Director of Youth Development and Community Engagement

Job Description

Job Description

Position:
Director of Youth Development & Community Engagement (YDCE)

Position Summary:
The Director of Youth Development & Community Engagement (YDCE) leads the development and implementation of YDCE programs. As such, this individual supports and oversees the YDCE team’s staff, as well as adult and youth volunteers in executing top-notch programming that enhance the lives of the area’s queer and trans youth. Our current program offerings include weekly and monthly programs (both in person and virtual) as well as community-based programs and a robust roster of special events throughout the year. In this role, the Director of Youth Development and Community Engagement manages and cultivates the team’s talents, and strategically designs and implements programming to further the organization’s mission and strategic plan, as well as youth needs.   
This position will include evening and weekend hours and will require flexibility in schedule. This position includes a combination of both remote and in person work. 

Position Responsibilities:

Staff Management and Development:

• Manage the day to day work of the Youth Engagement Manager, the Little SMYALs Program Managers (two positions with this title), the Community Engagement Manager, and the Training Coordinator
• Provide ongoing coaching to all YDCE staff on an ongoing and as needed basis, either personally or by connecting them with the appropriate coaches or mentors
• Plan and oversee tailored professional development opportunities for each full time staff member, based on individual goals and programmatic need
• Provide structured and ongoing support to YDCE staff managing part time youth interns
• Provide and receive regular and structured feedback for YDCE staff and youth interns to support their growth within the organization

SMYAL Programs:

• Lead the growth, development, and oversight of SMYAL’s Youth Development and Community Engagement (YDCE) youth programs including, but not limited to: Teen and Young Adult programs (13-24 year olds), SMYAL Scholarships, Little SMYALs (6-12 year olds), community engagement, volunteer programs, and newly developed initiatives
• Direct and lead YDCE outreach, recruitment, and communications in partnership with the Communications team (online and in-person)
• Oversee the production of annual community events, like Youth Pride, Family Camping Day, and the Winter Holiday Party, to name a few.
• Coach and develop working relationships with youth leaders to ensure youth-led programming meets the needs of queer and trans youth in the region
  

Training:

• Oversee, in partnership with the Training Coordinator, the development of workshops and trainings for youth serving professionals and community allies
• Work with the Training Coordinator to schedule and facilitate school & non-school based adult training
  

Community Partnerships and Engagement:

• Represent SMYAL in the community through tabling events, community-based meetings, panels, and other requests as made
• Elevate and amplify youth voices and issues in relevant community spaces and events
  Lead the development and maintenance of relationships with community partners and organizations, including but not limited to public, private and charter schools in the DC metro region, local and national youth and LGBTQ+ youth serving organizations, and youth-led campaign partners
• Keep up to date on current landscape of and threats to queer and trans youth on a local and national landscape
• Keep up with best practices in youth and camp work, including safe schools and other relevant issues related to queer and trans youth and queer and trans youth of color, including the school-to-prison pipeline and other educational justice issues
  

Administrative:

• Oversee collection and reporting of all YDCE programs’ impact and reach
  Complete grant reports related to the work within the Department
• Develop and maintain organizational systems for the team, including tracking program and attendance data for YDCE programs
• Provide coordination as needed across departments to ensure ongoing collaboration and synergy
• Develop systems and policies to support the balance between virtual and in-person work.
  All other relevant duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

• Previous experience supervising 3 or more team members
• At least 5 years experience developing and implementing youth programming
• Ability to relate to all communities served (queer and trans youth and straight allies, particularly youth of color, low-income youth, and youth who have experienced trauma)
• Background in nonprofit personnel management is strongly preferred
• Experience in implementing youth leadership development programs is strongly preferred
• Volunteer training and management experience are strongly preferred
• Must be sensitive to and conscious of diverse identities and marginalization of groups including those based on age, race, class, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, anti-oppression work, and queer and trans rights
• Excellent verbal and written communication and public speaking skills
• Strong strategic planning and organizational skills
• Experience with and knowledge of social media tools
• Proficiency in Google Suite and computer literacy
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities well and excel in a fast-paced environment
• Available to work regular nights and weekends
• A driver’s license with a good driving record is a plus
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) is a plus
• Queer and trans individuals, women, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply

How to Apply:

Resumes will be reviewed as they are received. No phone calls, please. Salaried position with excellent benefits, which include health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement, EAP, vacation and sick time. This position is based in Washington, DC (hybrid).

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. SMYAL believes in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as bringing your authentic self to the workplace. So if you are excited about this position but your past experiences do not align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may be just the right person for this or other positions.

About SMYAL:

SMYAL supports and empowers LGBTQ+ youth. We actively work to create a world where queer and trans youth thrive through affirming programs and services designed to develop critical life skills, build community, and foster a sense of belonging.

SMYAL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibility, physical or mental handicap, or political affiliation. SMYAL is committed to accessibility and providing reasonable accommodations.