Director of Youth Development

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Youth Development provides leadership for assigned Youth Development programs, creating safe, engaging, and mission-driven experiences for children and families. Reporting to the Executive Director of Child & Youth Development, this position oversees program operations, staff development, regulatory compliance, and participant experience while serving as a visible leader within the branch.

In addition to overseeing Child Watch, Preschool, Summer Camp, Activity Day Camp, and other assigned youth programs, this role fosters meaningful relationships with youth throughout the facilities, collaborates across departments to develop family engagement opportunities, and helps create a welcoming environment that strengthens connections among children, families, and the YMCA community.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

We are WELCOMING: We are open to all and create spaces where everyone belongs.

We are GENUINE: We value you and embrace your individuality.

We are HOPEFUL: We believe in your potential and support you in achieving your goals.

We are NURTURING: We encourage you to become healthier in spirit, mind, and body.

We are DETERMINED: We work relentlessly to strengthen our community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Program Operations

• Directs the daily operations of Child Watch, Preschool, Summer Camp, Activity Day Camp, and assigned Youth Development programs.
• Ensures programs operate safely, efficiently, and in accordance with YMCA standards and applicable regulations.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates high-quality programs that support youth development and family engagement.
• Monitors enrollment, staffing, attendance, budgets, and program quality to achieve operational goals.
• Identifies opportunities to expand programming and improve participant experiences.

Staff Leadership

• Recruits, hires, trains, schedules, supervises, and evaluates program staff.
• Provides coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
• Maintains proper staff-to-child ratios and daily staffing coverage.

Administration & Compliance

• Maintains compliance with YMCA standards, DCFS licensing regulations, license-exempt requirements, and other applicable regulations.
• Ensures required staff certifications, training, documentation, and records remain current.
• Supports administration of CACFP, SFSP, and other grant-funded nutrition programs, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance.
• Assists with budgeting, purchasing, inventory, reporting, and departmental records.
• Supports marketing initiatives, branch events, and other operational projects.

Youth Engagement & Member Experience

• Builds positive relationships with children, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Serves as a visible leader and positive role model for youth throughout the facility.
• Creates a welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages engagement and strengthens connections to the YMCA.
• Responds to participant and parent concerns while promoting exceptional customer service.
• Promotes YMCA programs, events, and membership to increase participation and family engagement.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Human Services, Recreation, or a related field preferred.
• Three years of experience leading youth development, childcare, or recreation programs.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, developing, and leading staff.
• Knowledge of DCFS licensing standards and license-exempt program requirements.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with CACFP, SFSP, or other grant-funded nutrition programs preferred.
• Experience planning youth and family engagement programs or events preferred.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments.
• CPR, First Aid, AED, Child Abuse Prevention, and YMCA Team Leader certifications, or the ability to obtain within the required timeframe.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the required essential functions. 

• Ability to remain stationary or move throughout YMCA facilities for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and using a computer or other technology.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or move up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to observe program activities and respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.
• Frequent use of computers and standard office equipment.
• Ability to coordinate multiple priorities and adapt to changing operational needs.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and at multiple YMCA locations as needed to support programs and events.

YMCA COMPETENCIES

• Advancing Our Mission and Cause
• Building Relationships
• Leading Operations
• Developing and Inspiring People