membership, discounts on YMCA programs and services (including childcare), Ongoing professional training and development and a 12% employer contribution to the YMCA retirement plan upon eligibility. 

At the Summit Area YMCA, we are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Our main purpose is to strengthen community. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone can reach their full potential and we strive to live our cause with purpose every day. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we believe that we’re stronger when we come together. 

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field, i.e. child development, human services, recreation, or business, is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. 
• A minimum of two years’ experience in project and event management: designing, implementing, developing and evaluating programing for a range of ages and abilities. 
• Demonstrated experience outreach, working with diverse populations and development of community relationships.
• A minimum of two years’ experience in budget management, staff and volunteer supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Demonstrated maturity and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours. 
• Certified in CPR/ AED and First Aid, or ability to obtain within 60 days.

About the Summit Area YMCA:
We were founded as the Young Men's Christian Association in 1886, but today, we are The Y. Part of a world-class organization, we are one of the area’s leading nonprofits, that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. The Summit Area YMCA is committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, we ensure that we all have access to the opportunities, relationships, and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive.