Youth Development Program Director Jobs in Portland, OR

Job Title: Leadership Coach (Program Coordinator)

Reports to: Executive Director

Position type: Full-time, permanent position with semi-frequent evening and weekend hours,

depending on events.

Location: Portland, OR. Hybrid work position with frequent in-person events, including evenings and weekends.

Compensation: $55,000-$75,000 annually, based on experience. A comprehensive benefits

package, starting on the first day of employment, includes medical and vision coverage,

401(k), paid time off, and seasonal reduced workweeks.

Overview of the Program Coordinator role:

The Program Coordinator, known as a Leadership Coach, is a leadership role responsible for facilitating and managing Word Is Bond's youth development programs. This position leads cohorts of young Black men, known as Ambassadors, through a multi-year leadership development journey focused on identity, community, and long-term success. This position requires business professional attire for all youth leadership meetings and events.

This role is responsible for delivering high-quality programming, building strong relationships with youth and families, and ensuring consistent engagement across programs, including Rising Leaders, Level Up, In My Shoes, and the Civic Leadership Forum. The role will emphasize facilitating our flagship program, Rising Leaders, held annually from June through August, with a focus on delivering a structured seven-week curriculum.

Word Is Bond has a comprehensive framework built on four pillars: identity development, global citizenship, wealth building, and wellness. The Leadership Coach is responsible for ensuring that program participants engage in leadership programming and activities that address all four pillars. The role will emphasize holding youth to high expectations, adherence to the business-casual dress code for all public leadership events, and weekly/monthly attendance.

The ideal candidate is a strong facilitator, mentor, and relationship-builder who can manage group dynamics and support youth with diverse lived experiences, including those with high levels of trauma, those from lower-income backgrounds, and those from affluent backgrounds, while maintaining high expectations for participation and growth. This role requires a balance of program delivery, mentorship, coordination, and administrative tracking.

Requirements

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES & ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Program Delivery & Facilitation

• Facilitate youth programming across Word Is Bond programs, including workshops, leadership sessions, and community-based learning experiences
• Deliver a structured curriculum while accommodating different learning styles and engagement levels
• Plan and implement leadership activities, enrichment experiences, and community events
• Support youth in developing leadership, communication, and life skills

Youth & Family Engagement

• Manage a caseload of approximately 20-25 youth participants across multiple cohorts
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with youth through consistent mentorship and check-ins
• Maintain regular communication with families via phone calls, meetings, and program updates
• Support youth in goal setting and accountability across academic, personal, and career pathways
• Address behavioral challenges using restorative and trauma-informed approaches.

Program Coordination & Operations

• Coordinate logistics for program activities, including scheduling, materials, transportation, and communication
• Support recruitment and onboarding of new program participants
• Collaborate with staff to collect and manage participant information, including forms, attendance, and program documentation
• Assist with coordinating internships, workshops, and special program initiatives

Data Tracking & Outcomes

• Track participant engagement, attendance, and progress toward individual and program goals
• Collect and maintain data and KPIs to support program evaluation and reporting
• Contribute to continuous program improvement through feedback and insights

Community Engagement & Representation

• Represent Word Is Bond at community events, schools, and partner organizations
• Support youth participation in public-facing events and in leadership opportunities
• Maintain relationships with community partners and stakeholders

Qualifications & Experience

• 2-3 years of experience working in a youth-serving nonprofit, preferably in leadership development, mentorship, education, or community-based programming
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of lived and professional experience in youth development, education, social services, or a related field
• Understanding of Black liberation frameworks and history, youth power building, and/or experience working within racial justice movements is highly desired
• Strong facilitation skills and experience leading group-based programming
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with youth and families from diverse backgrounds
• Experience in conflict resolution, behavior management, and/or trauma-informed care is strongly preferred
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Experience with program administration, communication, and basic data tracking
• Passion for youth development, community engagement, and supporting young Black men

Other Requirements

• Maintain a valid driver's license and a strong, safe driving record
• Ability to pass federal and state background checks required for work with minors

Education

Word Is Bond values both formal education and lived experience. Candidates with a range of educational and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The most important qualification is the ability to effectively mentor, guide, and support young Black men in their development.

About Word Is Bond

Word Is Bond is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit leadership incubator for young Black men founded in Portland, OR, in 2017. Our mission statement is, "What if young Black men were empowered to their fullest potential?"

www.wordisbond.org

Highlights of Working with Word Is Bond

• Meaningful Work: Build meaningful relationships with inspiring young Black men, while engaging in conversations and experiences connected to important local and national issues.
• Creativity: Contribute to and design impactful youth programs, workshops, and events that reflect youth voice, cultural relevance, and community needs.
• Social: Connect with a strong network of community leaders, partners, mentors, and organizations across Portland and beyond.
• Mobile: A hybrid-friendly work environment. Engage with youth in community-based settings across the city, with opportunities to travel locally, nationally, and internationally through leadership and cultural programming.
• Grow: Be part of a small, mission-driven team building a growing nonprofit, with opportunities to take on leadership, expand your skills, and grow professionally.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter through our Workable recruitment platform to be considered.

Word Is Bond is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Benefits

• Medical coverage (starting day one)
• Vision coverage (starting day one)
• 401(k)
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Seasonal reduced workweeks