Association Manager of Workforce Development & Post Secondary Preparedness

YMCA
Salary
$59,000.00
$60,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
Looking for our Manager of Workforce Development and Post Secondary Preparedness!
Job Description

The Association Manager, Teen Experience provides leadership, operational oversight, and staff support for Teen Experience programs and services across multiple YMCA locations. This role ensures consistent program quality, safe practices, strong staff development, and alignment with the YMCA’s strategic priorities. The Association Manager supports Teen Program Supervisors, advances workforce development pathways—including the Teen Tech Center—and contributes to grant implementation and reporting. This position enables organizational growth by strengthening program consistency, coaching staff, and supporting the VP of Teen Experience with operational execution across the association.

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose. We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.

We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own. We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in education, human services, recreation management, youth development, or related field; or equivalent work experience.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience managing youth or teen programs, including supervision of part time or full-time staff.
  • Demonstrated ability to coach and develop staff and build strong, positive working relationships across diverse teams.
  • Experience delivering or supporting multi-site programs with an emphasis on consistency, safety, and quality.
    Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Understanding of positive youth development principles, teen engagement strategies, and inclusive programming.
  • Experience supporting grant-funded programs, reporting requirements, or data management preferred.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with sound judgment and high attention to detail.
  • Proficiency with program management systems, scheduling platforms, and standard office software.
  • Commitment to the mission and values of the YMCA and to advancing teen development and workforce readiness.

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and
programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. 

Working Conditions

  • Office and program environment across multiple YMCA centers, with regular travel between sites required.
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods, lift up to 25 lbs., and support active program spaces as needed.
  • Work schedule includes occasional evenings and weekends based on program needs and special events.
  • Position requires flexibility to respond to urgent situations, staff needs, or program changes across locations.
  • Regular interaction with teens, families, staff, and community partners in dynamic and sometimes high-energy settings.
Essential Functions
  • Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the Teen Tech Center at the McCrorey YMCA, ensuring high-quality, engaging programming that prepares teens for post-secondary education, careers, and life success.
  • Lead the organization’s Workforce Development strategy, designing and implementing programs that support career exploration, employability skills, credential attainment, and post-secondary readiness for teens and young adults.
  • Ensure strong alignment and connectivity between workforce development initiatives and other YMCA teen programs, creating seamless pathways that support participant progression, retention, and outcomes.
  • Collaborate with program leaders to integrate workforce readiness, career exposure, and post-secondary preparedness across teen-serving departments.
  • Partner with the People and Culture department to design, implement, and continuously improve internship and apprenticeship programs, including recruitment, onboarding, supervision, evaluation, and career pathway development.
  • Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, colleges, employers, workforce agencies, and community organizations to expand career exposure, internships, apprenticeships, and post-secondary opportunities for teens.
  • Oversee program planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting, ensuring programs meet organizational goals, funder requirements, and participant needs.
  • Manage budgets, grants, and resources related to workforce development and post-secondary preparedness initiatives.
  • Supervise, train, and support staff, interns, and volunteers involved in workforce development and Teen Tech Center programming.
  • Collect and analyze data to measure program effectiveness, outcomes, and impact, using findings to inform continuous improvement.
  • Serve as an advocate for teen voice and youth development best practices, ensuring programming is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to community needs.
  • Represent the YMCA in community meetings, coalitions, and public forums related to workforce development, education, and youth engagement.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
  1. DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential
  2. EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations
  3. INNOVATION: Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y’s work and impact in the community
  4. ENGAGING COMMUNITY: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y’s work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit