438 - Youth & Day Camp Lead

Waterloo Region – Youth & Day Camps Lead

Location: Waterloo Region

Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Employment Type: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: January 05, 2026

Deadline to Apply: December 12, 2025

Guaranteed Starting Annual Salary : $70,000

Why Join the Y?

The Youth and Day Camps Lead provides operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of programs, including day camps & youth engagement initiatives. This role upholds the highest standards of program quality, team accountability, and operational excellence. The incumbent is responsible for full budget oversight, fostering positive relationships, and ensuring year-round staff management. The Leader is committed to innovation, community impact, and maintaining an accountable, high-performing environment.

What you'll Be Doing…

• Program Oversight & Excellence for year round youth programs and seasonal day camp operations
• Lead the planning, delivery, and evaluation of high-quality, inclusive, and engaging day camp & youth programs that reflect organizational values and high standards.
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation in program design and delivery to ensure excellence and accountability.
• Examine opportunities for growth and community impact, holding all initiatives to rigorous quality benchmarks.

Operational Leadership:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of all programs, ensuring safety, quality, and participant satisfaction are consistently upheld to the highest standards.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure logistical and administrative support.
• Respond to emerging needs and challenges with agility and professionalism, maintaining accountability throughout.

Team Leadership & Year-Round Staff Management:

• Provide direct leadership, support, and year-round management to day camp leader, youth leaders, and program facilitators.
• Build a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture rooted in mutual accountability and respect.
• Support staff development through coaching, ongoing training, and performance management that reinforces high standards and professional growth.

Financial Management & Accountability:

• Develop, manage, and be fully accountable for budgets across all program areas, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
• Monitor financial performance, implement cost efficiencies, and identify opportunities for revenue generation.
• Maintain transparency and accountability in all financial operations.

Philanthropy & Grants:

• Support philanthropic efforts and grant applications to enhance program sustainability and growth, with clear accountability for outcomes.
• Nurture positive relationships with donors, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting standards.

What you will bring…

• Proven experience in youth programming or camp leadership with a demonstrated commitment to high standards and accountability.
• Strong financial and operational management skills, including full budget responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success in leading year-round, diverse teams and fostering inclusive, positive environments.
• Experience with fundraising, grant writing, or partnership development, emphasizing relationship building.
• Passion for youth development, experiential learning, and global citizenship.

What you will gain…

You will be part of and an organization that has a massive impact across our community. You will be joining a local organization, but you will also be a part of a global movement. Your work will have an impact and the community we all call home will be a little better every day because of you. We provide several continuous professional learning opportunities at no cost to you.

Please note: As an organization committed to the safety and well-being of children, youth and other vulnerable populations, we prioritize the protection of those under our care. All employees must meet specific requirements, including obtaining a clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check and providing three professional references.

Applications..

If you are an external candidate interested in joining our team, please click the apply button below to create an application. Internal candidates can apply through the internal career center by clicking here. The posting will be open until December 12, 2025, However, we will begin reviewing applications as they arrive to find the right person for this opportunity.

The YMCA of Three Rivers proudly serves the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. Our purpose is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and values here.

The YMCA of Three Rivers embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers. The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation and privacy laws. In keeping with privacy laws, we are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information handling practices. For more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers' commitment to privacy, please visit our website.

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

To explore additional career opportunities with the YMCA of Three Rivers, please visit our Career Page.