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Youth Development Program Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

UCAN

Youth Development Program Manager

Chicago, IL

Director of Youth Development About this program: Youth Development (YD): this program is fairly new, and will be embedded into UCAN's continuum. Position Objective and Summary: Ensure programmatic ...

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Youth Development Program Director information

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$23.7K

$55.8K

$100.4K

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for youth development program director in Chicago, IL is $55,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,200.00 and $66,400.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Development Program jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Youth Development Program jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Youth Development Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Youth Development Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Youth Development Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Youth Development Program Director jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,767 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Youth Development Program Manager

UCAN

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Position Title: Youth Development Program Manager

Department: Youth Development (YD)

Reports to: Director of Youth Development

About this program:

Youth Development (YD): this program is fairly new, and will be embedded into UCAN's continuum.

Position Objective and Summary:

Ensure programmatic objectives are met for the assigned project while also providing individual and group support to youth participants in a culturally competent environment. Oversee all programmatic aspects including outreach, coaching, curriculum, instruction, group, and individual sessions. Plans Civic Engagement outings and follows grant curriculum and guidelines. Secure program resources, purchase program materials, monitor quality of data collection, perform other administrative functions and reporting. Oversee day-to-day activities of assigned cohorts. Facilitate and delegate day-to-day tasks for Senior Youth Development Coaches.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Plan, facilitate, direct, and supervise all programmatic activities.
  • Ensure program activities are delivered in an engaging, creative, and trauma-informed environment to ensure youth engagement, skill building and retention.
  • Develop and implement creative engagement strategies for program coaches and instructors to retain youth participants throughout the program.
  • Oversee outreach activities to secure meeting enrollment deadlines in a timely manner.
  • Oversee, supervise, and ensure the quality of data collection and entry.
  • Oversee and supervise staff and provide support, guidance, training, and seek professional development opportunities.
  • Ensure staff are adequately trained in service components, service delivery approach, youth life skills development, the agency's trauma-informed philosophy, file, and records compliance.
  • Manage youth work hours and youth time sheets; ensure that youth employees are paid in a timely manner.
  • Apply performance measurement tools on programmatic components and ensure compliance with funder mandates.
  • Build strong, positive relationships with youth participants and facilitate team building between participants.
  • Attend mandatory training and meetings.
  • Respond timely to funder requests and assign staff to participant in funder related meetings and events.

Education/Job Experience/Certifications:

  • B.A. required; may substitute with experience if a degree is expected within a year.
  • 3-5 years working in related field/with target population.
  • 2-3 years of supervisory experience.

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