Youth Development Director

Job Description

The Youth Development Director provides strategic and operational leadership for YMCA Child Care and Camp programs. This role ensures alignment with the Central Coast YMCA’s mission and policies, overseeing key functions including program development, budget management, staff supervision, volunteer engagement, community relations, and facility oversight.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Program Administration

Lead Child Care and Camp programs to provide children and staff a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment.

Maintain administrative systems that support effective program operation and reporting by YMCA standards.

2. Fiscal Management

Achieve budget goals and manage all related account lines.

Monitor the supply of inventories and place timely orders for Child Care and Camp needs.

3. Volunteer Engagement

Identify, recruit, and engage volunteers in program support.

Provide staff support for special event committees.

4. Staff Supervision & Development

Oversee all phases of the employee lifecycle: recruitment, orientation, training, performance management, and recognition.

Conduct regular staff meetings and one-on-one supervision to ensure goal alignment and performance tracking.

Lead branch-specific training to align with YMCA program standards.

Create and implement a standardized onboarding process for all department staff.

5. Participant & Member Satisfaction

Ensure a high level of satisfaction among participants, families, and volunteers.

Distribute and analyze evaluations and use feedback to improve program quality.

6. Facility Oversight

Ensure all program spaces and facilities are operated in a clean, safe, and efficient manner, involving staff and volunteers in maintenance.

7. Public & Community Relations

Serve as a YMCA ambassador in the community, building strong relationships with local leaders, public agencies, and media outlets.

Lead the development and execution of the department's marketing and public relations strategies.

8. Program Strategy & Development

Contribute to long-range (5-year) and short-term (1-year) strategic planning at the branch level.

Evaluate and improve existing programs, collaborating with partner organizations to increase community impact.

Plan and deliver family engagement events and activities.

9. General Duties

Actively participate in Central Coast YMCA and branch staff teams.

Engage in ongoing professional development in collaboration with the Senior Program Director.

Uphold safety procedures and encourage others to maintain a safe work environment.

Embrace and promote the YMCA’s mission and core values in all aspects of work.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

A bachelor’s degree in recreation or a related field is strongly preferred.

Minimum of three years of experience working with youth programs or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to succeed in this role.

Proven leadership and supervisory experience.

Language & Communication Skills

Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from business and professional sources.

Proficient in writing reports, policies, and professional correspondence.

Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of audiences.

Mathematical & Analytical Skills

Proficient in basic math and budgeting.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to collect and analyze data to inform conclusions.

Technical & Administrative Skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access), WordPerfect, and internet research tools.

Skilled in office systems, filing, and communication equipment.

Ability to set priorities, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

Personal Attributes

Team-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work independently.

Enthusiastic, dependable, and flexible with a positive attitude and sense of humor.

Strong alignment with the YMCA's mission and core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Professional appearance and conduct, with policies in place regarding visible tattoos and body piercings.

Certifications & Requirements

CPR and First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain).

Background clearance and completed health screening with TB test.

Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, and special events as required.

Physical Demands

Regularly required to talk, hear, stand, walk, sit, and use hands.

Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.

Approximately 30% of the time will involve computer use.

Requires close, distance, color, and peripheral vision.Company Description

Today, the Central Coast YMCA employs 27 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people within Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

As a YMCA member, YOU are part of a worldwide movement, which is in over 120 countries dedicated to making this world a better place—one person at a time. YMCAs are at the heart of community life in over 2,800 neighborhoods and towns across our great nation. Collectively, YMCAs are the largest not-for-profit community service organization in America. The YMCA's strength is in the people they bring together. Y's are for people of all faiths, races, abilities, ages, and incomes.

Full-time