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Are you a visionary youth development leader ready to make a lasting impact?
Job Description
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is seeking an exceptional Senior Vice President of Youth Development to reimagine, strengthen, and transform how we serve children, teens, and families across the region.
This is an opportunity for an accomplished leader with deep expertise in positive youth development and a proven record of building high-quality programs, developing strong teams, and driving meaningful organizational change. We are looking for someone who understands what makes youth programs exceptional—and knows how to turn that knowledge into consistent, measurable results.
As SVP of Youth Development, you will lead the association-wide strategy for our Early Learning, School Age, and Camp programs, helping shape a unified vision for quality, innovation, and impact. Working in close partnership with branch and operations leadership, you will strengthen program models, establish quality standards, develop staff capabilities, and create engaging experiences where young people can achieve, relate, and belong.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in youth development, education, or multi-site youth-serving organizations.
- Proven ability to inspire, develop, and hold high-performing leaders accountable.
- Demonstrated success transforming programs, strengthening organizational systems, and leading meaningful change.
- Deep expertise in positive youth development, evidence-informed programming, and child and adolescent development.
- Strong strategic thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Master's degree preferred; YMCA leadership experience strongly preferred.
Essential Functions
- Develop Exceptional Leaders: Build the skills, confidence, and accountability of youth development leaders and staff.
- Lead Transformation: Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to elevate and advance Youth Development programs across the association.
- Champion Program Excellence: Establish evidence-informed standards for positive youth development, curriculum, program quality, safety, and youth engagement.
- Drive Innovation: Design engaging, developmentally appropriate programs that foster belonging, achievement, social-emotional growth, and leadership.
- Strengthen Impact: Establish meaningful measures of program quality, youth outcomes, participation, and family experience.
- Build Partnerships: Collaborate with branch leaders, schools, families, and community organizations to strengthen programs and expand opportunities.
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.
Required Certifications
Organizational leader certification.
Why Join Us?
At the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference on a regional scale. Join a mission-driven organization where your expertise, ideas, and leadership will shape exceptional youth experiences, empower talented teams, and create lasting community impact. We invest in our leaders and offer a competitive benefits package that includes:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 10% YMCA retirement contribution
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Professional development and leadership opportunities
This is your opportunity to leave a lasting legacy—advancing program excellence, inspiring exceptional leadership, and strengthening the YMCA's impact across our communities.