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YMCA of the USA · 22 hours ago

Vice President of Program Quality & Innovation

Nashua, NH

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

7+ years exp

YMCA of the USA is a leading nonprofit organization focused on community programs and development. The Vice President of Program Quality & Innovation is responsible for driving excellence in current programs while fostering innovation to meet community needs and enhance program offerings.

Career PlanningCommunities

H1B Sponsor Likely

Responsibilities

Develop and execute an association-wide program innovation strategy that anticipates community needs and positions the Y as a leader in achievement, relationships and belonging

Lead the discovery and implementation of next-generation programs, exploring new delivery models (virtual/hybrid, outdoor, community-based), underserved populations (adaptive programs, special needs, emerging demographics), and revenue-generating opportunities aligned with mission

Pioneer pilot programs that test new ideas, measure impact, and scale what works across the association

Stay current with YMCA national trends, best practices, and innovations; connect with peer YMCAs to benchmark and learn

Challenge the status quo by asking: What should we start? What should we stop? What should we do differently?

Establish and implement quality standards, performance metrics, and outcome measures for all program areas

Foster a culture of continuous improvement where staff regularly assess effectiveness, gather feedback, and iterate on programs

Ensure all programs align with YMCA Leading Practices and reflect best-in-class programming standards

Monitor participation data, satisfaction scores, and community impact metrics; use insights to drive program decisions

Ensure compliance with safety protocols, licensing requirements, risk management standards, and YMCA policies

Create consistency in program delivery across locations while allowing for innovation and local adaptation

Develop systems for program evaluation that measure not just participation but achievement, relationships, and belonging outcomes

Provide leadership and coaching to Senior Director of Arts, Sports & Enrichment, two aquatics directors and the head coach of the swim team, building their capacity for excellence and leadership growth

Provide coaching, professional development, and clear expectations that drive accountability and results

Create pathways for staff growth and advancement, building the next generation of YMCA program leaders

Provide strategic direction for aquatics programs, ensuring safety, quality, and innovation

Support development of arts programs (theater, music, dance, visual arts) that foster creativity and self-expression

Guide sports programming to balance recreational participation with skill development and competitive opportunities

Champion enrichment programming (STEM, maker spaces, creative learning) that prepares young people for future success

Ensure facility-based camps deliver high-quality, engaging summer experiences for children and families

Identify cross-program opportunities that integrate arts, sports, and enrichment for holistic youth development

Develop and manage program division budget, ensuring financial sustainability and strategic resource allocation

Identify revenue growth opportunities within programs while maintaining mission-driven pricing and accessibility

Monitor program financial performance; adjust offerings based on participation trends and community needs

Partner with membership and marketing teams to promote programs and drive enrollment

Ensure financial assistance programs are accessible and support the Y's commitment to serving all

Partner with membership team to create seamless pathways from enrollment to program participation

Collaborate with youth development leadership to align programming for preschool, school-age and teens

Work with marketing and communications to tell compelling stories of program impact and participant success

Support fundraising efforts by cultivating donor relationships and demonstrating program outcomes

Represent the YMCA at community events, building visibility and strengthening partnerships

Engage with diverse community stakeholders to understand needs and co-create responsive programs

Qualification

Program managementProgram innovationQuality assuranceStrategic thinkingStaff developmentData-driven decision makingBudget managementCommitment to diversityCommunity engagementCommunication skillsCollaboration skillsProblem-solving skillsProject managementCritical thinking

Required

Bachelor's degree in recreation, education, nonprofit management, or related field; master's degree preferred

Minimum 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in program management, preferably within a YMCA or mission-driven nonprofit

Proven track record of program innovation, launching new initiatives, and driving measurable results

Strong strategic thinking with ability to balance visionary ideas and operational execution

Experience managing multiple program areas, diverse teams, and complex budgets

Deep understanding of program development, quality assurance, and continuous improvement methodologies

Demonstrated success in staff development, coaching, and building high-performing teams

Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills

Data-driven mindset with ability to use metrics to inform decisions and demonstrate impact

Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and serving all community members

Ability to work flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as needed

Preferred

YMCA or similar nonprofit recreation/wellness organization experience

YMCA Organizational Leader certification

Aquatics background with knowledge of swim instruction, competitive programs, and safety standards

Experience with state licensing, accreditation processes, and regulatory compliance

Background in youth development, sports programming, or arts education

Track record of building community partnerships and securing grants or program funding

Company

YMCA of the USA

Glassdoor3.9

YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for the nation's YMCAs. Located in Chicago, IL, YMCA of the USA exists to serve YMCAs.

Founded in 1844

Chicago, Illinois, USA

51-200 employees

http://www.ymca.net/

H1B Sponsorship

YMCA of the USA has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

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2024 (2)