Youth Program Director | A.E. Finley YMCA

Theuniversityunion; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of the Triangle is seeking a Youth Program Director to lead and grow community-facing youth programs, manage staff and budgets, and build partnerships with schools and nonprofits. You will supervise part-time staff, coordinate program operations, and support outreach and fundraising efforts to strengthen engagement and impact.

The role requires a degree in a related field (preferred) and 1+ year of experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to mission-driven service.

Qualifications

• Degree in related field preferred and 1+ year of related experience.
• Passion for building community and fostering meaningful relationships through programs and services.
• Experience supporting program delivery and staff development in a team-based environment.
• Ability to coordinate staff, programs, and schedules effectively in a dynamic setting.
• Strong communications skills, including written, verbal, and public-facing interactions.
• Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, and strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Builds inclusive, mission-driven relationships with youth, families, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain consistent daily presence in programs to support quality, safety, and staff oversight.
• Launch new programs and grow existing ones in alignment with strategic goals and participant interests.
• Coordinate facility use and logistics to support smooth program delivery and engaging events.
• Manage daily participant records by using program software to track attendance and verify and track essential information.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and support part-time staff and volunteers to build a strong, inclusive team.
• Build partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and other organizations to strengthen program impact and visibility.
• Develop and manage program budgets to meet financial goals and use resources responsibly.

Education

Degree in related field

Job description

• Base Pay $43,888.00 / Year
• Job Category Youth Development
• Employee Type Full-Time Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Youth Program Director is responsible for leading and growing programs that reflect the YMCA’s mission and serve community needs. This role includes supervising and developing part-time staff and volunteers, managing program operations and budgets, and ensuring a positive and high-quality experience for participants. The Youth Program Director also builds partnerships with community organizations and supports outreach, marketing, and fundraising initiatives to strengthen engagement and impact.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain consistent daily presence in programs to support quality, safety, and staff oversight, followingassociation-specific expectations fordirect service coverage and onsite visitation.
• Launchnew programsand grow existing ones in alignment with strategic goals and participant interests.
• Coordinate facilityuseandlogisticsto support smooth program delivery and engaging events.
• Manage daily participant records by using program software to track attendance and verify and track essential information.

Staff Development

• Recruit, train, schedule, and support part-time staff and volunteers to build a strong, inclusive team.
• Provide regular feedback and coaching to help staff grow and succeed.
• Motivate your team to meet goals and create a positive, mission-driven work culture.

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Build partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and other organizations to strengthen program impact and visibility.
• Support outreach, marketing, and registration efforts to promote programs and ensure accessforall.

Fiscal Stewardship

• Develop and manage program budgets to meet financial goals and use resources responsibly.
• Contribute to the YMCA Annual Campaign by leading volunteer teams, supporting fundraising events, and achieving an individual fundraising goal that advances the branch’s overall target.

ProgramExperience

• Build strong relationships with members, families, and staff through positive, responsive communication.
• Address questions and concerns ina timelyand professional manner.
• Track program data to evaluate success, improve experiences, and celebrate progress.
• Maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to meet program and organizational needs.

Additional Responsibilities

• Take on other duties as assigned to support the YMCA’s mission and evolving priorities.
• Completion of all required annualtrainingsrelated to safety, compliance, and child protection as assigned.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and support high-quality youth programs—including before/after school, track out, summer day camp, and outreach that emphasize safety, relationships, skill-building, character growth, and fun.
• Implement program enhancements and initiatives to improve quality and engagement.
• Oversee daily operations and programs in adherence to YMCA Standard Operating Procedures.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with schools, families, and community organizations.
• Obtain and maintain required certifications within 30 days of hire: CPRO, Basic First Aid, Administering Emergency Oxygen, and Emergency Medication Administration Training (EMAT).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in related fieldpreferred and 1+yearof related experience.
• Passion for building community and fostering meaningful relationships through programs and services.
• Experience supporting program delivery and staff development in a team-based environment.
• Ability to coordinate staff, programs, and schedules effectively in a dynamic setting.
• Strong communicationskills, including written, verbal, and public-facing interactions.
• Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, and strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Builds inclusive, mission-driven relationships with youth, families, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
• Bilingual or multilingual skillspreferred, butnotrequired.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Thephysical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Primarily office and program settings with frequent interaction in gyms, classrooms, and outdoor spaces.
• Moderate noiselevels;may be louder during youth or community activities.
• Regular use ofcomputer,phone, and other office technology.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching; occasional lifting or moving up to 40lbs.
• Some work performed outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Flexible schedulerequired— may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional travel between branches or sites.
• Must be able to provide valid identification for employment eligibility verification.
• Mustpossessa valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation.
• A clean driving record isrequiredto meet YMCA insurance standards.
• Travel between branch and/or site locations, and to off-site meetings and events isrequired.
• Mustresidein the YMCA of the Triangle service area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill and surrounding areas).
• This position is 100% in person, with the flexibility to work at various branches and program locations across the YMCA of the Triangle as needed.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Salary & Benefits

This is a full-time exempt position with a salary starting at $43,888, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The YMCA of the Triangle offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; an annual YMCA membership; and participation in the YMCA Retirement Fund, including a 12% employer contribution once eligibility requirements are met.