Director of Youth Development

Description As Director of Youth Development, you are building more than programs —you are building experiences that shape lives. You are the leader who ensures every child feels safe, every family feels welcomed, and every staff member understands the deeper purpose behind the work they do. You create systems that support excellence, but you also create culture —one where staff feel developed, families feel trust, and youth feel they belong.

This role requires someone who can balance strategy and operations, vision, and execution. You must think beyond daily schedules and ratios to see the bigger picture: how youth development programs strengthen the future of our community. This is about leadership, trust, accountability, and creating meaningful impact through every interaction.

Requirements

Essential Functions include program leadership and operations, staff leadership and development, compliance and risk management, financial management, family, and community engagement, fundraising and volunteer engagement, reporting, and continuous improvement. Core functions include Leadership Development, Marketing and Communication, Member Experience, Programs and Services, Safe/Clean Environment, Social Responsibility .

Four (4) or more years of progressive leadership experience in youth development, childcare, camp, education, recreation, or nonprofit program management. Demonstrated experience leading multiple programs, supervising staff, and managing daily operations across diverse program areas . Experience with staff recruitment, training, coaching, and performance management .

Proven experience managing department budgets, enrollment growth, and operational planning. Experience working with families, schools, and community partnerships preferred. Previous YMCA experience strongly preferred . A college degree in Health Promotion, Recreation, Exercise Science, Business Administration, Human Services, or a related field is a plus, but not required.

Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience is welcome.