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Youth Program Director Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Weekend Youth Programs Attendant

Portland, OR · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Participate in our 401(k) program with an employer match. * Well-being: Access our Employee ... A one-of-a-kind community on which you can have a direct impact? MAC is all of those things and ...

Weekend Youth Programs Attendant

Portland, OR

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Participate in our 401(k) program with an employer match. * Well-being: Access our Employee ... A one-of-a-kind community on which you can have a direct impact? MAC is all of those things and ...

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Youth Program Director information

See Oregon salary details

$24.3K

$57.2K

$103.1K

How much do youth program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for youth program director in Oregon is $57,237.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,200.00 and $68,200.00 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 Oregon?

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

What are popular job titles related to Youth Program Director jobs in Oregon?

For Youth Program Director jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Youth Program Director jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Youth Program Director jobs in Oregon are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Youth Program Director job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,237 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Program Leader - Youth Programs

Springfield, OR

Willamalane Park and Recreation District
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation • 201 - 500 employees

$18.84 - $25.43/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

PROGRAM LEADER - YOUTH PROGRAMS

Part-time, Non-exempt, non-benefitted position

Training and Programs to begin 9/3/26


APPLICATION CLOSING DATE:

Open to Willamalane employees only through 5PM on August 3, 2026

Open until filled. Application screening will begin immediately

Desired start date by 9/3/2026


JOB DESCRIPTION:


General Statement of Duties: Implements, organizes, and oversees all program activities at a recreation program site; ensures safety of school-age children who are participating in the program; does related work as required.

Distinguishing Features of the Class: An employee in this classification is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a recreation program site. Incumbent is responsible for ensuring the safety of children in the program. The Program Leader holds responsibility for the safety of all participants and program staff at the site. Work is performed under the supervision of a Youth Programs Supervisor, who reviews work primarily on the basis of results attained, feedback from participants/parents, and direct observation. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of positions in this classification. However, as the lead worker at the site, incumbents are responsible for overseeing, guiding and mentoring the work of Activity Leaders working at the site.


Examples of Essential Duties Performed: (Illustrative only. Any single position of a class will not necessarily involve all of the duties listed, and many positions will involve duties that are not listed.)


  • Oversees and monitors participant safety with various measures including attendance taking, active supervision and frequent head counts. Ensures the safety of all participants and program staff at the site.
  • Maintains positive communication and relationships with community partners, including Springfield Public School staff.
  • Schedules and implements recreation activities, including guest speakers, arts and crafts, sports, games, educational activities, and special events. In collaboration with the Recreation Coordinator and Youth Program Supervisor.
  • Acts as lead worker to Activity Leaders, which includes assigning and reviewing work, role modeling appropriate techniques and strategies for program implementation, coaching staff on appropriate Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS), teaching site specific procedures, providing input to performance evaluations, and providing work assistance as required.
  • Request and organize supplies to maintain the recreation site. May occasionally purchase supplies.
  • Prepares, serves, and documents meals and snacks as required.
  • Maintains appropriate records and prepares reports related to recreation programs and activities.
  • Handles disciplinary problems with children, including implementing and monitoring using Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS) techniques.
  • Administers first aid and responds to emergencies as required.
  • Responds to a variety of questions, concerns and/or complaints from parents; keeps parents informed regarding child's progress/achievements.
  • Reports cases of suspected child abuse to supervisor and contacts Department of Human Services as necessary.
  • Maintains patron informational bulletin boards and areas.
  • Oversees and is responsible for oversight of routine cleaning and sanitization of recreation program site and supplies.
    Drives district vehicles when necessary Performs other job-related duties or tasks as required.
  • Monitors participant safety with various measures including attendance taking, active supervision, and frequent head counts. Ensures the safety of all participants at the site.
  • Supervises and assists children in recreation activities such as games, songs, educational activities, arts and crafts projects, and special events; leads and directs activities as requested.
  • Recommends program activities and projects to Program Leader and Recreation Coordinator.
  • Assists with serving snacks; performs necessary cleanup.
  • Respond to behavior concerns and implements PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies) Administers first aid and responds to emergencies as required.
  • At the direction of a Program Leader, prepares site; sets up supplies and/or equipment for activities; performs necessary cleanup.
  • Responds to questions from parents and keeps them informed regarding their child's progress/achievements.
  • Adhere to the daily program schedule.
  • Routine cleaning and sanitization of recreation program site and supplies.
  • Completes paperwork as required.
  • Reports cases of suspected child abuse to supervisor and contacts Department of Human Services as necessary.
  • Performs other job-related duties or tasks as required.


DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience with mentoring and engaging with youth in a childcare setting
  • Experience in organizing and facilitating a daily schedule in a childcare setting.
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to contribute as a team member in a fast-paced, diverse work environment.
  • Comprehension of Oregon State child-care rules and regulations.


Knowledge: Some knowledge of behavior management of school-age children; planning and implementing recreational and educational activities for school-age children. Some knowledge of school-age curriculum development; customer service; record keeping.

Skills: The administration of basic first aid and CPR; leading activities for children.

Abilities: Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; work successfully with children and parents; work independently; act calmly and effectively in emergency situations; deal effectively with behavioral problems of children; lead, assign and review the work of others; maintain records and prepare accurate reports.

Physical Demands of the Position: The employee will frequently be required to stand and be mobile for over 70% of the work period. While performing the duties of this position the employee will frequently be required to crouch or kneel and seldom be required to bend and twist. Physical exertion and coordination is occasionally required to lift materials up to 30 pounds such as activity materials, snack foods, furniture etc. The position requires manual dexterity and coordination, for the vast majority of the work period. In performing the essential duties of this position, the employee will spend over 50% of the work period indoors and the remainder outdoors, thus exposure to heat in summer is possible. Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to the disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation.

Personal Protective Equipment: Ability to use protective equipment required to perform job tasks as needed and as required by health and safety guidelines.

Minimum Experience and Training: At least 18 years of age and experience in community education, parks and recreation, or related areas which include working closely with children and the general public; or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the above-described duties.


Preferred Experience and Training: High school graduation or equivalency and one year of experience working with children, recreation management, child development, or a related field, and two years of progressively responsible experience in a childcare, community education, recreation setting, or related area; or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the above-described duties. Individuals bilingual in Spanish or ASL are encouraged to apply; a bilingual rate adjustment for Spanish or ASL is contingent upon passing a proficiency test.

Necessary Special Requirements: Possession of or ability to obtain the following within first 30 days of employment:

  • First aid and CPR certification
  • Oregon Food Handler Permit
  • Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect certification (RRCAN)
  • Introduction to Childcare Health and Safety certification (ICCHS)
  • Foundations for Learning certification (FFL)
  • Enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry (CBR), within 7 days of hire date.
  • This job is considered safety sensitive, a drug screen test, and ability to pass a criminal background check will be required prior to employment.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:


Hours/Shift

Monday through Friday, 2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. & 12:30 - 6:00 p.m. occasional Fridays.

Position follows Springfield Public Schools calendar.


Drug Free Workplace

Because this job is considered safety sensitive, a drug screen test will be required prior to employment.


Oregon Pay Equity

Willamalane Park and Recreation District determines starting pay based on the applicant's relevant education, experience and training within the wage and salary range for the position. This process is consistent withOregon pay equity laws.


Equal Opportunity Employer


BENEFITS:

  • Paid sick leave beginning with date of hire, 1 hour accrual for every 30 hours worked. Part-time staff may use sick leave beginning on their 91st day of employment.
  • Annual cost of living increase (up to 4% as approved by the Board).
  • Merit increase (3%) upon successful completion of the initial probationary period, and up a three percent (3%) increase annually thereafter as approved by the Board.
  • Additional $1/hour increase upon successful completion of a Spanish or American Sign Language (ASL) competency test.
  • Discount on selected childcare programs (see Policy Manual for restrictions).
  • 50-percent discount on selected childcare program (see Policy Manual for restrictions).
  • 25-percent discount on certain recreation programs.
  • Free use of pools for lap and play swim for employee only. Discount for household members.
  • Free use of fitness center for employee only. Discount for household members.
  • Free Wellness programs for employee.
  • Payroll direct deposit is available.