Lightner Y Achiever Program Director

YMCA of the USA; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of the Triangle is seeking a Lightner Y Achievers Program Director to lead and expand year-round youth development programs. This role manages programs like Lightner Y Achievers, Young Men Thriving, Girls Empowerment, and alumni engagement, while communicating impact through data and collaborating with partners.

Responsibilities include recruiting and supervising staff, managing budgets, and developing strategic partnerships to bridge opportunity gaps for teens and young adults, with a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in education, political science, psychology, sociology or related field.
• 2+ years progressive experience in youth/teen development, community engagement, or teen program management.

Responsibilities

• Expand and innovate year-round Lightner Y Achievers programming.
• Establish vision and strategy to grow programming and leadership pathways.
• Monitor program outcomes through data analysis and feedback.
• Recruit, train, and supervise program staff and volunteers.
• Develop and maintain an annual program calendar.
• Participate in budget planning processes.
• Develop strategic partnerships that bridge opportunity gaps for youth of color.
• Build relationships with colleges, schools, community organizations, and corporate partners.
• Collaborate with branch staff and community partners to strengthen participation and impact.
• Engage committees, board members, and community stakeholders to support visibility and growth.
• Advocate for inclusion and racial equity with officials and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Youth development

Diversity

Inclusion

Event planning

Program management

Data analysis

Public speaking

Organization

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

The YMCA of the Triangle is hiring a Lightner Y Achievers Program Director !

Job Description

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.

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.

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.