Interim Executive Director

Youth Summer Program Executive Director

Organization: WE Connect Youth Program
Job Type: Seasonal, Part\-time
Program Dates: January 19th –August 27, 2026
Schedule: Monday–Friday
Location: Detroit and/or Roseville, Michigan
Pay: Based on experience

Position Summary

WE Connect is seeking an organized, dependable, and enthusiastic Youth Summer Program Executive Director to lead our summer program serving students in grades K–12\.

The Program Executive Director will oversee program staff, daily operations, services, student safety, enrichment activities, and the overall implementation of the summer program. This position is responsible for ensuring that the program operates efficiently, meets organizational expectations, and remains in compliance with applicable policies, safety standards, grant requirements, and Michigan Out\-of\-School Time requirements.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with children and teens, supervising employees, managing youth programming, addressing staff performance concerns, and creating a safe, structured, and positive environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Plan the delivery of the overall program and its activities in accordance with the mission and goals of the organization for two locations.
• Oversee the daily operation of the youth summer program.
• Oversee program staff, program operations, services, and program implementation, including site rules, disciplinary procedures, site schedules, space requirements, and other operational processes.
• Ensure that program services are delivered within established time frames and in compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Supervise, support, and provide direction to program staff and volunteers.
• Ensure students are properly supervised at all times.
• Coordinate daily schedules, enrichment activities, meals, transportation, field trips, and special events.
• Monitor student attendance, staff attendance, sign\-in and sign\-out procedures, and required program records.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, organized, and developmentally appropriate program environment.
• Address student behavior concerns using positive and appropriate behavior\-management practices.
• Communicate professionally with parents, guardians, staff, volunteers, community partners, and organizational leadership.
• Ensure staff follow child\-safety, emergency, incident\-reporting, mandated\-reporting, and organizational procedures.
• Abide by and enforce all safety protocols as outlined by Michigan Out\-of\-School Time standards and organizational policies.
• Conduct staff meetings and provide coaching, supervision, and corrective guidance when needed.
• Address and resolve employee concerns in collaboration with Human Resources, as needed.
• Manage employee disciplinary matters, performance concerns, scheduling issues, and performance evaluations in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Ensure departmental workflow is managed efficiently and effectively.
• Coordinate and supervise retraining and additional staff development for existing employees, as needed.
• Assist with student enrollment, parent orientation, and family communication.
• Maintain accurate documentation required for program operations, personnel matters, grant compliance, and reporting.
• Report incidents, injuries, suspected abuse or neglect, safety concerns, and other serious matters immediately according to organizational policy.
• Participate in field trips, special events, community activities, and program functions.
• Complete other duties necessary for the safe and successful operation of the program.

Required Education Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or a closely related field is required.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a youth program, school, summer camp, childcare program, nonprofit organization, or similar setting.
• Previous leadership, management, or supervisory experience.
• Experience supervising employees and addressing staff performance, discipline, scheduling, and training needs.
• Strong communication, organization, leadership, and problem\-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast\-paced environment.
• Ability to work respectfully and professionally with children, families, employees, volunteers, community partners, and organizational leadership.
• Ability to manage confidential employee, student, and family information.
• Must be dependable, professional, patient, attentive, and accountable.
• Must successfully complete all required criminal background checks and child\-abuse or neglect clearances.
• Must be able to follow and enforce all organizational, grant, safety, and program requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience directing or managing a youth summer program.
• Experience working with students in grades K–12\.
• Experience with grant\-funded youth programs and program\-compliance requirements.
• CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain certification before the program begins.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Experience coordinating field trips, transportation, enrichment activities, and community partnerships.
• Experience conducting employee evaluations, coaching, retraining, and corrective action.

Skills and Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and staff\-supervision skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Sound judgment and decision\-making.
• Conflict\-resolution and problem\-solving abilities.
• Strong time\-management and organizational skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries.
• Ability to enforce rules, policies, schedules, and safety procedures consistently.
• Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately during emergencies.
• Commitment to child safety, youth development, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and actively supervise children throughout the program day.
• Ability to participate in indoor and outdoor activities.
• Ability to travel between program areas, field\-trip locations, and program sites as required.
• Ability to lift, move, and organize program materials or supplies as needed.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately during emergencies.
• Ability to perform the essential responsibilities of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strong, compassionate, and accountable leader who enjoys working with children and teens. This individual must be able to maintain structure while creating a fun, safe, educational, and encouraging environment.

The Executive Director should be proactive, organized, dependable, attentive to safety, comfortable supervising employees, and committed to supporting the academic, social, emotional, and personal development of young people.

How to Apply

Please submit the following through Indeed:

• A current resume.
• Educational credentials demonstrating completion of the required bachelor’s degree.
• A brief statement describing your experience working with youth and supervising employees or youth programs.
• Relevant certifications, if applicable.

Only applicants who meet the required educational qualifications will be considered.

WE Connect is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without discrimination based on any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This position is ideal for an energetic leader passionate about elevating senior care standards through innovative management practices. If you possess the necessary skills and are eager to lead a dedicated team during an important transition period your expertise can make a lasting difference!

Pay: $2,500\.00 \- $3,000\.00 per month

Work Location: In person