1

Youth Development Program Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Be Seen First

Program Consultant

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$17/hr

... Director and/or designated Washington Park Program Leadership Position Overview Chicago Youth ... Commitment to youth development and the mission of Chicago Youth Programs. * Cultural ...

Be Seen First

Program Consultant

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$17/hr

... Director and/or designated Washington Park Program Leadership Position Overview Chicago Youth ... Commitment to youth development and the mission of Chicago Youth Programs. * Cultural ...

Lead Youth Worker

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Director of Community Schools Supervisor Responsibilities: No Location: Perspectives High School of ... youth development activities; working with the program team under the general direction of a ...

Showing results 41-60

Youth Development Program Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$23.7K

$55.8K

$100.4K

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

As of Sep 4, 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:

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 Professional

Boys and Girls Clubs of The Northwest Suburbs

Carpentersville, IL โ€ข On-site

$14 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description

General Overview:

Responsible for planning, delivering, and overseeing fun, meaningful and compelling program

experiences for school-age youth members. Program experiences include sports/athletics,

creative arts, technology, education based, and character building and other hands-on activities

based on YDP background, interests, and skills.


Responsibility Overview:

  • Maintain a safe environment for all members and follow safety procedures as set forth by BGCA.
  • Maintain a general knowledge of BGC philosophy, activities, calendars and special events of the club.
  • Maintain a current working knowledge of procedures and policies of the club. Support and enforce all club policies and procedures.
  • Maintain a professional and positive demeanor at all times.
  • Work scheduled hours: Monday through Friday as assigned.
  • Assist with collaboration and coordination of activities and programs with other components of the club.
  • Assist with the supervision of members during free outside time.
  • Conduct daily programs in a way that generates interest and increases participation of youth in all areas.
  • Collaborate with teachers to further assist members in need of further attention in identified academic areas.
  • Develop, implement and promptly display weekly program activities evolving around assigned programs.
  • Assist in the discipline of members.
  • Provide weekly program evaluations on all programs you conducted throughout the week.
  • Assist with the cleaning of designated rooms and areas used.
  • Immediately report hazards, concerns and dilemmas to the Site Director.
  • Duties, tasks and responsibilities as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
  • May be required to work outside scheduled hours and some weekends.
  • May be required to drive Club vehicles as needed (regular passenger van).
  • Documenting reporting data, including attendance and program participation on a daily basis, included but not limited to incident reporting, behavioral reports.

Requirements

Values:

  • To meet the objectives and behavior expectations as described in the employee handbook our team is committed to the following operational values:
  • Innovative & Adaptable: Embracing change and creativity.
  • Resourceful: Finding solutions and staying informed.
  • Coachable: Being open to feedback and growth.
  • Accountable: Taking responsibility and building trust.

Skills & Competencies:

  • Excellent organization skills
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in varying environments
  • Ability to multi-task in a faced paced environment
  • Learn mission, language and goals of the organization
  • Ability to organize time well
  • Ability to use mail, Vision, Google Docs and other necessary programs
  • CPR/First Aid Certification (will receive training upon hiring)
  • Knowledge of Youth Development
  • Attend training sessions and seminars as related to working with youth

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must remain physically fit enough to keep children safe in an emergency. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment can range from quiet to moderate in office settings and usually loud in recreation and play settings when children are present.


Reasoning Ability:

Ability to anticipate, identify and solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. To accurately complete all required paperwork. To professionally handle and/or get help to resolve conflict. Ability to follow instructions as given and/or directed by supervisor.