Youth Development Director of Licensing and Compliance

The Youth Development Director of Licensing and Compliance reports directly to the VP of Youth Development and provides leadership, oversight, supervision, and administration for all licensed childcare and feeding programs of the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg across Spartanburg County, South Carolina and Polk County, North Carolina.

This position ensures all programs consistently meet or exceed local, state, and federal licensing and compliance standards, including South Carolina Department of Social Services (SC DSS), North Carolina childcare licensing requirements, CACFP, SFSP, and additional food outreach initiatives. The Director oversees compliance systems, audits, reporting, staff training, policy implementation, and operational readiness for both new and existing program sites.

The Youth Development Director of Licensing and Compliance serves as a key leader within the Youth Development service line and works collaboratively with YMCA leadership, school districts, community partners, regulatory agencies, and program staff to ensure safe, high-quality, and mission-driven programs that strengthen youth and families throughout the communities served.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Program Leadership & Operations

• Provide leadership and operational oversight for all licensed childcare and feeding programs throughout Spartanburg, SC and Polk County, NC.
• Ensure all programs maintain compliance with applicable childcare licensing standards, health and safety regulations, YMCA policies, and federal nutrition program requirements.
• Oversee administration and compliance processes for CACFP, SFSP, and additional food outreach and community feeding initiatives.
• Coordinate and manage licensing applications, renewals, inspections, corrective action plans, audits, and monitoring visits for all new and existing program sites.
• Serve as the primary liaison with SC DSS, North Carolina licensing agencies, health departments, school districts, and other regulatory organizations.
• Develop, implement, and monitor policies, procedures, and operational systems to ensure program quality, consistency, and risk reduction.
• Support the expansion and onboarding of new childcare and feeding program locations, including licensing readiness and operational setup.
• Conduct regular site visits, compliance reviews, and operational assessments to ensure quality standards are maintained.
• Collaborate with Youth Development leadership to evaluate community needs and support strategic growth opportunities for licensed childcare and outreach programs.
• Assist with emergency preparedness planning, incident response, documentation, and risk management procedures across all program sites.
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping, documentation, reporting, and timely submission of all required compliance materials.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Provide direct leadership, coaching, and support to program leaders and administrative staff related to licensing and compliance expectations.
• Coordinate and facilitate staff onboarding and ongoing training related to childcare licensing, child abuse prevention, food program compliance, safety standards, and YMCA policies.
• Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, inclusion, and continuous improvement among all staff teams.
• Support hiring, retention, and professional development efforts to ensure programs are staffed with qualified and mission-driven team members.
• Model inclusive behaviors and embrace all dimensions of diversity.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Support the annual budgeting process for licensed childcare and feeding programs while serving as a responsible steward of YMCA resources.
• Monitor operational expenses and compliance-related expenditures to support fiscal sustainability and program effectiveness.
• Assist with grant documentation, reimbursement processes, and reporting requirements associated with feeding and childcare programs.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive information and organizational matters.

Association Leadership

• Serve as an active member of the YMCA leadership team and support the overall mission, vision, and strategic priorities of the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with community organizations, school districts, families, and local partners.
• Provide leadership support for association initiatives, events, and community engagement opportunities.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, social services, business administration, education, nonprofit management, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.
• Two or more years of management and leadership experience, preferably in YMCA, childcare, nonprofit, youth development, or licensed program administration settings.
• Experience with childcare licensing regulations, compliance administration, food program management, or regulatory oversight preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, program administration, budgeting, operational leadership, and risk management.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and program locations in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and goals of the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg.
• YMCA Team Leader certification preferred or obtained within two years of hire.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Requirements include: walking, carrying, sitting, seeing, hearing, crouching, lifting (up to 25 pounds), pushing, kneeling, standing, and speaking in a fast-paced environment.