YMCA of the Triangle
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Youth Program Director

Full-Time Exempt $43888.00/Year Youth Development
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Job Description
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POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Director I 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 after school, summer day camp, holiday care days 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.
  • needed.
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