Life & Workforce Readiness Director

YMCA
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Life and Workforce Readiness Director leads programs that prepare teens with life skills, career exploration, and employment competencies.
Job Description

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Life & Workforce Readiness Director provides strategic leadership for all life skills, workforce development, and teen programming at Greater Holyoke YMCA, serving members ages 12-18. Reporting to Senior Program Director, this role is responsible for designing, delivering, and expanding a continuum of programming that moves young people through three intentional stages — Explore, Develop, and Apply — from early curiosity and foundational skill-building in areas of Academic Success, Health & Well-being, Character & Leadership and Life & Workforce Readiness with an end goal of career exploration, hands-on training, industry certifications, and real-world work experience.

Qualifications

·         Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with teens/youth and planning activities.

·         One (1) to two (2) years of experience supervising community-based youth programs and experience developing programs.

·         Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience required. A degree in Education or Social Work is preferred.

·         Experience working in urban communities and managing an out of school time program or other community-based youth program

·         Strong leadership skills with experience in managing different levels of staff

·         Ability to build effective working relationships with parents, administrators, staff and students

·         Excellent written and oral communication skills and organization skills

·         Strong technical skills, with ability to learn new programs quickly as needed

·         Must be at least 21 years of age or older.

·         CPR/First Aid Certification within 3 months 

·         YMCA Leader Certification within 6 months

Essential Functions

Recruit, hire, develop, train, and supervise staff as well as volunteers 
·         Responsible for the design and implementation of diverse teen programming, including YUSA national programs, college and career exploration, mentoring, and certified workforce training and other evidence-based curricula

·         Develop additional program offerings and expand the program portfolio in response to workforce trends, community needs, and emerging partner opportunities.

·         Manage all data and teen program outcome tracking for grant and contract reporting requirements

·         Work with each department to provide training, mentoring, workforce readiness support, and other resources to all junior staff ages 18 years and under 

·         Develop, implement, and monitor the program budget to meet fiscal objectives.

·         Establish and maintain relationships with service providers in various settings, including other CBOs, schools, and partnerships; serve as liaison for City of Holyoke Youth Task Force and other community wide committees 

·         Create and support an environment that is diverse, culturally sensitive, and relevant to the needs of teens.

·         Manage adolescent behavior with respect, maturity, compassion, and encouragement.

Support Youth Services department with additional Early Education & Care and Out of School Time responsibilities on an as needed basis

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

·         Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause. 

·         Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence. 

·         Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment. 

·         Functional Expertise: Executes superior technical skills for the role.

·         Innovation: Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y’s work and impact in the community. 

·         Program/Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs.

·         Developing Self & Others: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.

·         Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations. 

Required Certifications

·         CPR/First Aid Certification within 3 months 

·         YMCA Leader Certification within 6 months

·         Mental Health First Aid Certification within 12 months