Executive Director of Child and Youth Development

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director of Child and Youth Development provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the YMCA's comprehensive early childhood and youth development programming. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this position is responsible for establishing the vision, strategy, financial sustainability, and providing executive leadership for early learning, youth development, school-age programming, camps, family engagement initiatives, and other assigned youth services. 

The Executive Director of Child and Youth Development advances the YMCA's mission by developing leaders, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring exceptional experiences for children and families while modeling the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. 

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

Strategic Leadership

• Provides strategic leadership and vision for all Youth Development programs.
• Develops long-range goals, annual objectives, and operational plans aligned with the YMCA's strategic plan.
• Identifies opportunities for program growth, innovation, and expansion to meet evolving community and family needs. 
• Collaborates with executive and department leaders to develop integrated youth, wellness, membership, and community initiatives. 

Leadership & Staff Development

• Directly supervises assigned department leaders, including the Program Director of Youth Development, ECDC leadership.
• Provides leadership, direction, coaching, and accountability for assigned department leaders. 
• Establishes performance expectations and fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Financial Management

• Develops and manages operating budgets for all assigned departments.
• Monitors financial performance, enrollment trends, staffing costs, and program sustainability.
• Identifies new funding opportunities, grants, and revenue sources.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensures compliance with Illinois DCFS licensing regulations and license-exempt requirements.
• Ensures licensing documentation, inspections, corrective actions, staff training, and reporting requirements are completed and maintained. 

Grant Administration

• Oversees all grant-funded child nutrition programs, including CACFP, SFSP, and other applicable federal and state programs.
• Ensures compliance with all grant requirements, reporting, reimbursement, meal counts, audits, and documentation.
• Maintains relationships with grant administrators and regulatory agencies.

Program Oversight

• Ensures assigned Youth Development programs consistently deliver safe, high-quality services that support the developmental needs of children, youth, and families.
• Champions a culture of youth development by supporting programs that foster leadership, personal growth, positive relationships, and family engagement. 
• Provides executive oversight for the development and evaluation of programs, services, and engagement opportunities that strengthen youth, families, and the community.
• Monitors enrollment, staffing, program quality, participant satisfaction, and risk management.
• Reviews program outcomes and implements continuous improvement initiatives.

Community Leadership

• Builds partnerships with schools, community organizations, and government agencies.
• Represents the YMCA within the community.
• Supports fundraising initiatives, grant opportunities, and the Annual Campaign.
• Promotes collaborative initiatives that strengthen youth engagement, family involvement, and community partnerships. 

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Recreation, Human Services, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in youth development, childcare, education, recreation, or nonprofit management.
• Experience supervising multiple departments and leading management-level staff.
• Experience managing budgets and financial performance.
• Knowledge of Illinois DCFS licensing standards and licensing-exempt requirements.
• Experience administering grant-funded programs and regulatory compliance preferred.
• Strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing teams. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business software.
• YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or willingness to obtain.
• Experience with CACFP, SFSP, or other federally funded child nutrition programs.
• CPR, First Aid, AED, and Child Abuse Prevention certifications or ability to obtain within 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