Director, Program

YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF METROPOLITAN LOS ANGELES•Los Angeles, CA

28d•$70,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Teens, Youth & Family Director leads, develops, operates, and grows assigned youth development programs, including teen, youth, family engagement, leadership development, enrichment, recreation, camps, special events, after-school, and enrichment programs. The Director is responsible for program quality, member engagement, fiscal management, staff and volunteer development, community partnerships, marketing, safety and risk management, and strategic planning. The role ensures programs provide safe, welcoming, inclusive, and asset-based environments that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility while advancing the YMCA’s mission. As a member of the Branch Leadership Team, the Director collaborates with branch leadership to meet annual operating goals, strengthen community relationships, and increase member engagement. The position oversees program operations and planning, staff leadership, budgets, community engagement, risk management, strategic initiatives, and volunteer and board development. The role is based in Wilmington, California, and includes travel of up to 25%. Evening, weekend, and occasional overnight work may be required.

Requirements

Must be 21 years of age or older.
High school diploma or GED required.
At least three years of progressively responsible experience in youth development, teen programming, family programming, recreation, or community programs.
At least two years of supervisory experience.
Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
Experience with program development, budgeting, staff supervision, and community partnerships.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and youth development.
YMCA-approved CPR/First Aid/AED certification, or willingness to obtain it within 60 days of employment.
Other certifications required by assigned program areas.
Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 40 pounds and actively participate in youth and family activities.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors and to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Education, Child Development, Human Services, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience managing budgets and multiple program areas.
YMCA Team Leader Certification.

Responsibilities

Direct the daily operations and strategic growth of assigned teen, youth, and family programs, including Teen Center Programs, Get Summer, Youth & Government, Model United Nations, youth classes, resident camp, leadership development programs, after-school enrichment, enrichment programs, the Child Activity Center, family events, and other assigned initiatives.
Develop and implement annual operating plans to achieve enrollment, retention, participation, and revenue goals.
Ensure programs provide safe, welcoming, inclusive, child-centered, asset-based experiences aligned with YMCA standards.
Develop and maintain a year-round calendar of youth, teen, and family programming responsive to community needs.
Evaluate programs using participant feedback, outcome measures, and quality assessments.
Visit program sites to monitor quality, compliance, safety, and staff performance; ensure facilities, equipment, and program spaces are clean, safe, and maintained.
Build relationships with youth, teens, families, and members to improve engagement and retention, and collaborate with other YMCA departments to provide seamless member experiences.
Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, coach, and evaluate staff and volunteers; conduct staff meetings, coaching, and professional development; ensure required certifications and training are completed.
Promote staff engagement, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement; mentor emerging leaders and maintain appropriate staffing levels.
Develop and manage annual operating budgets; monitor revenue, expenses, forecasts, and variances; recommend pricing strategies and revenue opportunities.
Manage grants, contracts, sponsorships, and reporting as assigned; support fundraising initiatives, special events, and donor cultivation.
Develop marketing and outreach plans; build partnerships with schools, community organizations, municipalities, businesses, and youth-serving agencies; represent the YMCA at meetings, events, committees, and collaborative initiatives.
Develop volunteer leadership opportunities and ensure timely communication about schedules, events, program changes, and promotional materials.
Ensure compliance with YMCA policies, licensing requirements, safety standards, and risk management procedures; conduct documented safety inspections and site visits.
Investigate incidents, complete required documentation, implement corrective actions, maintain emergency procedures, and ensure staff are trained.
Participate in branch planning, analyze community demographics and trends, lead innovation and continuous improvement, and support branch-wide initiatives and projects.
Recruit, train, supervise, and recognize volunteers; support branch committees and advisory groups as assigned.
Attend required meetings and training; uphold YMCA safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management policies; demonstrate YMCA values and cause-driven leadership competencies.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.