Youth Program Director

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Program Director is responsible for leading and growing programs that reflect the YMCA’s mission and serve community needs. This role includes supervising and developing part-time staff and volunteers, managing program operations and budgets, and ensuring a positive and high-quality experience for participants. The Program Director also builds partnerships with community organizations and supports outreach, marketing, and fundraising initiatives to strengthen engagement and impact. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Program Leadership 

• Maintain consistent daily presence in programs to support quality, safety, and staff oversight, following association-specific expectations for direct service coverage and onsite visitation. 
• Launch new programs and grow existing ones in alignment with strategic goals and participant interests. 
• Coordinate facility use and logistics to support smooth program delivery and engaging events. 
• Manage daily participant records by using program software to track attendance and verify and track essential information. 

Staff Development 

• Recruit, train, schedule, and support part-time staff and volunteers to build a strong, inclusive team. 
• Provide regular feedback and coaching to help staff grow and succeed. 
• Motivate your team to meet goals and create a positive, mission-driven work culture. 

Community Engagement & Outreach 

• Build partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and other organizations to strengthen program impact and visibility. 
• Support outreach, marketing, and registration efforts to promote programs and ensure access for all. 
• Review scholarship applications to help remove barriers to participation. 

Fiscal Stewardship 

• Develop and manage program budgets to meet financial goals and use resources responsibly. 
• Contribute to the YMCA Annual Campaign by leading volunteer teams, supporting fundraising events, and achieving an individual fundraising goal that advances the branch’s overall target. 

Program Experience 

• Build strong relationships with members, families, and staff through positive, responsive communication. 
• Address questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner. 
• Track program data to evaluate success, improve experiences, and celebrate progress. 
• Maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to meet program and organizational needs. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Take on other duties as assigned to support the YMCA’s mission and evolving priorities. 
• This job description may be modified when appropriate by Human Resources. 

PROGRAM SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead and support high-quality youth programs—including before/after school, track out, summer day camp, and outreach—that emphasize safety, relationships, skill-building, character growth, and fun 
• Implement program enhancements and initiatives to improve quality and engagement 
• Oversee daily operations and programs in adherence to YMCA Standard Operating Procedures. 
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with schools, families, and community organizations 
• Obtain and maintain required certifications within 30 days of hire: CPRO, Basic First Aid, Administering Emergency Oxygen, and Emergency Medication Administration Training (EMAT) 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Degree in related field preferred and 1+ year of related experience. 
• Passion for building community and fostering meaningful relationships through programs and services. 
• Experience supporting program delivery and staff development in a team-based environment. 
• Ability to coordinate staff, programs, and schedules effectively in a dynamic setting. 
• Strong communication skills, including written, verbal, and public-facing interactions. 
• Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, and strong organizational and time-management skills. 
• Builds inclusive, mission-driven relationships with youth, families, and community members from diverse backgrounds. 
• Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred, 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. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.