Senior Youth Development Director

Oahe Young Mens Christian; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

8% retirement contribution

Paid time off

Free YMCA membership

Program discounts

Job summary

The Oahe Family YMCA in Pierre, SD seeks a Senior Youth Development Director to lead childcare and youth programs, champion safety, and drive community impact. You will mentor staff, develop innovative afterschool and summer offerings, and ensure compliance with child protection standards.

Ideal candidates bring leadership in youth development, program management experience, and a commitment to safe, inclusive environments for children and families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or four or more years of program management experience, preferably in YMCA, school, childcare setting, or nonprofit.
• Three or more years of supervisory experience including staff leadership, budget management, marketing, public relations, and program development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop high‑quality youth development programs.
• Develop innovative programs to meet community needs and ensure safety and engagement.
• Oversee Praesidium Accreditation process and child protection standards.
• Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and evaluate staff and volunteers.
• Develop departmental budgets and collaborate on marketing efforts.
• Build relationships with schools, community organizations, and families; support fundraising.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Staff development

Relationship building

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Services, Education, Business, or related field

Job description

Are you passionate about helping children thrive? Do you believe strong youth programs can transform lives, families, and communities? The Oahe Family YMCA is seeking an inspiring and dedicated Senior Youth Development Director to lead and grow our childcare and youth development programs while championing the safety and well-being of every child we serve.This is more than a job. It is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on hundreds of children and families while developing future leaders, creating innovative programs, and helping shape the future of a thriving YMCA.Whether your background is in education, coaching, childcare, youth development, nonprofit leadership, or community engagement, we want to hear from individuals who are ready to lead with passion, purpose, and heart.Why Join the Oahe Family YMCA?As a key member of our leadership team, you will:Lead programs that positively impact children from preschool through high school.Mentor and develop a dedicated team of youth development professionals.Drive innovation in childcare, afterschool programming, summer camps, and family engagement.Play a vital role in maintaining and strengthening our nationally recognized child protection standards.Be empowered to grow professionally through YMCA leadership development and certification opportunities.Live and Work in Pierre, South DakotaLocated just blocks from South Dakota's State Capitol and across the street from the local high school, Pierre offers an unmatched quality of life for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.Imagine leaving work and being minutes away from:World-class walleye fishing on the Missouri River and Lake OaheRenowned pheasant and upland bird huntingBeautiful hiking and biking trailsBoating, kayaking, and water recreationA safe, welcoming community with excellent schools and a strong sense of connectionWith a population of approximately 14,000 residents, Pierre offers the perfect balance of professional opportunity, community involvement, and outdoor adventure.The Senior Youth Development Director helps advance the YMCA's mission of strengthening community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.This leadership position oversees:Early Learning ProgramsOut-of-School Time CareSummer Day CampYouth SportsProgram InnovationStaff Training and Leadership DevelopmentOrganization-wide Child Protection InitiativesThe successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, ensure program excellence, support staff growth, and create meaningful experiences that help young people learn, grow, and succeed.What You'll DoLeadership & Program DevelopmentLead and support high-quality youth development programs.Develop innovative programs that meet community needs.Ensure programs remain safe, engaging, and impactful.Drive growth in participation and community engagement.Child Protection & Risk ManagementServe as the primary administrator for the YMCA's Praesidium Accreditation process.Champion organization-wide child protection standards and best practices.Ensure compliance with YMCA standards and applicable regulations.Staff DevelopmentRecruit, hire, train, mentor, and evaluate staff and volunteers.Foster a culture of excellence, teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.Build future YMCA leaders through coaching and development.Financial & Operational LeadershipDevelop and manage departmental budgets.Collaborate on marketing and promotional efforts.Ensure facilities, resources, and operations support exceptional program delivery.Community ImpactBuild meaningful relationships with schools, community organizations, and families.Support fundraising initiatives and volunteer engagement.Represent the YMCA as a trusted community leader and advocate for youth.QualificationsWe are looking for a motivated leader who meets at least one of the following:Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Services, Education, Business, or a related field; ORFour or more years of program management experience, preferably in a YMCA, school, childcare setting, or nonprofit organization; ORThree or more years of supervisory experience that includes staff leadership, budget management, marketing, public relations, and program development.Additional Desired QualificationsProven relationship-building and collaboration skills.Experience leading teams and managing multiple priorities.Passion for youth development and community impact.Commitment to fostering safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments for all children and families.Professional Development OpportunitiesThe Oahe Family YMCA is committed to investing in your success.The selected candidate will have the opportunity to earn:YMCA Team Leader or Multi-Team/Branch Leader CertificationPraesidium Guardian CertificationCPR/AED/First Aid Certification (Required in the first 90 days)Training and support for these certifications will be provided.Who Thrives in This Role?This position is ideal for someone who is:A teacher ready to move into leadership.A childcare professional seeking greater impact.A school administrator looking for a community-focused role.A coach who loves mentoring staff and youth.A nonprofit leader passionate about strengthening families and communities.Join Us in Making a DifferenceAt the Oahe Family YMCA, every day is an opportunity to inspire a child, strengthen a family, and build a healthier community.If you're ready to lead with purpose, develop meaningful programs, and create lasting impact for future generations, we invite you to apply.Apply Online TodayApplication Deadline: October 22, 2026Interviews: October 23-26 2026Help us build a stronger community, one child at a time.This is a full-time, exempt, benefited position. Benefits include employer paid health and dental insurance, 8% employer retirement contribution (after one year), paid time off, free YMCA membership, and program discounts.