Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.
When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.
About the Role:
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through child and youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. This position will provide effective leadership directing the overall delivery of all non-aquatic Child and Youth programs and services including Day Camps. Key elements of this position include the supervision and direction of staff, volunteers, development and coordination of programming and optimal customer service of child and youth members.
Responsibilities:
- Recruit, hire, train, coach, supervise and manage all staff and volunteers within the Child and Youth and Day Camp program areas.
- Provide effective leadership, coaching, feedback and recognition of all staff and volunteer Child & Youth Instructors, Childminding Instructors, Youth Advisors, Day Camp Counselors and Day Camp Coordinators.
- Champion Child & Youth volunteer recruitment and retention strategies on an ongoing basis.
- Coordinate and facilitate the operations of all programs and services in the Child and Youth department while ensuring all YMCA service standards are consistently met. Respond to service challenges and customer complaints with possible solutions in a timely manner.
- Ensure Healthy Child Development (HCD) and Healthy Adolescent Development (HAD) principles are demonstrated in program development, lesson planning, teaching approaches and activities.
- Participate in Association-wide Day Camp development and programming including camp planning and scheduling, ensuring camper safety and compliance with Alberta Camping Association guidelines.
- Manage within approved budgets for programs, deal with suppliers for equipment and products, complete bi-weekly staff payroll and submit expenses within identified timeframes.
- Ensuring all programs are safe and Association Child Protection and Health and Safety standards are being met at all times, including sign in and out procedures, active supervision and ratios. Maintain accurate records as required by the YMCA (including but not limited to staff and volunteer certification tracking, program headcounts and sign-in/out sheets).
- Undertake participant and community engagement to identify new Child & Youth programs that meet the needs of child and youth participants seeking opportunities to increase their health, wellness and social connectivity.
- Assist with branch Duty Manager and Experience Leader shift coverage on a weekly basis.
- Support the department, branch and Association in implementing and achieving goals.
Qualifications:
- University degree in recreation, early childhood development, physical education or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of one year of supervisory experience.
- Experience working with children and youth, preferably in a leadership role.
- NCCP Level 1 or 2 is considered an asset.
- NCCP FMS (Fundamental Movement Skills) certification is required within 3 months of hire.
- YMCA Healthy Child Development (HCD) training is required within 3 months of hire.
- Intermediate First Aid & CPR-C is a requirement.
- Able to obtain a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search upon hire.
Why work for the YMCA?
The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.
Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.
If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.
In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.
The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.
