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Director Youth Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YOUTH SPORTS DIRECTOR

Saint Robert, MO · On-site

$21.74 - $23.63/hr

YOUTH SPORTS DIRECTOR ID: 1040 Location: St. Robert, Missouri Department: WSR Youth Sports Salary ... Emphasizing skills development including safety, fair play, and sportsmanship. * Setting realistic ...

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Director Youth Development information

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$43K

$82.6K

$162K

How much do director youth development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for director youth development in the United States is $82,598.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $97,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Youth Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Youth Development, you need a background in education, social work, or a related field, combined with experience in program management and youth engagement. Familiarity with youth development frameworks, grant management software, and data tracking systems is typically required. Strong leadership, cultural competency, and effective communication are essential soft skills for building relationships with youth, staff, and community partners. These skills and qualifications are crucial to designing impactful programs, securing funding, and fostering positive youth outcomes.

What is the highest paying job with a child development degree?

A Director of Youth Development is among the higher-paying roles for those with a child development degree, often earning a salary above the national average for education and social service positions. Senior leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or private education companies typically offer higher compensation, especially with experience and advanced certifications. These roles often require strong management skills, program development expertise, and a background in child and youth services.

What does a Director of Youth Development do?

A Director of Youth Development oversees programs and initiatives aimed at supporting the growth and success of young people. They are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating youth programs, managing staff, and ensuring that activities align with organizational goals. This role often involves collaborating with community partners, securing funding, and maintaining a safe, inclusive environment for youth. The director plays a key leadership role in advocating for youth needs and measuring program outcomes to ensure effectiveness.

What is the difference between Director Youth Development vs Youth Program Coordinator?

AspectDirector Youth DevelopmentYouth Program Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree, experience in youth programs, leadership skillsBachelor’s degree, experience in youth activities, organizational skills
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple programs, manages staff, strategic planningAssists in program implementation, coordinates activities, reports to director
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, community centers, educational institutionsCommunity organizations, youth clubs, recreational centers

The main difference between a Director Youth Development and a Youth Program Coordinator lies in scope and responsibility. The director oversees multiple programs, manages staff, and sets strategic goals, while the coordinator focuses on executing specific activities and supporting program delivery. Both roles require relevant experience and education, but the director holds a higher leadership position with broader responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Youth Development, and how can they be addressed?

As a Director of Youth Development, one common challenge is balancing program quality with budget constraints, as resources are often limited while expectations remain high. Additionally, engaging and retaining both youth participants and staff requires strong leadership and adaptability to different personalities and needs. To address these challenges, successful directors focus on strategic partnerships, ongoing staff training, and actively seeking feedback from youth to ensure programs remain relevant and impactful. Collaboration with community stakeholders and continuous evaluation of program outcomes also help in overcoming these hurdles.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Director of Youth Development typically earns less than $10,000 per month, but high-level executive roles in sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship can reach or exceed this income without requiring a degree. Success in these fields often depends on experience, skills, networking, and performance rather than formal education.

What does a youth director do?

A youth director plans, organizes, and oversees programs and activities for young people in community centers, schools, or religious organizations. They coordinate staff, develop curriculum, and ensure a safe, engaging environment for youth development. Strong communication, leadership skills, and relevant certifications are often required.

What can I do with a youth development degree?

A youth development degree prepares individuals for roles such as Youth Development Director, program coordinator, or community outreach specialist. These roles involve planning and implementing programs that support youth growth, requiring skills in leadership, communication, and program management, often with certifications in youth work or related fields.
What cities are hiring for Director Youth Development jobs? Cities with the most Director Youth Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Development jobs? The most popular types of Youth Development jobs are:
What states have the most Director Youth Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Youth Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Youth Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,598 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Program Director - Youth Development

ymcametrowash

Washington, DC • On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position:  Program Director – Youth Development                  Salary Range:  $50,000 - $52,000

Leading afterschool, camp, enrichment, and youth engagement programs.

Lead teams. Build programs. Strengthen community.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is seeking a passionate and experienced Program Director to lead high-quality youth development programs that support children, teens, and families across our communities in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

This leadership role is responsible for overseeing youth development programs, including out-of-school time, camps, enrichment programs, and other youth-serving initiatives. The Program Director provides operational leadership, staff supervision, program quality oversight, and community engagement to ensure exceptional experiences that help young people achieve, relate, and belong.

This position is ideal for a mission-driven leader who enjoys developing staff, building community partnerships, and creating safe, engaging environments where youth can thrive.

What you will do at the Y:

  • Lead daily operations for school-age and camp programs
  • Recruit, coach, and develop program staff and site leaders
  • Build a positive, mission-driven team culture
  • Ensure safe, engaging, and high-quality youth experiences
  • Strengthen relationships with families, schools, and community partners
  • Support enrollment growth and program expansion
  • Ensure compliance with licensing, safety, and YMCA standards
  • Collaborate with YMCA leadership on budgeting, staffing, and program performance

What You Bring:

  • 2+ years of leadership experience in youth programs, camps, recreation, afterschool, or community-based programs
  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Recreation, Human Services, Youth Development, or related field required for licensing compliance
  • Experience supervising teams and managing operations
  • Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Commitment to positive youth development
  • Ability to meet applicable state licensing and regulatory requirements for youth-serving programs

Why You Should Join Us:  At the YMCA, you’ll do more than manage programs — you’ll help shape experiences that help young people build confidence, connection, and belonging.

We invest in leaders who want to grow their impact and strengthen communities.

  • Meaningful impact supporting youth and families in your community
  • Opportunity to lead a program and grow your leadership experience
  • Collaborative culture with a mission-driven team
  • Competitive salary: $50,000 – $52,000
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 10% retirement contribution after eligibility
  • Generous PTO and holidays
  • Ongoing training and leadership development
  • YMCA membership for you and your family

Join us in creating safe, engaging, and impactful programs for youth and families across our community – Appy Today!

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a workplace culture where all employees are treated with fairness and respect.