Director, Child Care Operations

Date Posted: December 10th 2025

Position Title: Director, Child Care Operations - Lower mainland

Location: Lower Mainland

Term: Permanent, Full Time

Hours: 35 hours per week

Start Date: As soon as possible

Salary: $95,000- $105,000 annually

Reports To: Vice President, Child Care Operations

Benefits:

• Competitive vacation and paid sick time
• Free YMCA Gym Membership+
• Generous employer-matched pension plan
• Eligibility for Extended Medical and Dental Benefits
• Training and Professional Development Opportunities
• Extensive Employee assistance program
• Reduced childcare rates and priority placement for YMCA Staff

• Be part of a charitable organization that positively impacts the community

• Some benefits may vary based on employment terms

Nature & Scope

Reporting to the VP, Child Care Operations, this leadership role oversees financial and operational management of YMCA BC's licensed child care portfolio, ensuring sustainability, regulatory compliance, and program excellence across 2,000+ spaces and 500+ staff. The position leads a team of 6–7 managers and drives curriculum innovation in areas such as Indigenous learning, inclusion, environmental sustainability, and physical/emotional literacy, while fostering high-quality standards and continuous improvement. It provides strategic people leadership, supports expansion initiatives, and builds strong partnerships with school districts, municipalities, and community stakeholders to advance YMCA's mission and deliver exceptional child care services province-wide.

Major Responsibilities- in this position, you will:

• Provide oversight for 50–60 YMCA BC Early Years and School Age programs across the Lower Mainland, supporting over 2,000 licensed child care spaces and 500+ staff. Ensure operational efficiency, risk management, and service continuity across a geographically dispersed portfolio.
• Lead financial oversight for the child care portfolio, including budgeting, monitoring, and resource allocation to ensure sustainability and alignment with YMCA BC's strategic goals.
• Ensure all programs meet YMCA quality standards and comply with BC Child Care Licensing Regulation. Drive continuous improvement in program delivery and participant experience.
• Enhance and implement YMCA curriculum frameworks (Playing to Learn and A Place to Connect) and develop supplementary programming in key areas such as Indigenous learning, inclusion, environmental sustainability, physical literacy, and emotional literacy. Adapt curriculum based on emerging trends and child development research.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and performance management to managers and program leaders. Lead hiring, staff development, conflict resolution, and engagement strategies to foster a positive workplace culture.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to design and evaluate learning strategies that build staff competencies in curriculum delivery, inclusion, and program planning.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with school districts, municipalities, health authorities, and community partners to support program growth, innovation, and YMCA visibility.
• Lead the operational planning and execution of new child care programs and services, ensuring successful launches on time and on budget. Navigate licensing and municipal approvals, coordinate staffing plans, and oversee procurement to create safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environments.

Qualification-you bring:

• Post-secondary degree in a related discipline is considered an asset.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive management experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing multi-site operations and large staff teams.
• Demonstrated experience in program development and curriculum design, from conceptualization through implementation and evaluation.
• Proven track record in financial management, including budget development, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Strong ability to lead teams and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with key stakeholders such as school districts, municipalities, and community agencies.
• Strong understanding and application of core concepts related to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, truth & reconciliation, and health equity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Successful candidate will be required to provide 3 satisfactory references
• Successful candidates will be required to provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record check with a Vulnerable sector search issued no later than six (6) months preceding the start date.

About YMCA BC:

By igniting belonging and championing health equity, YMCA BC strengthens the foundations of community. With over 3,000 employees and volunteers, YMCA BC serves 150,000 individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities across hundreds of service locations, from the Sunshine Coast to Fort St. John.

As a charity, YMCA BC promotes equitable access to healthier outcomes by providing vital programs and services to help address many of our communities' most pressing social issues, including health and wellness, affordable child care and camps, mental health, employment services and community health.

We believe there is potential inside all of us and envision vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities for all.

YMCA BC is firmly committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB). By taking an intersectional approach to our programs and services, the YMCA is committed to creating spaces and experiences where everyone feels safe, welcome, and like they belong. Learn more at

Application Process-ready to make a difference?

We invite you to apply today and find your WHY

Internal Applicants: Please apply online to this position through the ADP Workforce Now Career Centre. (Myself/Talent/Career Centre)

Application Deadline: Until filled

• Please include any and all relevant certifications in your online application.

You will receive an automated notification to confirm receipt of your application.

• If short-listed for a position: We will contact you to move forward to the next step.
• If not selected for a specific posting: Continue applying for future positions matching your qualifications and interests.

Note: Depending on the role, we may need to provide preference to internal applicants first. We treat each competition independently and encourage you to keep applying should your experience and qualification be a match for the role.

Does this role sound like a great fit, but you don't meet every requirement? At YMCA BC, we understand that qualifications and experiences vary. If this opportunity interests you, we encourage you to apply—even if your background doesn't perfectly match every qualification.

YMCA BC is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible environment where all members of our community feel valued, respected, and supported. We encourage applications from the diverse communities in which we live and serve, including but not limited to people of colour, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. We have established policies, procedures, and practices to meet accessibility standards throughout the hiring process. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People Services department.

Thank you for your interest and application.