Youth Program Director | Kerr Family YMCA

Description

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 at the Kerr Family YMCA 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 Program Director also builds partnerships with community organizations and supports outreach, marketing, and fundraising initiatives to strengthen engagement and impact.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Program Leadership

• Maintain consistent daily presence in programs to support quality, safety, and staff oversight, following association-specific expectations for direct service coverage and onsite visitation.
• 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.

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 access for all.

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.

Program Experience

• Build strong relationships with members, families, and staff through positive, responsive communication.
• Address questions and concerns in a timely and 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 annual trainings related to safety, compliance, and child protection as assigned.
• This job description may be modified when appropriate by Human Resources.

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 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 communication 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:


The physical 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 noise levels; may be louder during youth or community activities.
• Regular use of computer, phone, and other office technology.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching; occasional lifting or moving up to 40 lbs.
• Some work performed outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Flexible schedule required - may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional travel between branches or sites.
• Must be able to provide valid identification for employment eligibility verification.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and have access to reliable transportation.
• A clean driving record is required to meet YMCA insurance standards.
• Travel between branch and/or site locations, and to off-site meetings and events is required.
• Must reside in the YMCA of the Triangle service area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill and surrounding areas).
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.