Senior Director, Curriculum & Instruction

Job Description

Why Your Role Matters 

The Senior Director of Curriculum & Instruction provides strategic leadership for curriculum development, instructional quality, social-emotional learning, enrichment programming, and staff development across all Out-of-School Time programs. This position ensures the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of high-quality afterschool, summer camp, and grant-funded programming that aligns with YMCA standards, school district partnerships, licensing requirements, and evidence-based youth development practices. 

The Senior Director leads the department’s curriculum strategy, quality improvement systems, instructional coaching framework, and professional learning initiatives while supervising the Curriculum Manager and supporting program quality across multiple regions.  

How You Will Make an Impact  

• Provide strategic leadership for curriculum and instructional practices across all OST programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, quality standards, licensing requirements, grant deliverables, and youth development outcomes. 
• Lead the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of curriculum frameworks that support academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, youth leadership, family engagement, and program quality across all program areas. 
• Establish and monitor quality assurance systems, including YPQA, Summer Learning PQA, program observations, and outcome measurement tools, using data to drive decision-making and improve participant experiences and program effectiveness. 
• Develop and lead high-performing instructional teams through effective supervision, coaching, professional development, resource management, and cross-functional partnerships that strengthen program quality, staff performance, and organizational impact. 
• Develop and implement a comprehensive curriculum and instructional vision for OST programs. 
• Lead continuous quality improvement efforts aligned with YMCA standards and organizational goals. 
• Ensure curriculum supports academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, youth voice, leadership development, and family engagement. 
• Partner with senior leadership to establish annual program quality goals and metrics. 
• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum for: 
  • Afterschool Programs 
  • Summer Camps 
  • Early Learning Programs 
  • Grant-Funded Programs 
  • Specialty Enrichment Programs 
  • Ensure curriculum alignment with: 
  • TEKS Standards 
  • SEL Frameworks 
  • YPQA Best Practices 
  • Grant Deliverables 
  • Licensing Standards 
• Evaluate program effectiveness using data and stakeholder feedback. 
• Directly supervise the Curriculum Manager and assigned instructional staff. 
• Establish performance goals and accountability systems. 
• Develop and implement department-wide professional development plans. 
• Lead instructional coaching systems that support Regional Directors, Program Leads, and Site Leads. 
• Lead implementation of: 
  • YPQA 
  • Summer Learning PQA 
  • Program Observation Systems 
  • Continuous Quality Improvement Plans 

• Analyze quality assessment data and develop improvement strategies. 
• Monitor fidelity of curriculum implementation across all program locations. 
• Support curriculum and instructional components of grant-funded programs. 
• Collaborate with school districts and community partners. 
• Ensure instructional deliverables and outcome measures are achieved. 
• Assist with grant writing, reporting, and evaluation efforts. 
• Establish systems for measuring program quality and youth outcomes. 
• Utilize enrollment, attendance, assessment, survey, and quality data to inform decisions. 
• Present quality and instructional performance data to leadership and stakeholders. 
• Develop and manage curriculum and training budgets. 
• Oversee curriculum materials, instructional resources, and technology investments. 
• Ensure efficient allocation of instructional resources across program sites. 
• Complete other duties as assigned.  

What You Bring to the Y 

• Bachelor’s Degree required/Master’s Degree preferred in: 
  • Education 
  • Curriculum & Instruction 
  • Educational Leadership 
  • Child Development 
  • Youth Development 
  • Related Field 
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in education, afterschool, youth development, or curriculum leadership. 
• Experience supervising managers and instructional staff. 
• Experience designing curriculum and leading quality improvement systems. 
• Ensure Accountability: Hold yourself and others accountable to meet commitments. 
• Collaborate: Build partnerships and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.  
• Communicate Effectively: Clearly convey ideas, instructions, and information in both verbal and written forms, adjusting messaging to suit different audiences and ensuring understanding.  
• Foster Belonging: Recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. 
• Problem Solving: Assess situations, solve problems, and take action.  
• Build Effective & Inclusive Teams: Build strong identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.   
• Plan & Align: Plan and prioritize work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with YPQA and Summer Learning Program Quality Assessment. 
• Experience managing grant-funded educational programs. 
• Experience leading multi-site educational or youth development programs. 
• Knowledge of TEKS, SEL frameworks, and youth development best practices. 

Physical Requirements:   

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk and occasionally lift and/or move items including equipment, furniture and/or children. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.    

Work Location

4000 S. IH 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, Texas 78704, United States

About Us

The Greater Austin YMCA is a dynamic force elevating quality of life in Greater Austin by boldly expanding access for all children, adults, families and seniors in our rapidly growing community. For nearly 75 years, the Greater Austin YMCA has evolved to address each community’s greatest needs, touching every phase of life and nurturing happier, healthier people, a stronger community and a better world.

We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality programs that keep our community strong. As a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide financial assistance to expand access so community members can learn, grow, and thrive through our early learning academies, fitness and wellness centers, youth programs, workforce development, adult programming, mental health counseling, and more.

Each year, the Y serves nearly 140,000 people across Travis and Hays counties through seven fitness and wellness centers, more than 55 licensed campuses in four school districts, two YMCA Tomorrow Academy™ locations, and Camp Moody, our outdoor Adventure camp.

Globally, the YMCA is one of the oldest and largest youth-serving organizations in the world, united by our commitment to a better future — for all.

Additional Information:

The organization has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

The Greater Austin YMCA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Greater Austin YMCA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which we have employees. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We Take Care of Our People

Our mission isn’t just a statement–it’s a guiding force that shapes our actions every day. Rooted in our unwavering commitment to serving our community and esteemed team members, our mission is a true way of life. We’re passionate about fostering health and wellness for all, and we’re truly excited to introduce the following comprehensive benefits package that has been thoughtfully designed to prioritize your well-being.

• Health Insurance: We provide comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, to ensure the well-being of our employees.
• Retirement Savings Plan: We offer a 12% employer-funded retirement plan upon meeting eligibility, empowering employees to plan for their future.
• Paid Time Off: Work-life integration is important to us, which is why we provide up to 48 days of paid time off over vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Additional Perks: Free household membership to facilities operated by the Greater Austin YMCA, which is worth $1,200+ annually.

Pay Range

$60,000 – $70,000 annual salary, DOE