Site Lead (Afterschool)

Why Your Role Matters

The Site Lead serves as the on-site supervisor and accountable leader for the program. This role is the designated Licensed Site Director under Texas Child Care Regulation and is responsible for ensuring the site operates in full compliance with applicable minimum standards. The Site Lead provides direct supervision of site staff, oversees daily operations, and ensures the safety, quality, and consistency of the program. This position carries full accountability for site-level leadership, including staff supervision, compliance, decision-making, and operational execution. Each day, you bring the YMCA mission to life by creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

This is a part-time role primarily scheduled during weekday afternoons, based on site at elementary schools across Austin and surrounding communities, with occasional evenings and weekends for trainings and events.

How You Will Make an Impact 

• Oversee all daily operations of the afterschool program, ensuring a safe, structured, and high-quality experience for all participants.
• Serve as the designated Licensed Site Director under Texas Child Care Regulation, ensuring full compliance with minimum standards, YMCA policies, and safety requirements.
• Recruit, train, coach, supervise, and evaluate Assistant Site Leads and Youth Development Leaders, fostering a positive, accountable, and collaborative team culture.
• Act as the primary decision-maker for the site, handling staffing needs, incidents, escalations, and operational challenges with sound judgment.
• Ensure consistent implementation of curriculum and activities, including enrichment, academic support, physical activity, and social-emotional development.
• Maintain active oversight of ratios, attendance, documentation, emergency procedures, and all licensing requirements to ensure a safe and compliant environment.
• Build strong relationships with families, caregivers, and school personnel; lead communication efforts and support family engagement initiatives, including family nights and events (with staff support).
• Manage scheduling, attendance tracking, incident reports, behavior documentation, and other required records with accuracy and confidentiality.
• Address daily operational challenges such as behavior concerns, staffing adjustments, late pickups, and transitions in a timely and professional manner.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive environment where children feel safe, respected, and supported.
• Represent the YMCA mission, vision, and values while sharing the impact of programs with families, partners, and the community.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support program success.

What You Bring to the Y

• Must be at least 21 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Availability to work Monday through Friday from 2:00 PM -- 6:30 PM, with occasional evenings and weekends for events and trainings.
• Must meet or be willing to obtain Texas Child Care Licensing requirements:
• At least 30 hours of training in child or youth development, recreational leadership, or management.
• Candidates with a minimum of 15 hours are eligible but must complete the remaining hours within 90 days (training provided).
• Minimum of 6 months of experience in a licensed childcare setting, or equivalent coursework in child development.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to pass a background check.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification, or willingness to obtain (training provided).
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus
• Excellent communication and customer service abilities.
• A positive, team-oriented mindset and a passion for youth development.
• Growth Mindset: Learn and improve to better serve members and the mission.
• Team Player: Work collaboratively with others and support a positive team environment.
• Communicates Effectively: Listens actively and communicates clearly with members and peers.
• Fosters Belonging: Ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and included.
• Customer Focused: Anticipates needs and ensures quality, member-centered service.
• Self-Development: Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged.

Physical Requirements

This role requires the ability to actively supervise and engage with children throughout the program day. The Site Lead must be able to stand, walk, and move around the site for extended periods, participate in physical activities such as games and outdoor play, and lift or carry materials and supplies up to 25--35 pounds. The role also requires bending, kneeling, and stretching to support students, maintain safe and organized spaces, and respond quickly to the needs of the program. Clear communication with staff, students, parents, and school personnel is essential, along with maintaining awareness of the environment to ensure safety at all times. This position requires the ability to work both indoors and outdoors and involves exposure to communicable diseases and common childhood illnesses. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.