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Youth Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Program Director

Greenfield, CA · On-site

$75 - $110/hr

The Program Director is the senior program leader for an assigned district or geographic area. You ... youth programs * Working knowledge of California Education Code requirements for expanded learning ...

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Youth Program Director information

See California salary details

$22.7K

$53.4K

$96.2K

How much do youth program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for youth program director in California is $53,427.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,700.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Youth Program jobs in California?

The most popular types of Youth Program jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Youth Program Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Youth Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Youth Program Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,427 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Youth Program Director 1

Kids for the Future

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$72 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee planning, supervision, and daily operations of youth programs including before and after school care, summer day camp, and out-of-school time day camps.

  • Coordinate and support program activities, ensuring safety, quality, and alignment with YMCA standards and organizational policies.

  • Supervise staff, support program implementation, and collaborate with partners, families, and community organizations.


Kids For The Future rating

3.3

Company rating: 3.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

  • Base Pay $72,000.00 - $80,000.00 / Year
  • Job Category Program Director
  • Employee Type Salaried - Full Time
Description

Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities
Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and
communities. As a global movement and the nation's leading nonprofit organization
dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and
social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we
offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your
community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing
some of the nation's most pressing social issues.
Our Organizational Culture
At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim
to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth &
Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a
safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to
participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we
respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity &
Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent
dignity in all individuals

RequirementsQualifications
  • 21+ years old
  • 3+ years of experience in youth programs with supervisory responsibilities.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in youth development or coaching.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency with MS Office Suite.
  • Availability Monday through Friday, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as
    needed. This position is in-person.
  • Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including but not
    limited to ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, and religious diversity.
  • Familiarity with schools and community-based organizations.
  • Fingerprint and TB test clearance, YMCA-approved First Aid, CPR, and AED
    certification.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working within SFUSD school system.
  • Bilingual in Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin.
  • Credits for After-School & CA State Licensing experience; Y-USA Team Leader
    Certification
  • Credentialed educator Y outh Development Trainee
  • STEAM program experience
  • Salesforce software experience
SummaryPosition Summary

The Youth Program Director I leads the planning, implementation, and management of youth programs at Dolores Huerta Elementary through the Mission YMCA. Programs include
before- and after-school care, summer day camp, STEAM initiatives, and the Power Scholars
Academy (PSA) summer program in partnership with the school district.

This role oversees daily program operations, staff supervision, budgeting, financial
reporting, program evaluation, and compliance with YMCA standards, partner agreements,
organizational policies, and grant requirements. Responsibilities include recruiting, hiring,
training, and supporting staff, as well as collaborating with school districts, families, and
community partners to support program delivery.

Additional responsibilities include supporting fundraising efforts, organizational initiatives,
and community partnerships that advance the YMCA's mission. The position requires strong
organizational and communication skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and
flexibility to work at multiple sites and travel between locations as needed

Program Development & Management
  • Oversee planning, supervision, and daily operations of Out of School Time programs,
    including before and after school care, summer day camp, and out-of-school time
    day camps at an elementary school site.
  • Ensure smooth program implementation and alignment with YMCA of San Francisco’s
    strategic vision, emphasizing safety, quality, and fiscal stewardship.
  • Coordinate and support day-to-day programming, including educational excursions
    and activity schedules in partnership with instructors and specialists.
  • Design and maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming program environment for all
    participants and staff.
  • Develop enrichment and academic activities that meet the Youth Development
    Principles of the YMCA and partner organizations.
  • Incorporate feedback from youth, families, and staff into program planning and
    curriculum.
  • Guide staff in delivering culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate, and
    engaging activities for children of diverse backgrounds.
  • Ensure all programming adheres to child safety protocols and YMCA standards.
Participant Supervision & Safety
  • Monitor participant well-being and maintain required staff-to-student supervision
    ratios at all times.
  • Identify and respond to incidents and emergencies following YMCA protocols.
  • Implement and model consistent safety and behavior guidelines across all programs.
  • Ensure all programs comply with safety, risk management, and mandated reporting
    policies.
  • Supervise and schedule program staff, ensuring appropriate coverage and support
    during program hours.
  • Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to staff and
    volunteers.
  • Promote professional growth by modeling YMCA leadership competencies and
    offering opportunities for development.
  • Support alignment between team practices and the organization’s youth
    development strategies
  • Foster strong working relationships among staff, participants, volunteers, and
    community stakeholders.
Administrative, Fiscal & Compliance Oversight
  • Maintain accurate program records including attendance logs, emergency forms, and
    policy documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with YMCA policies and procedures, including those outlined in the
    Child Care Staff Manual.
  • Assist with budget development, monitoring program expenditures, and managing
    contracts and service agreements.
  • Support data collection and reporting requirements for grants and funding partners.
  • Contribute to fundraising efforts, including leading community campaign activities
    and supporting a culture of philanthropy.
  • Participate in branch leadership activities and support organizational events and
    communications efforts.
  • Apply problem-solving and change management strategies to strengthen program
    effectiveness and team operations.
Family & Community Engagement
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for parent communication related to
    registration, payments, and program information.
  • Address family concerns with professionalism and ensure timely follow-up.
  • Promote open, respectful communication with all stakeholders, including families,
  • staff, school partners, and volunteers.
Additional Responsibilities
  • Carry out other duties and projects as assigned by the supervisor to support overall
  • program and organizational goals.
  • Collaborate and support programs across YMCA of Greater San Francisco sites.
Work Environment & Physical Demands

This position primarily works in a school-based and community-centered environment,
supporting youth in before- and after-school programs, summer camps, field trips, and
enrichment activities. The Youth Program Director I regularly interacts with children,
families, school personnel, community partners, and YMCA staff in both indoor and outdoor
settings. The role requires frequent movement throughout program spaces to supervise
activities, ensure participant safety, and provide support to staff. Work is performed in a
dynamic, fast-paced environment that requires the ability to manage multiple priorities,
respond to changing needs, and address unexpected situations with professionalism and
sound judgment. Work may be performed at multiple sites.

The position requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and actively participate
in youth activities for extended periods of time. The employee must be able to supervise
participants in a variety of settings, including classrooms, playgrounds, gymnasiums, parks,
and community locations. Occasional lifting, carrying, or moving of program equipment and
supplies up to 25 pounds may be required. The role also requires the ability to
communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically; operate standard office
equipment; and use a computer for extended periods to complete administrative, reporting,
and communication responsibilities. The schedule may include early mornings, afternoons,
evenings, and occasional weekends based on program and organizational needs.

Disclaimers
  • Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and
    employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
  • All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable
    accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment
    opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise
    qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you
    have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
  • This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform
    other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be
    modified by management as needed.
  • Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to
    the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider
    qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.
Salary Description

The Youth Programs Director I position offers a compensation range of $72,000 - $80,000
per year. This rate is based on salary benchmarking for similar roles and is aligned with
grant fund approvals and requirements for the position

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