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Youth Development Program Director Jobs in Kentucky

Kentucky State University

$100 - $125/hr

Exempt JOB SUMMARY The Program Leader, 4-H Youth Development provides statewide leadership for the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Kentucky State University's 4-H ...

Priority Dispatch Corp.

$250/hr

Assistant Program Director**### Youth Development Centers (YDC) | Queens, NY**Status:** Full-Time **Salary:** $21.15 - $22.00 per hour **Schedule:** 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday; some evenings ...

YMCA of Metro Atlanta

$60 - $80/hr

... Youth Development Director provides hands-on leadership for the development and operations of ... Provide oversight and management of branch grant program to ensure and implement all grant ...

YMCA

$60 - $80/hr

... youth development program.* **Team Leadership:** Supervising, mentoring, and leading a diverse ... Direct programs serving the designated grade level band (K-5 or 6-8), ensuring all activities and ...

Woodcraft Rangers

$80 - $100/hr

Youth DevelopmentManager Reports To: Associate Director of Learning & Development Status ... Collaborate with the Associate Director of Learning to set program goals, manage curriculum ...

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.

$80 - $100/hr

... supporting youth and families and excels in managing programs, developing teams, and driving ... Ensure individualized service/treatment plans are developed and implemented using a strength-based ...

Youth Advocate Programs Inc.

$80 - $100/hr

... supporting youth and families and excels in managing programs, developing teams, and driving ... Ensure individualized service/treatment plans are developed and implemented using a strength-based ...

Child Center of NY

$60 - $80/hr

The APD works closely with the Associate Vice President of Youth Development, School-Based Wellness ... Support the Program Director in onboarding, training, and coaching staff to implement inclusive ...

CAMBA Inc

$60 - $80/hr

Education & Youth Development, Family Support, Job Training & Employment Support Services, Health ... Program Director Reports To: Senior Program Manager Location: Boulevard Cornerstone What Does a/the ...

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Youth Development Program Director information

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.

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

The most popular types of Youth Development Program jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Youth Development Program Director jobs in Kentucky?

For Youth Development Program Director jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Youth Development Program Director jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Youth Development Program Director job openings:

Youth Development Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Youth Development Program Director job openings in Kentucky as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Program Leader, 4-H Youth Development

Frankfort, KY • On-site

Kentucky State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Kentucky State Universityexternal

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

TITLE: Program Leader, 4-H Youth Development

DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension Program

REPORTS TO: Associate Extension Administrator

CLASSIFICATION: Staff – 12 Months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt


JOB SUMMARY: 

The Program Leader, 4-H Youth Development provides statewide leadership for the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Kentucky State University's 4-H Youth Development Program. The position develops innovative, research-based educational programs that prepare young people to become productive, engaged, and resilient citizens while advancing Kentucky State University's land-grant mission.


The Program Leader provides strategic direction for statewide 4-H programming; supports county Extension personnel; develops partnerships with faculty, Extension personnel, government agencies, community organizations, schools, industry, and other land-grant institutions; pursues external funding opportunities; oversees program evaluation; and ensures compliance with University, state, federal, USDA NIFA, and National 4-H standards.


The position works to expand the reach and impact of KSU 4-H by increasing participation among youth and volunteers throughout the Commonwealth, including youth who are new to 4-H as well as those with established 4-H experience. Through innovative program delivery models and strategic partnerships, the Program Leader strengthens KSU's presence in urban, suburban, and rural communities and promotes high-quality positive youth development experiences for youth across Kentucky.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Provides statewide leadership for the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Kentucky State University's 4-H Youth Development Program, including innovative youth development initiatives focused on experiential learning, leadership development, workforce readiness, college and career preparation, and life skills.
  • Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive strategic plan for 4-H Youth Development programs that aligns with KSU Cooperative Extension priorities, USDA NIFA guidance, and National 4-H positive youth development frameworks.
  • Provides leadership, guidance, mentoring, training, and support to Extension faculty and staff responsible for youth development programming.
  • Oversees statewide program planning, implementation, evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement activities.
  • Ensures compliance with USDA NIFA requirements, National 4-H policies and standards, youth protection requirements, University policies, risk management procedures, and applicable civil rights requirements.
  • Provides leadership for statewide and University-level youth development events and initiatives, including summer camps, college exploration programs, STEM academies, workforce readiness programs, and other educational activities.
  • Develops and implements a comprehensive statewide volunteer program that recruits, trains, supports, retains, and recognizes 4-H volunteers while ensuring compliance with youth protection and risk management requirements.
  • Promotes integration of research and Extension by collaborating with University faculty to translate research and emerging knowledge into practical youth development programs and educational resources.
  • Develops and maintains collaborative partnerships with federal, state, regional, and local agencies; the State 4-H Foundation; National 4-H Council; community organizations; industry partners; nonprofit organizations; educational institutions; and other land-grant universities.
  • Identifies emerging issues affecting Kentucky youth and develops innovative educational programs and initiatives that respond to changing community needs and advance positive youth development.
  • Coordinates professional development opportunities and training programs for Extension personnel involved in youth development programming.
  • Monitors program performance, outcomes, compliance, and accountability measures and uses data to identify opportunities for program improvement.
  • Identifies external funding opportunities; develops competitive grant proposals; manages grant-funded initiatives; develops public-private partnerships; and leverages external resources to expand statewide 4-H programming.
  • Participates in state, regional, and national professional organizations, advisory groups, conferences, and Cooperative Extension leadership networks.
  • Maintains accurate program records and prepares required reports, evaluations, and other documentation related to program activities, outcomes, funding, and compliance.
  • Promotes excellent customer service and positive working relationships with University personnel, Extension stakeholders, volunteers, youth, families, community partners, and other internal and external constituents.
  • Promotes the visibility of Kentucky State University's 4-H Youth Development Program and represents the University and Cooperative Extension at meetings, conferences, public events, and professional activities.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Knowledge of youth development principles, positive youth development practices, and Cooperative Extension programming.
  • Knowledge of program planning, implementation, evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement.
  • Knowledge of volunteer management, youth protection, risk management, and applicable Extension requirements.
  • Knowledge of grant development, external funding, and partnership development.
  • Strong leadership, organizational, project management, and strategic planning skills.
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to lead, supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional staff and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Ability to analyze program data and use results to evaluate effectiveness and inform program improvements.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, programs, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with youth, families, volunteers, University personnel, community organizations, government agencies, and professional organizations.
  • Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, resourcefulness, dependability, and ability to work independently.
  • Ability to work effectively across multiple teams and organizational units.
  • Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout Kentucky and occasionally outside the Commonwealth.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

  • Provides supervision, leadership, mentoring, and performance management for assigned 4-H Youth Development staff.


OTHER DUTIES:

  • Performs other related duties as assigned.



QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Master's degree in Youth Development, Agricultural Education, Extension Education, Education, Human Development, Community Development, or a closely related field required.
  • Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in youth development, Cooperative Extension, education, community programming, or a related field required.
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex educational, youth development, or community-based programs required.
  • Experience supervising professional staff or leading multidisciplinary teams required.
  • Experience with strategic planning, partnership development, program evaluation, and external funding is preferred.
  • Experience working with Cooperative Extension, 4-H, land-grant universities, or similar youth development organizations is preferred.
  • Doctoral degree in a related field is preferred.

 


Licensing and Certifications: 

  • Valid Driver’s License Required.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work is performed in office, classroom, agricultural, community, and outdoor environments.
  • Extensive statewide travel is required to support county Extension programs, statewide initiatives, meetings, trainings, events, and community activities.
  • Occasional evening and weekend work may be required based on program needs, University events, camps, conferences, and other Extension activities.
  • Work may involve exposure to varying weather and environmental conditions.
  • The position requires regular standing, walking, and movement between indoor and outdoor program locations and may occasionally require lifting or carrying materials weighing up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.




Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.


 


 

 

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.