Child & Youth Care Manager (Curriculum & Quality Enhancement)

Help Shape the Future of Early Learning in Manitoba.

Lambert Nemec Group is pleased to be partnering with the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg — Manitoba's largest provider of licensed child care — in their search for a Child & Youth Care Manager (Curriculum & Quality Enhancement) to join their senior child care leadership team.

The YMCA-YWCA serves thousands of children and families across 38 child care centres, with an ambitious vision to create 2,000 additional child care spaces by 2030. As the organization continues to grow, we're looking for an experienced child care leader ready to help drive that growth from a senior, organization-wide vantage point.

This is not a traditional Child Care Manager role. It's an opportunity to influence curriculum, coach leaders, champion quality across multiple programs, and shape the future of early learning within one of Manitoba's most respected organizations. If you're passionate about evidence-based practice, play-based learning, inclusion, and developing exceptional leaders, we'd love to meet you.

Why This Role Stands Out

At the YMCA-YWCA, exceptional programs begin with exceptional leadership. As a member of the Broader Leadership Network, you'll work alongside an experienced leadership team committed to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement — influencing curriculum and quality across dozens of centres while mentoring Directors and educators who, in turn, impact thousands of children and families throughout Winnipeg.

This opportunity offers you the chance to:

• Shape curriculum and quality standards across Manitoba's largest child care organization
• Influence the future of early learning through evidence-based leadership
• Coach and develop experienced Child Care Directors and leadership teams
• Lead meaningful initiatives around inclusion, Indigenous curriculum, outdoor learning, and program innovation
• Join an organization committed to growth, continuous learning, and leadership development
• Make an impact that extends far beyond a single child care centre

About the Role

Reporting to the Vice President, Child Care & Development, the Child & Youth Care Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for curriculum and quality enhancement across the YMCA-YWCA's full Child Care & Development portfolio.

Rather than managing day-to-day centre operations, you'll focus on elevating program quality, supporting Directors, and ensuring every YMCA-YWCA child care program reflects current best practices in early childhood education.

You'll champion curriculum excellence across:

• Playing to Learn (PTL)
• A Place to Connect (PTC)
• After School Programs
• Indigenous curriculum initiatives
• Inclusion and accessibility

This highly collaborative leadership role blends strategy, coaching, curriculum development, quality assurance, and organizational leadership.

What You'll Be Responsible For

Lead & Develop Leaders

• Coach and mentor Child Care Directors, Coordinators, Champions, and educators
• Build leadership capacity across the organization through ongoing coaching and professional development
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Support recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and leadership development

Drive Curriculum Excellence

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of curriculum across all child care programs
• Ensure programming reflects current research, provincial regulations, and best practices in early childhood education
• Advance inclusive, culturally responsive, and play-based learning environments
• Lead initiatives related to Indigenous curriculum, inclusion, outdoor education, and emerging educational practices
• Standardize curriculum quality while respecting the unique needs of individual communities and centres

Champion Continuous Quality Improvement

• Conduct regular site visits and program assessments
• Analyze observations, feedback, and program data to identify opportunities for improvement
• Develop action plans that strengthen program quality and educator practice
• Lead the Champion Program to ensure consistency and excellence across all centres

Collaborate Across the Organization

• Partner with Directors, operational leaders, and specialists to advance organizational priorities
• Build relationships with external curriculum experts, community partners, and stakeholders
• Support strategic planning and long-term organizational growth
• Contribute as a key member of the YMCA-YWCA's leadership team

Who We're Looking For

You're an experienced early childhood leader who naturally sees the bigger picture. You stay current with emerging research, enjoy mentoring other leaders, and believe continuous improvement is essential to delivering exceptional programs.

You likely:

• Think strategically while remaining connected to frontline realities
• Are passionate about curriculum and child development
• Love coaching others and helping leaders succeed
• Embrace innovation and continuous learning
• Build strong, collaborative relationships
• Lead with authenticity, humility, and confidence
• Are energized by creating lasting organizational impact

Above all, you're excited by the opportunity to influence not just one centre — but an entire organization.

What You Bring

• ECE III Certification
• Minimum five years of child care management experience (or seven years of related leadership experience)
• Extensive knowledge of play-based learning, curriculum design, child development, and quality enhancement
• Experience implementing evidence-based programming across multiple teams or sites
• Strong coaching and leadership development skills
• A demonstrated track record evaluating program quality and implementing continuous improvement initiatives
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
• A strong commitment to equity, inclusion, Truth & Reconciliation, and culturally responsive practice

Working Environment

This is a fully in-person leadership role requiring regular travel between YMCA-YWCA child care centres and community partner locations throughout Winnipeg. Expect a fast-paced, collaborative environment where no two days are the same — spending time in centres supporting leaders firsthand while also contributing to strategic initiatives that influence programs across the entire Association.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary:$85,000–$90,000

• Employer-paid health and dental benefits
• Pension plan with employer contributions
• Complimentary Y Winnipeg membership
• Professional development and leadership learning opportunities
• A supportive, collaborative leadership culture
• Meaningful career growth potential within one of Manitoba's largest child care organizations

Ready to Help Build the Future of Early Learning?

The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg is entering an exciting period of growth and transformation. As the organization expands access to high-quality child care across the community, it's investing in leaders who are passionate about developing people, strengthening programs, and advancing excellence in early childhood education.

If you're looking for a leadership opportunity where your expertise in curriculum, coaching, and quality enhancement can create organization-wide impact, we want to hear from you.

Apply today for confidential consideration.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information about this opportunity, or to discuss your qualifications in confidence, contact:

Brittany Enns, Director of Recruitment – People & Culture, Lambert Nemec Group b.enns@lambertnemec.com