Senior Vice President of Youth Development

YMCA
Salary
$140,000.00
$150,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Build Brighter Futures.
Job Description

As SVP, you will drive a comprehensive strategy for youth development that blends innovation and operational excellence across early childhood education and out-of-school time. Your leadership will shape how young people experience support, grow their potential, and become leaders in their communities.

Qualifications

Who You Are:

  • Experienced Executive: Master’s degree in Education, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field required.
  • Proven Leader: Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in multi-site youth development or education-focused organizations.
  • Compliance-Savvy: Deep understanding of licensing requirements and child safety regulations in the DMV area.
  • Strategic & Analytical: Skilled in strategic planning, budget oversight, and use of data to guide decision-making.
  • Relationship-Builder: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with staff, families, funders, and partners.
  • Mission-Driven: Passionate about youth empowerment and advancing the mission of the YMCA.
  • Research-Informed: Deep knowledge of current research and trends in youth development, including emerging best practices, innovation, and the evolving landscape of youth service providers.
  • Positive Youth Development (PYD) Framework: Demonstrated ability to design and lead programs using a strengths-based, PYD approach that promotes youth voice, engagement, and growth.
  • Curriculum Design: Experience in developing age-appropriate curriculum that supports leadership, social-emotional learning, and life skills.
  • Pipeline Development: Skilled in building and sustaining a youth development pipeline that supports participants from birth through young adulthood, including key transitions such as early education, school-age care, teen leadership, and career exploration.
  • Metrics & Impact: Ability to design and implement tools that measure the long-term outcomes and community impact of YMCA youth programs, using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Essential Functions

What you will do at the Y:

  • Strategic Leadership
    Develop and implement a forward-looking, mission-aligned strategy that reflects the unique needs and strengths of youth across our region.
  • Program Innovation & Design
    Create and expand holistic, age-appropriate programs across early education, afterschool, and summer camp—centered on positive youth development and social-emotional growth.
  • Operational Excellence
    Ensure consistent, high-quality implementation across all youth programs, with strong systems for training, safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
  • Child & Youth Safety
    Champion youth protection policies and lead compliance with all licensing and regulatory standards across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
  • Community Engagement & Partnerships
    Build dynamic relationships with schools, government agencies, and mission-aligned partners to expand reach and remove barriers for youth.
  • Talent Development
    Recruit, support, and mentor high-performing leaders and staff, creating a culture of learning, accountability, and passion for youth work.
  • Outcomes & Evaluation
    Lead a robust system for measuring program outcomes and impact, using both data and community input to drive results.
  • Fund Development
    Partner with the advancement team to secure public and private funding, expanding access and scaling impact.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Mission Advancement: Incorporates the Y's mission and values into the organization's vision and strategies.
Collaboration: Initiates the development of relationships with influential leaders to impact and strengthen the community.

Operational Effectiveness: Possesses penetrating insight and strong strategic and critical thinking skills.

Personal Growth: Creates a learning organization. Effectively drives change by leveraging resources and creating alignment to expand organizational opportunities.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is a cornerstone for youth and families across our region. We are seeking an inspiring and strategic Senior Vice President of Youth Development to lead a bold vision for empowering youth—from early learning through young adulthood—with programs that build achievement, belonging, and lifelong success.

Required Certifications

Why you should join us:

The YMCA offers a supportive and dynamic work environment that encourages personal and professional growth. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a range of benefits designed to support your overall well-being. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy as an employee:

  • Mission-Driven Work: Shape the lives of young people and uplift our communities every day.
  • Competitive Salary Range: $140,000–$150,000, based on experience and qualifications.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
  • Free Y Membership: Full membership for you and your family to support wellness and connection.
  • Retirement Plans: The Y contributes 10% of your salary to a retirement plan, with additional 403(b) and Roth options.
  • Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
  • Professional Growth: Ongoing access to leadership development and training.