Youth Development Director

YMCA
Salary
$45,000.00
$49,000.00
Resume Contact
[email protected]
The YMCA of Columbia is searching for a dynamic, cause-driven leader to serve as Youth Development Director at its Jeep Rogers Branch.
Job Description

The Youth Development Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Jeep Rogers youth development programs, including preschool, child watch, afterschool, and summer camp.  This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating a range of programs and activities that promote the holistic development of children and teens in our community.

Qualifications
  1. Minimum age of 21.
  2. Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, psychology, or related field required.
  3. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  4. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of stakeholders, including youth, families, staff, and community partners.
  5. Strong knowledge of youth development principles, theories, and best practices.
  6. Certifications required within 60 days of employment: CPR, First Aid, AED, and Oxygen.
  7. Ability to complete the following before the start date: Child Abuse Prevention training; Bloodborne Pathogens, and Sexual Harassment training.
  8. Passion for the YMCA mission and commitment to serving the community.
Essential Functions
  1. Develop and implement a comprehensive youth development program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of children and teens. Design age-appropriate activities, curriculum, and experiences that promote positive youth development and foster a sense of belonging and achievement.
  2. Engage with youth participants to understand their interests, preferences, and needs. Provide opportunities for youth voice and leadership in program planning, decision-making, and evaluation. Build positive relationships with youth participants and serve as a role model and mentor.
  3. Recruit, train, and supervise youth development staff, including program coordinators, counselors, and volunteers. Provide leadership, guidance, and support to staff to ensure the delivery of high-quality programs and services. Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback to support staff development and growth.
  4. Collaborate with schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance and expand youth development opportunities. Build partnerships to leverage resources, share best practices, and address the needs of diverse populations of youth and families. Represent the YMCA in community forums, coalitions, and initiatives related to youth development.
  5. Engage parents and families in youth development programs and activities. Provide information, resources, and support to parents to help them support their children’s development and success. Foster positive relationships with families and encourage their involvement in program planning and evaluation.
  6. Always ensure the safety and well-being of youth participants. Develop and enforce safety protocols, emergency procedures, and risk management practices. Conduct regular safety inspections of program facilities and equipment and address any hazards or concerns promptly.
  7. Perform other duties as assigned.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
  • Mission Advancement - Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruit volunteers and build effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.
  • Collaboration - Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
  • Operational Efffectiveness - Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establish goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
  • Personal Growth - Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations, and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

Must be able to perform all physical requirements of the position, including walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 50 lbs at a time.