Youth Development Program Director

Ymca-of-Metropolitan-Chicag; Lindenhurst (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is seeking a Youth Development Director to oversee early learning and youth programs, including after-school care, summer camps, and teen activities. The role ensures quality, licensing compliance, safety, and a strong member experience.

You will lead a team, manage budgets, drive enrollment and revenue, and partner with sites and community leaders to deliver high-impact programs aligned with YMCA goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Elementary Education, Recreation Management, Early Childhood Education or related field.
• 3–5 years or more experience in youth and family programming with supervisory/leadership experience.
• ExceleRate IL Director Credential Level 1 or higher preferred.
• Commitment to YMCA mission and ability to work with diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Program Management: enhance participant experience, optimize enrollment and revenue, manage budgets, and ensure licensing compliance.
• Team Management: hire/train staff, conduct evaluations, provide coaching, and supervise volunteers.
• Lead and develop staff to deliver safe, engaging, well-organized program services; ensure trainings and certifications are met.
• Collaborate with site teams and community partners to promote programs and meet enrollment targets.

Skills

Bachelor’s Degree knowledge

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Budget management

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary and Key Accountabilities:The YMCA is known for our commitment to high-quality youth programming that meets the needs of the communities we serve. The Youth Development Director is accountable for ensuring that assigned early learning and youth development programs, which may include summer day camp, drop-in childcare, before-and-after school care, and/or teen programming, meet program standards in accordance with all applicable licensing and funding requirements. This role is also responsible for enhancing the member/participant experience and retention, optimizing program enrollment and revenue, and managing program budgets. This also includes leading and developing team members and ensuring a safe environment for all participants and staff.Scope of Responsibilities:Program Management Increases member/participant connection and commitment to YMCA programs and ensures the member/participant experience is consistent, integrated and aligned to YMCA goals for youth programming and participant experience, engagement and retention. Identifies and promotes key drivers of a successful program experience. Adapts and creates tools and processes to enhance participant experience. Addresses current or prospective program inquiries. Monitors program registration goals to understand trends and identify means for development. Adapts and customizes program portfolio and curriculum to meet community needs. Optimizes program capacity and enrollment goals. Participates in special events and activities at YMCA sites and within the community. Promotes programs in the community through multiple channels including community engagement strategy. This includes collaborating with peers and leaders in and outside the Y. Coordinates with site team/contact center to ensure all collections, refunds and other transactions are completed accurately and timely. Participates in direct service as needed to facilitate program operations.Team Management Identifies, manages and motivates a high-performing team that accomplishes program objectives Coaches and mentors staff to support them in delivering safe, engaging and well-organized program services. Completes formal staff evaluations for performance reviews. Provides corrective coaching and intervention as necessary. Accountable for hiring and terminating staff Trains new staff and provides ongoing trainings in accordance with training designs. Facilitates all-staff meetings and in services. Responsible for ensuring staff are compliant with required trainings and certifications. Recruits and trains volunteers to meet the needs of the programs. Evaluates volunteer work and strategy to ensure volunteers are used appropriately. Approves time worked by staff in Human Resources Information System.Minimum and Preferred Requirements Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent or higher in Elementary Education, Recreation Management, Early Childhood Education or a related field. 3 to 5 years or more experience in youth and family programming providing high-quality experience to program participants, with at least 3 years of supervisor or team leadership experience. ExceleRate IL Director Credential Level 1 or higher preferred. Additional credentials may be required based on program license requirements. Commitment to, and a passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission. Demonstrated ability to accomplish goals through others, whether direct reports or through influence. Strategic thinking skills including effective planning, setting goals, monitoring progress, tracking results and making appropriate adjustments to plans based on circumstances and context. Ability to organize and prioritize multiple, competing priorities to maximize personal and team effectiveness. Budget and expense management skills with the ability to assist in managing budgets to plan. Customer service orientation, with the ability to effectively communicate on a regular basis with internal customers, build relationships, manage customer expectations and take responsibility for a high level of service. Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively build and maintain relationships with customers, team members and other stakeholders and constituents. Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), email; ability to learn and adapt to new technology. Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Team Leader competencies in previous experience or practice. Meet physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.