Executive Director of Child and Youth Development

Drive meaningful change in Edwardsville through innovative leadership at the YMCA's youth development programs. Job Description The Executive Director of Child and Youth Development provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the YMCA's comprehensive early childhood and youth development programming. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this position is responsible for establishing the vision, strategy, financial sustainability, and providing executive leadership for early learning, youth development, school-age programming, camps, family engagement initiatives, and other assigned youth services. The Executive Director of Child and Youth Development advances the YMCA's mission by developing leaders, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring exceptional experiences for children and families while modeling the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

OUR CULTURE

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We are WELCOMING : We are open to all and create spaces where everyone belongs. We are GENUINE : We value you and embrace your individuality. We are HOPEFUL : We believe in your potential and support you in achieving your goals. We are NURTURING : We encourage you to become healthier in spirit, mind, and body. We are DETERMINED : We work relentlessly to strengthen our community. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Recreation, Human Services, Business Administration, or a related field. Five or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in youth development, childcare, education, recreation, or nonprofit management. Experience supervising multiple departments and leading management-level staff. Experience managing budgets and financial performance. Knowledge of Illinois DCFS licensing standards and licensing‑exempt requirements. Experience administering grant‑funded programs and regulatory compliance preferred. Strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and lead high‑performing teams. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business software. YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or willingness to obtain. Experience with CACFP, SFSP, or other federally funded child nutrition programs. CPR, First Aid, AED, and Child Abuse Prevention certifications or ability to obtain within required timeframe. Essential Functions Strategic Leadership Provides strategic leadership and vision for all Youth Development programs. Develops long‑range goals, annual objectives, and operational plans aligned with the YMCA's strategic plan. Identifies opportunities for program growth, innovation, and expansion to meet evolving community and family needs. Collaborates with executive and department leaders to develop integrated youth, wellness, membership, and community initiatives. Leadership & Staff Development Directly supervises assigned department leaders, including the Program Director of Youth Development, ECDC leadership. Provides leadership, direction, coaching, and accountability for assigned department leaders. Establishes performance expectations and fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Financial Management Develops and manages operating budgets for all assigned departments. Monitors financial performance, enrollment trends, staffing costs, and program sustainability. Identifies new funding opportunities, grants, and revenue sources. Regulatory Compliance Ensures compliance with Illinois DCFS licensing regulations and license‑exempt requirements. Ensures licensing documentation, inspections, corrective actions, staff training, and reporting requirements are completed and maintained. Grant Administration Oversees all grant‑funded child nutrition programs, including CACFP, SFSP, and other applicable federal and state programs. Ensures compliance with all grant requirements, reporting, reimbursement, meal counts, audits, and documentation. Maintains relationships with grant administrators and regulatory agencies. Program Oversight Ensures assigned Youth Development programs consistently deliver safe, high-quality services that support the developmental needs of children, youth, and families. Champions a culture of youth development by supporting programs that foster leadership, personal growth, positive relationships, and family engagement. Provides executive oversight for the development and evaluation of programs, services, and engagement opportunities that strengthen youth, families, and the community. Monitors enrollment, staffing, program quality, participant satisfaction, and risk management. Reviews program outcomes and implements continuous improvement initiatives. Community Leadership Builds partnerships with schools, community organizations, and government agencies. Represents the YMCA within the community. Supports fundraising initiatives, grant opportunities, and the Annual Campaign. Promotes collaborative initiatives that strengthen youth engagement, family involvement, and community partnerships.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to safely supervise and participate in children’s activities. Must have visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to respond swiftly in an emergency situation. The employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and communicate using a computer and phone/smart device. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, reach, and move throughout indoor and outdoor work environments. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to coordinate a variety of large and small tasks simultaneously and handle tension and stress in a positive manner. Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies Advancing Our Mission and Cause Building Relationships Leading Operations Developing and Inspiring People #J-18808-Ljbffr YMCA of the USA