1

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 ...

Be Seen First

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

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Youth Development Program Director information

See salary details

$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.

More about Youth Development Program Director jobs

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:

What job categories do people searching Youth Development Program Director jobs look for?

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.

Program Director II, Youth Development

YMCA

Orange Park, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,988 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

573rd of 772 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Oversees 7-10 Before/Afterschool sites and 1-4 summer day camps. Develops, organizes, implements and leads programs, supervises staff, monitors YMCA and State policy and procedures, interacts effectively with staff, parents and supervisor, and adheres to written budgets to foster individual growth and development of the children at the YMCA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

    1. Manages, directs and coordinates Youth Development programs for assigned location(s). Ensures high quality programs through implementing and monitoring our School Age Curriculum.
    2. Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules and directs personnel and volunteers as needed to ensure adequate and quality supervisor of children and effective implementation of quality activities. Reviews and evaluates staff performance. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals.
    3. Manages and controls budgets related to the position. Ensures program operates within budget and that program fees are collected. Supports and budgets for healthy eating through coaching, mentoring, and monitoring menu quality (H.E.P.A).
    4. Assures compliance with state and local regulations as they relate to program areas. Ensures that YMCA program standards are met and safety procedures followed. Maintains and ensures compliance with written activity schedule, menu, fire drills, incident/accident reports and other forms of parent and staff communication.
    5. Provides for upkeep of assigned program facilities and equipment and ensures the physical environment supports healthy living.
    6. Provides staff leadership for annual fund raising campaign and committees as assigned.
    7. Develops and maintains relationships with state child care licensing agency, school administration, parent groups and other organizations and agencies related to assigned programs. Responds to all agency, parent and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
    8. Maintains proper records and written reports including department files on each child and staff.
    9. Organizes special events for parents.
    10. Assists with Program Committee meetings.
    11. Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information.
    12. Compiles program statistics. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of and participation in program.
    13. Facilitates collections and the provision of financial aid in a responsible and consistent manner as assigned.
    14. Ensures all First Coast YMCA standards and best practices are implemented and followed.
    15. Applies YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to best practices, emergency procedures, medical and disciplinary situations and child abuse prevention.
    16. Ensures the health and safety of all members/guests.
    17. Inspect physical space to ensure the safety, orderliness, sanitation and cleanliness of facilities.
    18. Demonstrates compliance with YMCA Child Abuse Prevention and Abuse Risk Management policies.

NOTE: This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

Inclusion: Ensures all staff model and apply cultural competency and global awareness in youth development work.

Relationships: Provide structured opportunities for staff and parents/caregivers to work together towards common goals for children and youth. Develops partnerships between staff and parents and community organization in order to maximize program impact.

Communication: Offers ongoing communication with parents and caregivers as partners around program goals. Ensure staff understand and apply appropriate listening and speaking techniques when working with children and youth.

Developing Others: Provides ongoing training and resources around child and youth development techniques and strategies for staff.

Quality Results: Actively implements regular evaluations of program goals, environment and outcomes.

Project Management: Reviews program plans and records to ensure that they are consistent with evidence based practice.

Functional Expertise: Uses best practices, guidelines and method of youth development in daily work. Recognizes the social, emotional and cognitive and physical stages and milestones every child and youth experience during their journey from birth to careers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. High School diploma required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
  2. Three or more year's related experiencepreferred, as a coordinator or supervisor of child care programs.
  3. Minimum age requirements may apply; forexample, minimum age of 21.
  4. CPR, First Aid, AED certifications prior to the first day of the program.
  5. 40 Hours of Child Care Certification preferred
  6. Fulfillment of state-specific hiring standards and completion of YMCA program specificcertifications.
  7. Ability to develop, train and implement quality developmentally appropriate activities.
  8. Strong interpersonal skills and team oriented.
  9. Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  10. Able to work in a diverse environment.
  11. Flexibility,resourcefulness, high energy and adapt to changing needs.
  12. Organizationand Time management skills necessary to meet deadlines.
  13. Abilityto present a positive image to staff, participants, colleagues,supervisors and the community.
  14. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments ofthe community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the following: Seeing, hearing, writing, standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, crouching, bending, lifting (50 lbs.), pushing (50 lbs.) and pulling (50 lbs.)


What YMCA employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom