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

Job Title: Fun in the Sun - 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 summer learning opportunities.

Position Overview

Program Leadership & Delivery

• Lead daily site operations to ensure seamless, consistent implementation of all program components in alignment with Fun in the Sun goals and objectives.
• Plan and coordinate educational and enrichment activities that align with Fun in the Sun goals and program objectives.
• Ensure consistent adherence to academic and enrichment schedules in collaboration with staff, students, and partners.
• Welcome key stakeholders to the site in a warm, inclusive, and professional manner.
• Maintain clear, respectful communication with parents, school district staff, enrichment providers, and other stakeholders to support strong collaboration and program success.

Staff Management & Development

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to the Assistant Site Coordinator, Program Leaders, Site Aides, and Counselors-in-Training (CITs), ensuring alignment with Fun in the Sun expectations for attendance, professionalism, and positive relationships.
• Conduct weekly staff meetings to maintain alignment, address challenges, and celebrate successes.
• Review weekly activity calendars to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with program goals.
• Model and apply age-appropriate practices by adapting activities and guiding staff to meet the developmental needs of all age groups.
• Observe staff performance regularly, providing coaching, feedback, and support for continuous improvement.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive team environment that encourages initiative, accountability, and professional growth.
• Ensure accurate timekeeping for all site staff and approve timesheets in a timely manner in accordance with United Way of Santa Barbara County policies and payroll deadlines.

Student Supervision & Site Environment

• Promote a safe, positive, and developmentally appropriate environment that supports student learning and well-being.
• Ensure all safety protocols are followed during on-site and off-site activities, including field trips and enrichment excursions.
• Guide staff in proactive supervision and reinforce clear behavioral expectations to maintain a secure and supportive program setting.
• Maintain required staff-to-student ratios (1:13; 1:10 for TK–K; or 1:6 near water) at all times to ensure safety and program compliance
• Oversee site conditions, take preventative measures to avoid damage, and report any facility concerns promptly.
• Develop and uphold site standards that promote cleanliness, organization, and responsible use of shared program spaces, supplies, and equipment.

Communication, Documentation & Compliance

• Serve as the primary site liaison with United Way of Santa Barbara County staff to ensure alignment and effective coordination.
• Maintain regular communication with the Community Impact Program Manager to provide updates on student needs, staffing, site operations, and emerging issues.
• Promptly report significant concerns and escalate emergencies or urgent matters to ensure timely resolution and program continuity.
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation and submission of attendance, assessments, surveys, reports, and other essential records.
• Manage parent communication by sending timely reminders and updates and distributing a weekly newsletter through Procare, all in alignment with United Way communication guidelines.
• Manage site supplies, secure materials, oversee storage, and ensure the return of checked-out items at the end of the program.

Professionalism & Organizational Representation

• Represent United Way of Santa Barbara County and Fun in the Sun with professionalism and integrity in all interactions with students, families, staff, volunteers, partners, and community members.
• Attend and actively participate in all required staff trainings, meetings, and professional development sessions.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support overall program success and organizational goals.

• Bachelor’s degree in education, child development, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of leadership experience in education, expanded learning, or youth development programs strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and develop staff, maintain safe and supportive learning environments, and deliver high-quality youth programming.
• Experience managing daily site operations, including scheduling, documentation, compliance, and program logistics.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to motivate teams and build authentic relationships with youth and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience engaging families and community partners in a professional and collaborative manner.
• Proficiency in digital tools and data systems, with the ability to quickly learn new technologies.
• 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.