Director, Purdy’s Wharf YMCA Childcare Centre

Title: Director, Purdy’s Wharf YMCA Childcare Centre

Reports to: General Manager, Child Engagement & Operations

Position Status: Full-Time 

Salary: $28.31 - $35.57 per hour

Start Date: Immediately

Location: Purdy’s Wharf YMCA Childcare Centre

The YMCA is a place where everyone belongs, we are committed to providing equal opportunities for all, in a welcoming space that is both nurturing and fun – a community of shared responsibilities, where children and families can thrive.

There are lots of places to work, but few opportunities to do work that really matters, and the Y is one of those rare places. When you join our team, you don’t just get a job – you’ll embark on an exciting path of career development. You will be part of a team that provides children, youth, and adults of all ages reach feel a sense of belonging to their community.

The Opportunity

The YMCA recognizes the critical importance of investing in the development of the spirit, mind and body of our children in order to build healthy communities. 

Reporting to the General Manager of Child Engagement and Operations, the Director will lead the daily operations of Purdy’s Wharf YMCA Childcare Centre. This role requires a dynamic and positive leader who is committed to fostering a safe, caring, and collaborative environment while empowering a diverse team of over 14 staff.

The Director will ensure compliance with the YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum, adhere to Education & Early Childhood Development Regulations, and uphold National YMCA Child Safeguarding Standards. Additionally, the ideal candidate will be a strategic and visionary leader focused on identifying growth opportunities, enhancing program quality, and promoting community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and assess the implementation of the YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum while empowering each team member in creating an environment that is child directed, adult supported.
• Ensure correspondence with provincial licensing authorities, ensuring compliance with documentation for licensing inspections, and supporting staff in adhering to licensing regulations.
• Complete administration responsibilities including subsidy claims, enrollment accountability, staff shift scheduling, waitlists, policy and procedure updates, grant and funding applications, and program documentation.
• Consistently embody the YMCA’s values and purpose while adhering to all YMCA policies, procedures, best practices, health and safety requirements and child safeguarding standards.
• Achieve registration targets by optimizing room capacities through parent tours and effectively managing waitlists.
• Cultivate relationships within the team by creating an environment of collaboration, open communication, valuing opinions and ideas, and supporting the team for success. 
• Coordinate and problem solve staff coverage due to wellness days and vacation days.
• Address concerns raised by parents and staff in a timely manner, while role modelling and coaching team members on difficult situations.
• Develop, coach, and implement training plans for new and existing team members and leadership staff, including opportunities for professional development.
• Provide input on budget preparation and financial submissions.
• Participate in program delivery as needed to maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios.
• Conduct annual staff performance reviews 
• Chair and actively participate in the parent committee.
• Organize community events while embedding philanthropic initiatives
• Work in support of the General Manager on expansion of childcare opportunities within Halifax Regional Municipality
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

• 3-5 years of Leadership Experience 
• Certified as an Early Childhood Educator ranging from Level 2 – 3.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong relationship building and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team
• Flexibility to work irregular hours as required

Conditions of Employment

• Clear Child Abuse Register Check
• Current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check (must be dated less than 6 months from hire date)
• Completion of YMCA’s Child Safety & Protection Orientation within first week of employment
• Completion of YMCA Child Safeguarding Training within probationary period
• Valid First Aid and CPR certificate if required for the role

We Offer

• Participation in a comprehensive Group Benefits and Pension Program 
• Strong work/life balance programs, i.e., paid vacation and wellness days
• Individual and family YMCA Membership options
• Access to discounted childcare and programs

Please note that background checks are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Consideration for employment is based on Child Safeguarding requirements and the nature of the position, and an offense may not eliminate a candidate from employment at the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth.

Apply Today

Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/. This posting will remain active until position is filled.

We look forward to hearing from you! 

The YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth is an equal opportunity employer that values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association. We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify.