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Youth Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$65K/yr

Reports directly to the Program Director. Essential Functions: * Report to and work closely with the Program Director to ensure that youth program staff and resources are used appropriately and that ...

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Youth Program Director information

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$23K

$54.1K

$97.5K

How much do youth program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for youth program director in the United States is $54,135.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $64,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a youth program director do?

A Youth Program Director is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing programs and activities designed for children and teenagers. They manage staff, develop educational or recreational initiatives, and ensure that programs meet the needs and interests of the youth they serve. Additionally, they often handle budgeting, fundraising, and community outreach to support program goals. Their role is vital in providing safe, engaging, and enriching environments where young people can learn and grow.

What does a youth program director do?

A youth program director oversees a program that advocates for children within the community. Youth programs exist within social services organizations, community outreach groups, school districts, and municipalities. Your responsibilities in this career primarily revolve around developing the program, creating activities and events for the children in the program, and providing leadership to other staff members. These programs generally have some volunteer members and some paid members. Volunteers often work to mentor children, while paid members are more likely to work with the community to advocate for children.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a youth program director?

To thrive as a Youth Program Director, you need experience in youth development, program management, and typically a degree in education, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with budgeting software, scheduling platforms, and child safety protocols is often required. Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills help in building relationships with youth, staff, and community partners. These abilities ensure safe, engaging, and effective programs that positively impact young people's lives.

What are some common challenges youth program directors face when managing multiple programs simultaneously?

Youth Program Directors often juggle various programs with different objectives, timelines, and participant needs. One common challenge is balancing administrative tasks, such as budgeting and reporting, with hands-on leadership and direct engagement with staff and youth. Effective time management, clear communication, and the ability to delegate responsibilities are key to ensuring all programs run smoothly. Collaborating with community partners, addressing unexpected issues, and maintaining program quality can also be demanding but are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Youth Program Director vs Youth Activities Coordinator?

AspectYouth Program DirectorYouth Activities Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple youth programs, manages staff, develops policiesPlans and executes specific youth activities and events
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in education, recreation, or related field; experience in youth program managementOften a high school diploma or associate degree; experience in activity planning
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, community centers, schoolsRecreation centers, camps, after-school programs

The Youth Program Director generally has broader responsibilities, overseeing entire youth programs and staff, while the Youth Activities Coordinator focuses on planning and executing specific activities. Both roles require relevant experience, but the director position often demands more leadership and management skills.

What cities are hiring for Youth Program Director jobs?

Cities with the most Youth Program Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Program jobs?

The most popular types of Youth Program jobs are:

What states have the most Youth Program Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Youth Program Director jobs include:

Infographic showing various Youth Program Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,135 per year, or $26 per hour.

Youth Program Director

GREATER SOMERSET COUNTY YMCA

Basking Ridge, NJ โ€ข On-site

$60K - $62K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description

An exciting opportunity to join the team of a progressive YMCA located in vibrant Somerset County, New Jersey. The YMCA is one of the nation's leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With a 150-year-old history, Greater Somerset County YMCA (GSCY) is a pillar of the community and has seven locations across three counties, which collectively serve upwards of 30,000 individuals. GSCY has 100 full-time and 950 part-time employees along with operating revenues to $22+ million.


The Y empowers everyone-no matter who they are or where they are from. To fulfill our purpose of strengthening community for all, GSCY is committed to being an inclusive organization and leveraging our collective impact to address social inequities. To learn more about GSCY, visit our website: http://gscymca.org


POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Senior Program Director, the Youth Program Director is responsible for managing activities associated with our School Age Child Care, Summer Camp, and Youth Enrichment Programs. This includes the administration of these programs to ensure that they create opportunities for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibilityย 


*This job is fully on-site without opportunities for remote work.ย 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Provide leadership, supervision, and performance management for SACC, camp, and youth staff, including hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, coaching, payroll review, and ongoing professional development.ย 

Oversee and support School Age Child Care (SACC), Summer Camp, Early Education Center (EEC), Youth Sports, and other Youth Programs, ensuring high-quality, safe, educational, and engaging experiences that align with YMCA standards and core values.ย 

Plan, organize, implement, and evaluate program curricula, activities, special events, field trips, and seasonal programming to support participant growth and program success.ย 

Manage program enrollment, registration, attendance, waitlists, billing, parent communication systems, and related software platforms to ensure effective administration and customer service.ย 

Develop and manage program budgets, monitor revenue and expenses, authorize program purchases, and ensure responsible stewardship of YMCA resources.ย 

Coordinate staffing, facility usage, transportation, equipment, supplies, and program logistics to support efficient operations and participant safety.ย 

Build and maintain positive relationships with participants, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners by providing exceptional customer service and timely resolution of questions or concerns.ย 

Ensure compliance with YMCA policies, licensing requirements, risk management practices, and regulatory standards, including safety inspections, incident reporting, and staff accountability.ย 

Lead program marketing, member engagement, and growth initiatives through promotions, community outreach, social media, website content, and other communication channels.ย 

Support YMCA fundraising efforts by actively participating in the Annual Campaign, meeting campaign goals, recruiting and coordinating volunteers, and assisting with fundraising events and activities.ย 

Collaborate with branch and association leadership on strategic initiatives, staff training, special events, and organization-wide projects while promoting the YMCA mission and core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.ย 

Perform other duties as assigned in support of branch operations and organizational objectives.

Requirements

  1. A Bachelor's Degree in a related field preferred or equivalent experience
  2. 2-3 Years Experience working with Youth in a School aged childcare background
  3. Supervisory experience preferred
  4. Proficiency with Microsoft Suite
  5. Availability to work evenings and weekends as required by program schedules.
  6. Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification or obtain within 30 days of hire.
  7. Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, Sexual Harassment, and other program specific courses.ย 

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors' communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.


WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; reach with hands or arms; lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear.ย 


Benefits of working full-time at GSC YMCA include:

  • FREE family membership to Greater Somerset County YMCA, including full access to all of our branch facilities including Bridgewater YMCA, Hillsborough YMCA, Princeton YMCA, Somerset Hills YMCA, and Somerville YMCA.
  • FREE nationwide membership with access to over 2,500 YMCA locations across the country
  • Discounted program fees
  • Paid sick leave and short-term disability insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Generous 12% retirement contribution to the YMCA Retirement Fund after eligibility period (no employee contribution required)
  • Medical and dental insurance with prescription coverage
  • Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account for medical and/or dependent care
  • 100% contribution towards life insurance and long-term disability
  • Optional additional life insurance and dependent life insurance available at low rates
  • 403(b) Smart Savings Plan
  • Generous paid time off policy
  • 7 paid holidays

Greater Somerset County YMCA is a drug free work environment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information who share our values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. ย 


Yearly Salary: $60,000-$62,500