1

Youth Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Youth Program Director will lead the development and implementation of high quality sports, aquatics, youth programs, and community events that strengthen community engagement and support the ...

$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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Youth Program Director information

See salary details

$23K

$54.1K

$97.5K

How much do youth program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 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 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Youth Program Director, and why are they important?

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 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:
Who are the top companies hiring for Youth Program Director jobs? The top employers for Youth Program Director 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 5% Full Time, and 90% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,135 per year, or $26 per hour.
Youth Program Director | Kerr Family YMCA

Youth Program Director | Kerr Family YMCA

YMCA of the Triangle

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 hours ago


YMCA Of The Triangle rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

392nd of 682 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Youth Program Director is responsible for leading and growing programs that reflect the YMCA's mission and serve community needs. This role at the Kerr Family YMCA includes supervising and developing part-time staff and volunteers, managing program operations and budgets, and ensuring a positive and high-quality experience for participants. The Program Director also builds partnerships with community organizations and supports outreach, marketing, and fundraising initiatives to strengthen engagement and impact.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Program Leadership

  • Maintain consistent daily presence in programs to support quality, safety, and staff oversight, followingassociation-specific expectations fordirect service coverage and onsite visitation.
  • Launchnew programsand grow existing ones in alignment with strategic goals and participant interests.
  • Coordinate facilityuseandlogisticsto support smooth program delivery and engaging events.
  • Manage daily participant records by using program software to track attendance and verify and track essential information.

Staff Development

  • Recruit, train, schedule, and support part-time staff and volunteers to build a strong, inclusive team.
  • Provide regular feedback and coaching to help staff grow and succeed.
  • Motivate your team to meet goals and create a positive, mission-driven work culture.

Community Engagement & Outreach

  • Build partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and other organizations to strengthen program impact and visibility.
  • Support outreach, marketing, and registration efforts to promote programs and ensure access for all.

Fiscal Stewardship

  • Develop and manage program budgets to meet financial goals and use resources responsibly.
  • Contribute to the YMCA Annual Campaign by leading volunteer teams, supporting fundraising events, and achieving an individual fundraising goal that advances the branch's overall target.

ProgramExperience

  • Build strong relationships with members, families, and staff through positive, responsive communication.
  • Address questions and concerns ina timelyand professional manner.
  • Track program data to evaluate success, improve experiences, and celebrate progress.
  • Maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to meet program and organizational needs.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Take on other duties as assigned to support the YMCA's mission and evolving priorities.
  • Completion of all required annualtrainingsrelated to safety, compliance, and child protection as assigned.
  • This job description may bemodifiedwhenappropriate byHuman Resources.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead and support high-quality youth programs-including before/after school, track out, summer day camp, and outreach-that emphasize safety, relationships, skill-building, character growth, and fun
  • Implement program enhancements and initiatives to improve quality and engagement
  • Oversee daily operations and programs in adherence to YMCA Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Build andmaintaincollaborative relationships with schools, families, and community organizations.
  • Obtain andmaintainrequired certifications within30 daysof hire: CPRO, Basic First Aid, Administering Emergency Oxygen, and Emergency Medication Administration Training (EMAT).


QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Degree in related fieldpreferred and 1+yearof related experience.
  • Passion for building community and fostering meaningful relationships through programs and services.
  • Experience supporting program delivery and staff development in a team-based environment.
  • Ability to coordinate staff, programs, and schedules effectively in a dynamic setting.
  • Strong communicationskills, including written, verbal, and public-facing interactions.
  • Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, and strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Builds inclusive, mission-driven relationships with youth, families, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
  • Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred, but not required.


WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Thephysical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • Primarily office and program settings with frequent interaction in gyms, classrooms, and outdoor spaces.
  • Moderate noiselevels;may be louder during youth or community activities.
  • Regular use ofcomputer,phone, and other office technology.
  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching; occasional lifting or moving up to 40lbs.
  • Some work performed outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Flexible schedulerequired- may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional travel between branches or sites.
  • Must be able to provide valid identification for employment eligibility verification.
  • Mustpossessa valid driver's license and have access to reliable transportation.
  • A clean driving record isrequiredto meet YMCA insurance standards.
  • Travel between branch and/or site locations, and to off-site meetings and events isrequired.
  • Mustresidein the YMCA of the Triangle service area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill and surrounding areas).
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.