Youth Development Program Director Jobs in Mobile, AL

Reporting to the CEO, the Vice President of Youth Development and Family Services supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Vice President of Childcare and Family Services provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and program innovation for all youth development initiatives within the YMCA. This position is responsible for ensuring high-quality, mission-driven programs that support children, youth, and families through early childhood education, after-school programming, out-of-school camps, and summer camp experiences.

This individual works collaboratively with executive leadership, branch staff, community partners, and stakeholders to advance the YMCA's mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At our Y, we strive to live our mission of loving our neighbor and helping everyone reach their full potential intentionally every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

BENEFITS:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (with significant employer contributions)
• 100% Employer Paid: Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Generous PTO accrual system
• YMCA membership benefits, including certain program discounts
• 12% Employer Contribution to the YMCA Retirement Fund
• Professional Development Opportunities

• Bachelor's degree in education, recreation, human services, business administration, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in youth development, childcare, education, camp administration, or related field.
• Experience managing multi-site programs and large staff teams.
• Knowledge of state childcare licensing requirements and youth program regulations.
• Strong financial management, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving abilities.

Essential Functions

Leadership & Strategic Oversight

• Provide vision, leadership, and direction for all youth development programs across the association as well as oversight of the Snook Family YMCA in Foley, AL.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, goals, and measurable outcomes aligned with YMCA mission and organizational priorities.
• Ensure program excellence, innovation, growth, and community impact.
• Lead and support directors and program managers responsible for childcare and family services operations.

Early Childhood Education Oversight

• Find and establish new childcare centers in the YSAL counties.
• Oversee all early childhood education centers and preschool operations once established.
• Ensure compliance with state licensing regulations, accreditation standards, and YMCA policies.
• Support curriculum development focused on school readiness, child development, and family engagement.
• Maintain high standards for safety, staffing, quality assurance, and parent communication.

After School & Out-of-School Time Programs

• Direct the planning, implementation, and evaluation of after-school and out-of-school programs.
• Ensure programs provide safe, enriching, and inclusive environments for children and youth.
• Build relationships with local school systems and community partners.
• Monitor enrollment, staffing, program quality, and participant outcomes.

Camp & Summer Camp Operations

• Oversee day camps, specialty camps, school break camps, and summer camp programs.
• Ensure camp programs promote youth engagement, leadership, character development, and outdoor education.
• Develop operational plans related to staffing, transportation, safety, risk management, and programming.
• Maintain compliance with licensing, ACA standards (if applicable), and YMCA best practices.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate childcare and family services leadership staff.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and professional growth.
• Ensure staff certifications, trainings, and development requirements are maintained.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage department budgets and financial performance.
• Monitor revenue, expenses, enrollment trends, and program sustainability.
• Identify opportunities for grants, partnerships, and program expansion.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure all youth programs operate within YMCA standards, licensing requirements, and risk management procedures.
• Maintain high standards related to child safety, emergency preparedness, and program documentation.
• Oversee incident reporting and compliance monitoring.

Community Engagement & Partnership Development

• Serve as a YMCA ambassador within the community.
• Pragmatic approach to site and facility management.
• Build and strengthen relationships with schools, agencies, municipalities, and community organizations.
• Represent the YMCA in collaborative initiatives focused on youth and family services.

Program Quality & Evaluation

• Establish performance metrics and outcome measurements for all youth development programs.
• Utilize data, participant feedback, and best practices to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure programs are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to community needs.
• Responds to supervisory/member communication within a 24-hour business period.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to sit, stand and lift up to 20 pounds. Noise level within the job territory may be moderate to loud.