Fun in the Sun 2026 - Assistant Site Coordinator in Carpinteria, California at United Way of Santa Barbara County

Job Title: Fun in the Sun - Assistant Site Coordinator

Supervisor: Community Impact Manager

Location: Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Ynez Valley, Guadalupe

Status: Full time, Seasonal, Non-exempt

Required Training Dates: April 18, May 16 and 30; June 15, 16, 17, and 18, 2026

Program Dates: June 22 – July 31, 2026 (No program on Friday, July 3, observance of Independence Day Holiday)

Program Overview

Fun in the Sun (FITS) is a national award-winning summer learning and enrichment program serving students across Santa Barbara County. The program operates as a free, full-day experience, Monday through Friday during the summer, in partnership with more than 80 community organizations.

FITS provides a comprehensive, student-centered learning environment that integrates literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional learning with hands-on enrichment and exploration. Students participate in evidence-based SEL curriculum, project-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), gardening and environmental education, arts enrichment, physical fitness and recreation, outdoor learning, and community field trips.

In 2025, FITS will serve more than 450 students from Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade across multiple school districts. Enrollment is coordinated in partnership with school districts to expand access for students and families who would benefit most from high-quality

Position Overview

Program Operations & Delivery

• Assist the Site Coordinator with daily site operations, ensuring smooth implementation of all program components.
• Support the planning and delivery of educational and enrichment activities that align with Fun in the Sun goals and program objectives.
• Coordinate with staff, students, and partners to help maintain consistent daily schedules for academic and enrichment sessions.

Staff & Student Supervision

• Supervise Leaders-in-Training (LITs) and assist with Program Leader support, guidance, and coaching.
• Model best practices and provide feedback on curriculum delivery, student engagement, partner collaboration, and team dynamics.
• Help lead site staff meetings, review activity calendars, and ensure adherence to program policies, procedures, and schedules.
• Serve as a substitute for the Site Coordinator or Program Leaders as needed. Provide support at other program sites as directed by the Community Impact Program Manager.

Student Safety & Program Environment

• Assist with overall student supervision and help maintain required staff-to-student ratios (1:13 or 1:6 near water).
• Promote student safety at all times, including during off-site field trips and enrichment excursions, while upholding all program policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with the Site Coordinator to create a positive, inclusive, and engaging environment for students.
• Support and guide student behavior using positive reinforcement, respect, and strategies that align with their developmental stage.
• Support the cleanliness, organization, and proper care of shared program spaces, supplies, and equipment.

Communication, Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain regular communication with the Site Coordinator regarding student needs, program updates, and site-related concerns.
• Report significant issues involving students, staff, or families to the Site Coordinator and promptly escalate emergencies to the Community Impact Program Manager.
• Support the accurate and timely documentation of student attendance, assessments, surveys, incident reports, and other essential records.
• Track inventory, manage storage of materials, monitor supply usage, and compile supply needs.

Professionalism & Additional Responsibilities

• Represent the program positively and professionally to students, families, volunteers, staff, partners, and community members.
• Attend and actively participate in all required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the program and its participants.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in education, child development, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in education, expanded learning, or youth development programs strongly preferred.
• Prior leadership experience, or demonstrated readiness to lead, including supporting staff, maintaining safe and supportive environments, and delivering engaging, high-quality learning experiences.
• Experience coordinating daily site operations and managing administrative documentation.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with proficiency in digital tools and the ability to quickly learn new technologies.
• Experience engaging families and community partners in a professional and collaborative manner.
• Demonstrated ability to build authentic relationships and work effectively with youth and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification required (or ability to obtain prior to program start).
• Negative TB test within the past four years (per Education Code 49406).
• Must successfully complete Live Scan fingerprinting, DOJ criminal record clearance, and Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) check (per Education Code 45125.01).
• Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

United Way of Santa Barbara County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Conditional Offer of Employment

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of required pre-employment documentation and clearances. Candidates must complete all hiring requirements within two (2) weeks of receiving a conditional offer. This includes, but is not limited to, Live Scan fingerprinting and DOJ criminal record clearance, Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) check, TB clearance in accordance with Education Code 49406, and any other required employment eligibility documentation.

Continued employment is further contingent upon successful completion of all required onboarding and training requirements, including mandated safety and program-specific trainings.

Failure to complete required documentation or training within the designated timeframes may result in withdrawal of the employment offer.