Lightner Y Achievers Program Director

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the supervision of the Chief Partnership and Impact Officer, with support from the Vice President of Practice and Belonging, the Lightner Y Achievers Program Director will lead, manage, and expand year-round youth development programs, including Lightner Y Achievers, Young Men Thriving, Girls Empowerment, and alumni engagement.  

The ideal candidate will collect data about the teens and programs to communicate impact, support committees and Improvement and Quality work across the Association, collaborate with YMCA branches, schools, community organizations, corporate partners, adult mentors, volunteers, and teens to deliver innovative, impactful programming that empowers young people of color, strengthens leadership pathways, and bridges opportunity gaps. This role engages YMCA branch teen directors, local schools, community partners, and alumni to deliver culturally responsive, high-quality programming for teens and young adults. They are responsible for managing these functions in accordance with the stated mission, goals, and policies established by the administrative staff, governing committees, and Board of Directors of the YMCA. 

This full-time position requires year-round program leadership and occasional evening, weekend, and overnight work. The ideal candidate will bring passion, creativity, strategic thinking, and experience in youth development, diversity and inclusion, event planning, and program management.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Program Leadership & Strategy 

• Expand and innovate year-round Lightner Y Achievers programming, including Saturday Summits, LYA Clubs, Young Men Thriving, Girls Empowerment, alumni engagement, the yearly college tour, and other related programming. 
• Establish vision and strategy to grow programming, strengthen participant outcomes, and expand pathways for leadership, academic, career, and community engagement. 
• Monitor program outcomes through data analysis and feedback, ensuring continuous improvement. 
• Work with staff and volunteers to deliver a teen-run program of excellence. 
• Recruit, train, and supervise program staff and volunteers. 
• Provide leadership support for retreats, summits, tours, and youth development events. 
• Oversee program budgets, reports, compliance, and operational requirements. 
• Develop and maintain an annual program calendar. 
• Participate in budget planning processes. 

Community Engagement, Partnerships & Advocacy 

• Develop strategic partnerships and program pathways that bridge opportunity gaps for young people of color. 
• Build and maintain relationships with colleges, universities, law enforcement professionals, attorneys, schools, community organizations, and corporate partners. 
• Collaborate with YMCA branch teen directors, internal stakeholders, and community partners to strengthen program participation and impact. 
• Engage governing committees, board members, and community stakeholders to support program visibility, advocacy, and growth. 
• Advocate for inclusion and racial equity through collaboration with elected officials and community stakeholders. 
• Expand awareness of program offerings and impact throughout YMCA of the Triangle communities. 

Volunteer Leadership & Philanthropy 

• Recruit, train, manage, and retain 10–15 year-round volunteers while ensuring compliance with YMCA volunteer standards. 
• Assign, communicate, and maintain volunteer roles, responsibilities, and committee engagement. 
• Build strong relationships with youth and adult volunteers. 
• Lead volunteer and staff engagement efforts for the YMCA Annual Campaign and achieve assigned fundraising goals supporting the LYA program. 
• Capture impact data and stories to support fundraising, grants, and donor engagement. 

Youth Development & Civic Engagement 

• Mentor and guide participants to foster leadership, personal growth, and belonging. 
• Identify and connect participants to leadership, employment, and career exploration opportunities. 
• Manage resources and curriculum to support academic, leadership, and personal success. 
• Facilitate opportunities for community service, advocacy, civic engagement, and responsible citizenship. 
• Enliven the YMCA’s social responsibility mission through leadership and service opportunities. 
• Develop and sustain a successful YAG Club with advisors and teens. 

Project Management & Communications 

• Provide personalized guidance and support through the participant registration process. 
• Ensure timely communication and follow-up with participants, families, volunteers, staff, and partners. 
• Manage program communications, calendar coordination, and data collection. 
• Maintain accurate and engaging program platforms, including social media, website content, YouTube, and podcast channels. 
• Collaborate with the YMCA Marketing Team to ensure accurate and timely public-facing communications. 

Administrative  

• Complete all required annual trainings related to safety, compliance, and child protection as assigned. 
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in education, political science, psychology, sociology or related field and 2+ years progressive experience in youth/teen development, community engagement, or teen program management. 
• Dynamic leader with a strong up-front presence, sound judgment, and the ability to inspire teens, adults, volunteers, staff, and partners. 
• Experience working with diverse communities and the ability to engage professionally and appropriately with corporate partners, diverse adults, and teens. 
• Experience planning and executing youth, community, alumni, or corporate partner events. 
• Ability to effectively manage staff and programs.  
• Exceptional oral, public speaking, and written communication skills.   
• Possess a high level of organization, the ability to prioritize, and the capacity to respond and handle multiple tasks appropriately in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment. 
• Requires a positive attitude, a high level of initiative and professionalism, and enjoys working in and creating a strong team environment. 
• Demonstrate initiative, effectively prioritize, and possess strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.  
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community. 
• Multilingual desired but not required. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

• Primarily office and program settings with frequent interaction in gyms, classrooms, and outdoor spaces. 
• Moderate noise levels; may be louder during youth or community activities.  
• Regular use of computer, phone, and other office technology. 
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching; occasional lifting or moving up to 40 lbs.  
• Some work performed outdoors in varying weather conditions.  
• Flexible schedule required — may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional travel between branches or sites.  
• Must be able to provide valid identification for employment eligibility verification.   
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation.   
• A clean driving record is required to meet YMCA insurance standards.   
• Travel between branch and/or site locations, and to off-site meetings and events is required.  
• Must reside in the YMCA of the Triangle service area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill and surrounding areas).
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. 

Salary & Benefits

This is a full-time exempt position with a salary starting at $43,888, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The YMCA of the Triangle offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; an annual YMCA membership; and participation in the YMCA Retirement Fund, including a 12% employer contribution once eligibility requirements are met.