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Youth Development Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Youth Development & the Site Coordinator, the Youth Development Program Aide assists the site coordinator in the supervision and carrying out of the ...

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Youth Development Specialist

Bronx, NY ยท On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Reports directly to the Program Director * Plan, prepare, and facilitate engaging enrichment ... Encourage creativity, teamwork, leadership, and positive youth development through hands-on ...

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Youth Development Program Director information

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$23K

$54.1K

$97.5K

How much do youth development program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for youth development program director in the United States is $54,135.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $64,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a youth development program director do?

A Youth Development Program Director oversees programs and initiatives designed to support the growth and well-being of young people. They are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating activities that foster positive youth development, such as after-school programs, leadership training, and community engagement. Additionally, they supervise staff, manage budgets, collaborate with community partners, and ensure that programs meet the needs of the youth they serve. The role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a youth development program director?

To thrive as a Youth Development Program Director, you need strong leadership, program management, and youth engagement skills, often supported by a degree in education, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with grant writing, budgeting software, and youth program evaluation tools is typically required. Excellent communication, cultural competence, and conflict resolution are vital soft skills for building trust and fostering positive relationships with youth, staff, and community partners. These skills ensure effective program delivery, sustainable funding, and meaningful youth outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by a youth development program director, and how can they be addressed?

Youth Development Program Directors often encounter challenges such as limited resources, engaging diverse groups of young people, and ensuring program sustainability. Balancing administrative responsibilities with direct interaction can also be demanding. Strong communication skills, creative problem-solving, and cultivating partnerships with community organizations can help address these challenges. Establishing clear goals, regularly evaluating program effectiveness, and staying adaptable are also essential strategies for success in this role.

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

AspectYouth Development Program DirectorYouth Activities Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in education, social work, or related field; experience in youth programsHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience in youth activities preferred
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, community centers, schoolsRecreational facilities, community events, outdoor settings
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, schools, community organizationsRecreation centers, youth clubs, camps
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on program management and developmentFocuses on organizing activities and events

The Youth Development Program Director oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of youth programs, often managing staff and budgets. In contrast, the Youth Activities Coordinator primarily organizes and facilitates specific activities and events for youth. While both roles require experience working with youth, the director's role is broader, involving program strategy and administration, whereas the coordinator focuses on activity execution.

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What cities are hiring for Youth Development Program Director jobs?

Cities with the most Youth Development Program Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Development Program jobs?

The most popular types of Youth Development Program jobs are:

What states have the most Youth Development Program Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Youth Development Program Director jobs include:

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The top searched job categories for Youth Development Program Director jobs are:

Infographic showing various Youth Development Program Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,135 per year, or $26 per hour.

Youth Development Director

YMCA Of South Hampton Roads

Virginia Beach, VA โ€ข On-site

$42K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.


POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Youth Development Director is responsible for providing Cause-Driven leadership to before and after school care, summer camp, School's Out camp, and teen programs. The Youth Development Director also assumes a leadership role in the annual support campaign. Day-to-day operations include staff supervision, fiscal control, program development, program area facility management/maintenance, marketing, and volunteer management. The Youth Development Director is also responsible for hiring, training and supervising and leading their staff team in superior levels of member service and engagement in accordance with the Association operating standards.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Division of Duties:

90% supervision and management of assigned licensed child care programs

10% leadership to Annual Giving and other association/department initiatives

Priorities:

  • Provides supervision and management to licensed child care programs, including, Before and After School, Summer Camp, School's Out Camp, and teen programs.
  • Ensures all program operations are consistent with association procedures, including emergency, insurance, accident, purchasing, personnel, accounting, and other administrative systems
  • Serves as the Program Director for assigned programs

The Youth Development Director must understand and be willing to learn the necessary skills required for the successful completion of duties including:

  1. Program Management and Operations
  2. Provides day to day management of program operations and staff
  3. Hires, trains, supervises and evaluates program staff
  4. Ensures assigned programs meet or exceed state licensing requirements
  5. Ensures assigned programs meet or exceed program quality standards
  6. Program Development and Membership Engagement
  7. Creates opportunities for members to form small communities and build meaningful relationships
  8. Provides strong leadership and support for attaining goals and objectives of the Association Strategic Plan
  9. Expands current Youth Development offerings with high quality programming in accordance with the Association operating guidelines
  10. Team Performance Towards Organizational Goals
  11. Recruits and trains program volunteers
  12. Participates in association cabinet meetings and training.
  13. Works collaboratively and in partnership with the association child care leaders to deliver on assigned responsibilities.
  14. Fundraising
  15. Participates in a successful annual support campaign. Active leadership required in staff giving and membership involvement
  16. Professional Development
  17. Maintains current CPR/AED/O2/First Aid and MAT certifications
  18. Attends trainings as required, including YMCA New Staff Orientation, blood borne pathogens and child abuse prevention training
  19. Attends mandatory staff meetings
  20. Follows the Code of Conduct established by the YMCA of South Hampton Roads
  21. Enthusiastic, positive, and motivating to children and peers
  22. Communicates the YMCA mission and objectives to the community
  23. Incorporates the five character values of the YMCA: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Faith and promote the YMCA Mission
  24. All other duties as assigned

Requirements

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

  • Functional Expertise
  • Communication & Influence
  • Developing Self & Others

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Youth Development Director will meet the qualifications set forth by the YMCA of South Hampton Roads and the Virginia Department of Education, Division of Child Care Health and Safety. Minimum qualifications include:


Meet the minimum qualifications for "Program Director" as defined by the VA Department of Social Services Division of Licensing, which include:

  1. Staff shall be in good character and reputation
  2. Capable of carrying out assigned responsibilities; capable of accepting training and supervision; capable of communicating with emergency personnel; and capable of communicating effectively both orally and in writing as applicable to the job responsibility.
  3. Meets a minimum age of 21 years or older
  4. A minimum of 48 credit hours from a college or university of which 12 credit hours are in child-related courses, plus 1 year of programmatic experience.ย 

YMCA Team Leader Certification preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Will be required to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, push, and lift up to 50 pounds
  • While performing duties the employee may occasionally work in the outside weather conditions, and is exposed to wet, cold and /or humid conditions
  • Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multi-tasking
  • Will be exposed to cleaning supplies
  • Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time
  • Must be physically able to successfully complete required certifications
  • During peak program seasons, may be expected to work night and weekend hours to meet program needs


BACKGROUND CHECKS:

An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements of the position. They may include criminal background and reference checks, E-Verify, drug test, driver's license record, and/or a Child Protective Services Check (CPS). Additional driver's license check, CPS, criminal background check, alcohol, and/or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and/or maintain the requirements of this position.


ACCOUNTABILITY:

Accountable for completion of assigned goals as measured by the number of people served, cause driven measures, service satisfaction scores, operating results, and supervisor evaluation of assigned duties. Continuation of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements for the position. They may include a background check, drug test, driver's license record, CPS, and/or Criminal Background check.