Metro Youth Program Director

YMCA Detroit; Detroit, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA Detroit is seeking a Program Director to lead the Metro Youth branch programs under the Executive Director. You will oversee daily operations, staff, partnerships, and safety to deliver meaningful, developmentally appropriate experiences for youth and families in Detroit.

You will collaborate with school and community partners to expand program impact, manage logistics, and coach staff to achieve high-quality outcomes aligned with the YMCA mission.

Qualifications

• Experience working with youth is preferred.
• Classroom experience preferred.
• Meets state licensing requirements; DHS clearance, TB test within 30 days, CPR/First Aid/AED and Child Safe certifications within 60 days.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations and delivery of youth development programs.
• Supervise and coach staff, interns, and vendors.
• Develop and implement engaging, culturally relevant programming for youth growth.
• Coordinate transportation and field trips for program activities.

Skills

Youth experience

Classroom experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Program Director provides leadership for the day-to-day operations, implementation, and quality of the Metro Youth branch programs. This position leads staff, coordinates program logistics and supports community partnerships, ensuring program safety, engagement, and meaningful experiences that support positive outcomes for youth and families. The Program Director works collaboratively with branch leadership, school and community partners, YMCA teams to expand program impact and connect youth and their families to resources and opportunities that advance the YMCA mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead the day-to-day operations and delivery of assigned youth development programs, ensuring programs are organized, effective, and aligned with YMCA mission and values.
• Supervise, coach, and support youth development staff, interns, and assigned vendors, fostering accountability, teamwork, professional growth, and positive morale.
• Provide clear direction and make timely decisions that support the success of program participants, staff, and daily program operations.
• Develop, plan, and implement engaging, culturally relevant, and developmentally appropriate programming that supports youth growth, leadership, and positive identity.
• Lead and support Y Achievers programming, including scheduled evening and weekend workshops, college tours, field trips, overnight experiences, the annual out-of-state college tour, Achievers Summit, and other program experiences, as needed to support participant engagement and program success.
• Create an environment where youth, families, and staff feel welcomed, respected, connected, and a sense of belonging.
• Serve as a visible representative and advocate for the program, building positive relationships with youth, families, schools, community organizations, and other partners.
• Coordinate daily schedules, staff assignments, program rotations, transitions, and activities to ensure effective and efficient program delivery.
• Ensure the safety, care, supervision, and well-being of participants by consistently following YMCA policies, procedures, and applicable safety protocols.
• Support the implementation of curriculum, staff training, and professional development opportunities that strengthen the quality and consistency of youth programming.
• Manage assigned youth initiatives, including Achievers 2.0, summer enrichment opportunities, and other school- or community-based programs.
• Collaborate with branch and program leadership to establish and achieve program goals, objectives, participation targets, and desired youth outcomes.
• Support recruitment and engagement strategies to attract and retain youth participants and strengthen program participation.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with school districts, enrichment providers, community organizations, and other program partners.
• Coordinate transportation and logistical needs for program activities, including securing buses and supporting safe participant transitions and field trip operations.
• Maintain accurate program records, including attendance, participant data, files, surveys, supplies, and other required documentation.
• Monitor program resources and inventory and ensure staff have the supplies, materials, and resources necessary for effective program delivery.
• Collect and utilize participant and parent feedback, program data, and other information to evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in YMCA meetings, trainings, national youth development opportunities, and professional learning to strengthen program practices and incorporate relevant resources and best practices.
• Perform administrative responsibilities and other duties as assigned to support the successful operation, growth, and community impact of the branch’s youth development programs.

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgment and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurate assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with youth is preferred.
• Classroom experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in related field required.
• Meets the requirements set forth by the state-licensing agency. Documentation of DHS clearance prior to starting work, TB skin test within 30 days, and CPR, First Aid, AED, and Child Safe certifications are required within 60 days.
• Complete Blood Borne Pathogens training, Redwoods, and concussion training as required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND 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 job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise caseload.