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Youth Development Program Director information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$22.7K

$53.3K

$96.1K

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

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for youth development program director in Milwaukee, WI is $53,337.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,400.00 and $63,500.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Youth Development Program Director jobs in Milwaukee, WI?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Youth Development Program Director jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

Youth Development Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Youth Development Program Director job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,337 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Youth Advisor- Violence Reduction Program (VRP)

Wisconsin Community Services

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Position Summary:

Position Summary: This position provides professional 1:1 and group mentoring to youth in school, community and afterschool settings. Assists youth in developing strategies to positively connect with school and their community. Communicates directly with parents/guardians, school staff and other youth to surround the student/mentee with positive options to violence.

The position works closely with the Site Supervisor and Program Director on requirements related to MPS VRP as detailed in the Statement of Work, including data management and reporting, personnel, relationships with MPS leadership and the Safety Director, required goals and performance metrics. The School Based mentor works closely with a student caseload of approximately 20-25 students at their assigned MPS School and ensures that they are on-call and available for youth 7 days a week.

Essential Functions:


    • Working with the Site Supervisor and VRP Co- Program Director to complete all training requirements within required timelines of WCS and MPS utilizing the LMS (MI, TIC, Ethics and Boundaries, Mentoring, Cultural Humility, etc.).
    • Ensure positive youth and parent engagement.
    • Engage youth in educational and positive youth development programming.
    • Facilitate mediations.
    • Build and maintain relationships with school personnel (administration, school safety, social workers, guidance counselors, teachers, etc.) and community partners.
    • Report all program concerns including personnel matters to the Co-Program Director.
    • Work with Site Supervisor-Program Directors to coordinate summer activities for VFZ participants.
    • Provide general recreation support throughout the school year, and follows the MPS school calendar, and required schedule at the MPS school to serve youth.
    • Professionally engage in all agency, school, and community meetings.
    • Attend agency events and functions, including Town Halls.
    • Ensure compliance with the agency (AWARDS) and MPS data systems.
    • Provide safe, reliable transportation for youth, according to Wisconsin traffic laws and WCS policies and procedures
    • Engage in regular team meetings with the Supervisor and Co-Program Director.
    • Ensure all data is timely, entered, and accurate for tracking and reporting on the program goals, benchmarks, and annual MPS Performance Metrics to ensure renewal of the contract each year for the life of the contract.
    • Working with the Site Supervisor and Co-Directors of MPS VRP to uphold and promote a positive and supportive culture for youth served and program staff and leaders.
    • Maintain confidentiality for youth served within all written and verbal communications.
    • Review, sign and adhere to WCS Policies and Procedures in Power DMS.
    Other duties as assigned by the Site Supervisor, and Co-Directors of MPS VRP


Other Duties and Responsibilities:

Other job-related duties may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.


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Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

This person must have exceptional customer service and person-centered skills.  Must possess exemplary verbal and written communication skills, along with strong computer skills that include Microsoft Word, Excel, and database applications.  Requires being good at detailed work and utilizing analytical and problem-solving skills.  Ability to multitask, organize, and assist others to implement procedures and practices.  Must be sensitive to cultural, ethnic, and disability issues. 

Minimal Qualifications:

  • HS. Diploma/Equivalent.
  • Two years minimum of experience with justice involved youth, reporting, quality assurance, and strong customer service skills.
  • Must possess strong problem-solving skills.
  • Commitment to ongoing growth and personal development.
  • Strong computer skills including typing and ability to use Microsoft programs, databases, etc.
  • Advanced organization skills.
  • Ability to display cultural competence by responding respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms and values the worth of participants the agency service.
  • Valid driver’s license, automobile, and insurance sufficient to meet agency requirements.
  • Meet all the employee requirements including references, criminal and caregiver background check, drug test, and driver’s record check.

Work Relationship and Scope:

Reports directly to the Site Supervisor of their assigned MPS School. Interacts with youth and parents served by the program, MPS leadership, VRP team members, and other WCS leadership and staff to carry out the duties outlined in the job description

Personal Attributes:

The person in this position must be passionate about the WCS mission and be a role model for accountability and a culture of excellence by virtue of high-quality program standards and compliance. Be a collaborative team player. Follow agency Code of Conduct and WCS Core Values and adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and of all funding sources.  Conduct self in an ethical manner. Maintain professional and respectful relationships with all youth and families involved with the program, MPS staff and leadership, WCS staff and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision.  Show sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic, and disability needs. 

Working Conditions:

Work is performed at the assigned school, in the community and in the residence of the youth when required. Must be comfortable being around and/or interacting with youth and their families, MPS leadership and staff, WCS leaders and staff, and admin departments for program support (HR, IT, Finance, PQI). Must follow expectations of MPS and WCS specific to hours and availability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Demands:

May require sitting at a desk and/or computer for two or more hours at a time. Requires significant computer work. Driving for the position is required, performing work at 7 locations.

Wisconsin Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
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