Deputy Director - Washington Youth Challenge Academy (Exempt Management Band 2)

State of Washington•Kitsap County – Bremerton, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington Youth Challenge Academy (WYCA) Deputy Director reports directly to the WYCA Director and has the authority and responsibility to manage the 24/7 day-to-day operations of the Academy residential and post-residential programs, including staff coordination and project management. The WYCA is a voluntary program established under the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, consisting of a 22-week residential phase followed by a 24-month post-residential phase. Its mission is to provide a highly disciplined, safe, and professional learning environment that empowers at-risk youth to improve their educational levels and employment potential, ultimately becoming responsible, productive Washingtonians. The Academy envisions a world where young adults are equipped and respected as equal partners in building resilience in their families and communities. The National Guard Challenge Program is a successful alternative education program for high school dropouts or youth not progressing in traditional high school settings, having graduated over 216,000+ Cadets to date.

Requirements

Four years of professional level experience in mid to senior level management.
Experience working with at-risk youth.
Ability, desire, and commitment to work with at-risk youth in a 24/7, highly structured residential setting.
Must possess a valid unencumbered license to drive in the State of Washington.
Must meet access requirements / background check for Camp Murray (DBIDS), which includes possession of an Enhanced Driver’s License or other REAL ID Compliant Identification.
Must complete annual first aid and CPR training/re-certification.
Must complete National Guard Youth Challenge Program required training requirements (Budget, Fiscal Law, Cooperative Agreement, etc.).
Must comply with Department policies and procedures governing workplace conduct.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree.
Educational background in administration, education, curriculum development, or related field.
Military experience that includes leadership, personnel management, resource management, logistics, training, public relations, strategic planning, and/or program management.
Knowledge of positive youth development philosophies and program operations.
Knowledge of effective leadership traits and management processes.
Knowledge of Federal and state legislative procedures and general government operations.
Knowledge of labor relations principles and practices.
Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care and support approaches.
Knowledge of developmental relationship strategies and concepts.
Knowledge of state and federal funding structures and sources.
Knowledge of academic standards, curriculum development, and current educational practices, theories, and trends.
Competency in Leadership and Team Development: Apply advanced management principles; inspire and guide teams; build cooperative working relationships; foster commitment, pride, trust, and shared leadership.
Competency in 24/7 Operations: Oversee operations for a 24/7 residential facility.
Competency in At-Risk Youth: Work effectively with youth facing social, economic, emotional, or behavioral challenges; identify manipulative behaviors; enforce discipline, including dismissal decisions.
Competency in Strategic Planning and Innovation: Shape strategic direction; develop and execute organizational goals, objectives, strategies, and performance measures.
Competency in Financial Acumen: Monitor, analyze, and manage budgets; administer contracts; process expenditures; support compliance audits; learn specialized National Guard Bureau budget and personnel systems.
Competency in Risk Management: Identify, communicate, assess, and mitigate WYCA program risks.
Competency in Facilitation and Policy Implementation: Lead policy development and revisions; implement federal and state policy changes.
Competency in Data Analysis: Review data, prepare reports, and generate actionable insights.
Competency in Program/Project Management: Manage programs and resources; lead, coach, and train professional staff.
Competency in Curriculum Development: Design curricula and activities that promote life skills, critical thinking, and personal growth.
Competency in Decision-Making: Make executive-level decisions in complex, ambiguous, and rapidly changing environments.
Competency in Problem-Solving: Identify challenges, evaluate options, and implement solutions.
Competency in Adaptability: Adjust strategies in response to changing needs to maintain resilient youth programs.
Competency in Negotiation and Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain partnerships with internal and external entities, including federal, state, and local agencies; collaborate with educational institutions, non-profits, and community organizations.
Competency in Communication Skills: Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and speech; present confidently to audiences of all sizes, including large events.
Competency in Conflict Resolution and Emotional Intelligence: Address and resolve conflicts constructively; manage interpersonal dynamics with empathy, tact, and discretion.
Competency in Customer Service: Demonstrate strong commitment to public service and responsiveness.
Competency in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to meet the needs of others.
Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

Supervise four department senior leaders: Residential Operations, Counseling, RPM, and Health Center.
Provide second- and third-line supervision and coaching to professional RPM staff, counselors, health center assistants, and cadre staff.
Exercise indirect supervision of other departments and programs (e.g., education, business manager, etc.) and provide guidance and instruction to those program managers as required.
Represent the WYCA at meetings, briefings, hearings, conferences, and other public and private forums.
Be responsible and accountable for the program operations and project planning of the WYCA.
Support the WMD/WYCA Strategic Plan, Academics, Outreach, and Case Management objectives to improve educational opportunities and alternatives for at-risk youth in our state.
Monitor compliance with the Federal and State Cooperative Agreement, applicable federal and state laws, and agency policies/procedures.
In coordination with the WYCA Director and Business Manager, monitor program budget expenditures and program compliance with the Master Cooperative Agreement and other federal and state fiscal requirements and guidelines.
Work with WYCA Director, Business Manager, and WMD Finance Division to coordinate and resolve budget issues as necessary.
Coordinate with the Bremerton School District to address and jointly resolve scheduling as well as any policies, procedures, programs, or issues that can negatively affect interdepartmental relationships, Cadet Core Component programming, the academic program, or learning environment.