Director Youth Development

Under the guidance and direction of the Senior Child Development Director, the Youth Development Director provides leadership and oversight for assigned youth development programs within the branch. Each Youth Development Director has primary responsibility for Before and After School Enrichment (BASE) or Day Camp programming and, based on branch structure and community needs, may also oversee Teen and/or Youth Sports programming.

The Youth Development Director is responsible for the successful operation, growth, quality, and safety of assigned programs, including staff leadership, program development and implementation, enrollment, budget management, regulatory compliance, and participant and family engagement. This position ensures programs consistently deliver safe, high-quality experiences that support youth development and strengthen relationships with families and the community.

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or associate degree in early childhood education, elementary education, youth development, recreation, sports management, or a related field.
• Four or more years of experience in youth development, childcare, camp, sports, recreation, or related program management, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, developing, and evaluating staff.
• Experience planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating youth programs.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage children, teens, parents, staff, volunteers, and members of a diverse community.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and grow programs through staff and volunteer leadership, budget creation/ management, program development, and quality improvement.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships and collaborations with schools, community organizations, families, and other partners.
• Ability to understand and implement applicable licensing, accreditation, safety, and program standards.
• Knowledge of applicable rules, protocols, and best practices for assigned program areas.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on program needs, including evenings and weekends as required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, elementary education, youth development, recreation, sports management, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• YMCA Team Leader or Multi-Team/Branch Leader certification.
• Experience working within a YMCA or other nonprofit, community-based, or youth-serving organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Multilingual skills.

Program Leadership and Operations

• Provides leadership and oversight for assigned youth development programs, including BASE or Day Camp and as assigned, Teen and/or Youth Sports programming.
• Develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates comprehensive youth programs and initiatives that respond to the needs of children, teens, families, members, and the community.
• Plans and coordinates program activities, events, leagues, field trips, and other experiences, ensuring appropriate staffing, supplies, equipment, and operational support.
• Develops new and innovative program offerings designed to meet evolving family and community needs and advance the YMCA's mission.
• Monitors program effectiveness, participant experience, enrollment, and outcomes and recommends improvements to strengthen program quality, safety, efficiency, and growth.
• Maintains accurate program records and documentation necessary for effective program management, compliance, and evaluation.
• Adjusts work schedule as necessary to support program operations and provide visible leadership, including observing, coaching, and supporting staff during program hours, evenings, and weekends as needed.

Staff and Volunteer Leadership

• Recruits, interviews, selects, trains, schedules, supervises, coaches, and evaluates staff within assigned program areas.
• Establishes clear performance expectations and provides ongoing feedback and development to support staff success and program quality.
• Motivates staff and teams to achieve program, membership, enrollment, quality, and organizational goals.
• Ensures appropriate staff-to-participant ratios and staffing coverage are maintained at all assigned program locations.
• Ensures volunteers complete the YMCA of Delaware application process and all required screening and training before serving in programs.

Quality, Safety and Compliance

• Ensures assigned programs comply with applicable YMCA policies, standards, and procedures as well as requirements established by governing and accrediting entities, which may include the Delaware Office of Child
• Care Licensing (OCCL), American Camp Association (ACA), Department of Public Health, and other applicable agencies.
• Conducts regular program and site audits to ensure safe environments, quality program delivery, appropriate supervision, and adherence to established program schedules and standards.
• Ensures staff understand and consistently follow applicable safety, supervision, licensing, and program requirements.
• Identifies opportunities to improve program quality and safety and recommends and implements appropriate corrective actions or program changes.

Financial and Administrative Leadership

• Develops and manages budgets for assigned program areas and monitors revenue and expenses to support established financial goals.
• Supports registration, enrollment, and participant management processes for assigned programs.
• Uses program, enrollment, finance, and participant feedback data to inform decisions and identify opportunities for program improvement and growth.

Organizational Leadership

• Participates in Manager on Duty responsibilities as assigned by branch leadership.
• Participates in YMCA Program Leadership Team meetings and applicable BASE, Camp, Teen, and/or Sports workgroups.
• Attends Leadership Staff meetings and other branch or association meetings and activities as assigned.
• Participates at a leadership level in the YMCA Annual Campaign.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with families, community organizations, schools, partners, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborates effectively across departments and branches to support organizational priorities and consistent program delivery.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Senior Child Development Director or Community Executive Director.