Family Experience Leader

About the Role

Our culture at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads is built on a mission to strengthen communities with purpose and intentionality. We are welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined, creating spaces where people belong, grow, and become catalysts for change. This culture guides how we lead, serve, develop talent, make decisions, and deliver on the YMCA’s mission.

Under the direction of the Family Experience Director, the Family Experience Leader creates a joyful, safe, and inclusive environment where children and families can play, learn, and grow. The role supports holistic youth development by delivering engaging experiences that build confidence, spark friendships, and foster a sense of belonging, while providing direct service in Family Programs and ensuring high‑quality care in early childhood and drop‑in child care spaces.

Responsibilities

• Warmly greet all youth and families to build connections and ensure everyone feels welcomed, accepted, and valued.
• Support daily activities, experiences, and routines under the guidance of the Family Experience Director.
• Deliver safe, nurturing care in Stay & Play, Interactive Zone, and other drop‑in child care services.
• Assist in planning and delivering Family Experience programs, including family events, Parents Time Out, birthday parties, and holiday activities.
• Use a diverse range of materials, play experiences, and equipment to promote learning, creativity, and developmental growth.
• Follow YMCA policies and procedures to ensure a safe, clean, and energetic environment for all participants.
• Complete opening and closing procedures accurately and consistently.
• Report unusual incidents immediately using the Association Occurrence Report process.
• Follow check‑in/check‑out procedures and age‑appropriate equipment guidelines at all times.
• Ensure shift coverage when unavailable and communicate scheduling needs appropriately.
• Model YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith in all interactions.
• Promote a positive, collaborative team environment through clear communication and supportive relationships.
• Maintain a professional appearance and participate in required meetings and trainings.
• Support the YMCA mission advancement through participation in the Annual Giving Campaign efforts.

Requirements

• Carry out activities, experiences, and routines under direct supervision of the Family Experience Director.
• Promote a team environment through a positive approach in supervision, communication, and interactions.
• Assist and deliver care to drop‑in child care services (Stay & Play and Interactive Zone) as scheduled.
• Assist in planning and implementing YMCA events such as Family Programming, Parents Time Out, birthday parties, and holiday events.
• Use a diverse selection of materials, equipment, and experiences for all participants.
• Ensure safety of participants and staff at all times.
• Complete all opening and closing procedures as established.
• Attend mandatory staff meetings and training.
• Maintain a professional, clean appearance, adhere to the association dress code, and participate in required training and meetings.
• Follow age guidelines and proper equipment‑setting needs.
• Accurately report all out‑of‑the‑ordinary incidents immediately on an Association Occurrence Report.
• Ensure shift coverage is available should you be unavailable for a shift.
• Communicate YMCA policies, programs, and special events.
• Follow procedures for participants checking in and out.
• Actively participate in Annual Giving Campaigns.
• Greet all youth and families participating in the program to establish a connection.

Leadership Competencies

• Collaboration
• Developing Self & Others
• Inclusion

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

This position operates in a dynamic, community‑based environment and regularly interacts with children, families, team members, volunteers, and other stakeholders. The role requires frequent movement throughout the facility, including prolonged periods of standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, and bending. Employees must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds as needed. Continuous attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple activities and priorities simultaneously, and effective communication in a noisy, active environment are essential. Employees may be exposed to cleaning supplies (including bleach), vacuuming equipment, and bodily fluids as part of normal duties. The YMCA of South Hampton Roads provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable performance of essential functions.

Compensation & Benefits

Wage Range: $12.77 – $13.75 hourly (reflects the YMCA of South Hampton Roads’ good‑faith determination of the minimum and maximum starting salary for this position).