Senior Program Director of Compliance

Provides strategic leadership and oversight for all licensed early childhood programs across the association. Ensures compliance with all federal and state regulatory guidelines, including licensing, sanitation, CACFP, and summer feeding programs. Works closely with the VP and other Senior Directors to support a culture of continuous improvement, regulatory readiness, and operational excellence. This role provides direct supervision of all YMCA early childhood programs.  

• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, and supervise Preschool Directors and provide guidance in daily operations.
• Provide strategic oversight for compliance with NC Child Care Rules, sanitation regulations, CACFP, and other relevant standards across all YMCA childcare programs
• Conduct regular compliance audits, safety checks, and staff trainings to ensure programs meet regulatory standards.
• Oversee the maintenance of all program files, including child and staff records, ensuring they are complete and accessible for audits and inspections.
• Work alongside the Senior Director of Operations to ensure that compliance and operational standards are aligned across all programs.
• Lead the development and maintenance of systems for licensing readiness, documentation tracking, corrective action, and regulatory reporting.
• Ensure violations issued by regulatory agencies are corrected and resolved promptly.
• Maintain a compliance calendar for all childcare and youth programs, scheduling and tracking required compliance visits, inspections, and reports.
• Oversee CACFP administration, including accurate data submission, claims management, and coordination with the finance team.
• Provide strategic input in association childcare budget planning, staffing, and program setups.
• Provide oversight and strategic input for program budgets, ensuring they are realistic, efficient, and aligned with YMCA objectives.
• Provide support and training for Regional Directors and Childcare Directors in the development, implementation, and maintenance of program budgets, ensuring resource allocation is effective.
• Provide fiscal oversight and accountability for assigned program budgets, ensuring expenditures align with approved financial plans.
• Monitor financial reports regularly, identify variances, and work collaboratively with finance staff to ensure responsible budget management.
• Partner with finance and leadership in the development of annual budgets and mid-year revisions as needed.
• In collaboration with the Senior Director of Operations, plan and conduct regular staff meetings, training sessions, and evaluations to promote professional development and align staff with program goals.
• Provide ongoing training to staff on licensing requirements, health and safety protocols, and CACFP compliance.
• Stay informed of regulatory changes and ensure all staff are trained on new compliance guidelines.
• Build and maintain relationships with local regulatory agencies, community partners, and stakeholders to ensure program success and sustainability.
• Assist with communication to families regarding compliance matters and ensure transparency in program operations.
• Promote YMCA programs as part of community engagement and fundraising efforts.
• Provide leadership and support to the program directors and site personnel in regards to the annual fundraising
• campaign; responsible for percentage of annual campaign support annually.
• Requires the use of a personal vehicle to travel between assigned programs within the region; may also require travel across the YMCA of Catawba Valley Association. Program assignments are subject to change based on organizational needs.
• Act as Manager on Duty (MOD) as assigned, overseeing all programs and operations of the branch during assigned shifts.
• Any duties assigned by supervisor.

1. Education and Experience:

• Bachelors’ Degree in Birth-Kindergarten, early childhood, or childhood education, human services, business management or related field required. 
• Documentation of 5 years' experience as child care director, child care consultant, or other regulatory position in early childhood/youth development.
• Experience with administration and/or reporting of Child and Adult Care Food Program.
• Background must include strong skills in human relations, sound fiscal management, program compliance, program management, and staff supervision and development.

2. Knowledge:

• Experience leading teams and building systems for large-scale compliance tracking.
• Ability to develop strategic systems for monitoring, training, and corrective action.
• Skilled in cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder communication.
• Mastery of NC DCDEE licensing requirements, CACFP/SFSP, sanitation and safety protocols.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and state QRIS systems.

3. Skills:

• Strong Leadership skills, experience managing teams, providing feedback, and ensuring professional growth.
• Articulate and effectively communicate both written (including the ability to adequately describe observations in detail) and verbally.  
• Excellent time management and multi-tasking abilities. 
• Proficient computer skills, Microsoft, Google Suite, and other software programs.
• Position requires travel throughout Burke, Catawba, and Lincoln Counties, using personal vehicle. 
• Strong analytic and problem-solving skills, ability to perform data analysis and development of reports, ability to assess and reduce risk. 
• Ability to design and evaluate engaging and effective programs.

4. Abilities:

• Ability to manage multiple programs and projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to address challenges proactively.
• Strong ability to handle staff, facility, and program-related challenges.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with staff, government agencies, and community partners.

5. Personal Attributes:

• High level of energy, creativity, and enthusiasm for working with children and families.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Serve as a member of YMCA leadership and support the overall objectives of the YMCA.

• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement Contribution