Youth Development Director

YMCA Atlanta; Alpharetta (GA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta seeks a Youth Development Director to lead play center, teen leadership, day camp, membership, and community events. This role oversees staff and volunteers, ensures program safety, manages budgets, and drives growth through data-informed planning across multiple branches.

Responsibilities include developing partnerships, piloting new programs, and maintaining high standards of customer service and program quality in outdoor and indoor settings.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED and 4+ years people and/or program management experience OR a bachelor's degree and 2+ years of experience in child development, recreation, elementary education, or related field.
• 1+ years of supervisory responsibilities. Ability to communicate with participants, community leaders, volunteers and staff of all ages.
• Must be able to obtain training in Child Abuse Prevention, Working with Program Volunteers, CPR, First Aid, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogens within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage operating plans to promote program growth, impact, and safety.
• Provide day-to-day supervision of staff/volunteers related to the overall department.
• Manage branch grant program to ensure compliance with standards, policies, and budgets.
• Design practices, processes, and procedures for strong youth development programs.
• Recruit, interview, hire, train, develop, schedule, supervise, and evaluate the Afterschool Departments.

Skills

Staff supervision

Program management

Stakeholder communication

Grant management

Education

Bachelor's degree in child development, recreation, elementary education, or related field

High School diploma or GED

Tools

CPR/First Aid/AED training

Job description

As a thought‑leader and best‑in‑class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community‑building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non‑profits serving in Atlanta. Today, we’re looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state. At the Y, we’re an association of like‑minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone — especially children — experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre‑K with high‑quality literacy and STEAM‑infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities; provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities.

NATURE AND SCOPE

Under the general direction of the Associate or Executive Director, the Youth Development Director provides hands‑on leadership for the development and operations of various programs, such as play center, teen leadership, day camp, membership, and community events. Please note that these activities may require extended periods outdoors.

RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to)

• Develop, implement, and manage operating plans to promote program growth, impact, and safety.
• Provide day‑to‑day supervision of staff/volunteers related to the overall department.
• Provide oversight and management of branch grant program to ensure and implement all grant standards, policies, and budget are met.
• Design practices, processes, and procedures for strong youth development programs.
• Develop and implement a plan to promote and recruit new participants and community partnerships.
• Recruit, interview, hire, train, develop, schedule, supervise, and evaluate the Afterschool Departments for multiple branch employees and volunteers.
• Conduct pilots for new programs; develop plans and manage best practices through engagement of the staff team.
• Develop strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals and reviews and evaluate staff performance.
• Effectively manage budgets; hold staff accountable for high‑quality results using a formal process to measure progress.
• Ensure that program standards are met, and safety procedures are followed.
• Provide daily oversight as to expenditures and revenue collection.
• Use data to analyze financial trends and forecast future financial progress for the branch.
• Manage registrations, rosters, record keeping, etc.
• Market and distribute program information, organize, and schedule program registrations, as well as review and process program scholarship applications.
• Establish new activities and expand the program within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations and fellow YMCA branches.
• Foster a climate of innovation and model a high level of member/customer service.
• Collaborate with the Association key departments to lead, coordinate and support implementation of key initiatives related to marketing, social media and communications, human resources, and financial development.
• Respond to all members and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
• Conduct pilots for new programs; develop plans and manage best practices through engagement of the staff team.
• Actively participate and lead designated meetings, training sessions, and special events.
• Implement and ensure all required Y, license and license‑exempt childcare standards and policies are met at each location.
• Maintain accurate records, pertaining to license and license‑exempt requirements, staff and child health and safety.

REQUIREMENTS

• High School diploma or GED and 4+ years people and/or program management experience OR a bachelor's degree and 2+ years of experience in child development, recreation, elementary education, or related field.
• 1+ years of supervisory responsibilities Ability to effectively communicate and manage information to program participants, community leaders, and volunteers and staff of all ages Ability to establish, collaborate and maintain relationships with all stakeholders Excellent attention to detail, follow-through, and execution on grant obligations.
• Proficient knowledge of computers, various technology, and applications Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, problem solve and possess effective time management skills Must be able to obtain within 30 days of hire, completion of Child Abuse Prevention, Working with Program Volunteers, CPR, First Aid, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogens training Must pass Bright From the Start (BFTS) fingerprint background check.

REFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree required in child development, recreation, elementary education or related field 5+ years program and/or people management experience working in an education or childcare environment
• Experience recruiting, cultivating, and supervising volunteers 4+ years of program or non‑profit experience YMCA Team Leader certification Prior people AND program management experience.
• This position requires sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations. Must be able to sit, reach and move around the work environment, and to visually provide active supervision.

Employment and Benefits package for this job posting is offered through the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc.

Employment Requirement: Ability to pass a pre‑employment background check including Criminal Record check, Drug Screening, motor vehicle record (MVR) and reference check according to company policy.

Must be legally eligible to work in the US without current or future sponsorship.

This job posting is subject to change at any time.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta offers excellent benefits and career opportunities as part of our culture of excellence.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Location: Ed Isakson / Alpharetta YMCA The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta is an association of volunteers, members and staff, open to and serving all, with programs and services which build spirit, mind, and body.

The Y believes in strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

When you join our team, you become part of a legacy over a century in the making, where passionate individuals work together to create meaningful change. Whether you're coaching future leaders, supporting wellness initiatives, or fostering connections, your work will have a lasting impact. Explore your potential, grow your career, and make a difference with the Y. Become a part of something bigger today!