Executive Director of Child and Youth Development

Young Mens Christian Association•Edwardsville, IL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Executive Director of Child and Youth Development provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the YMCA's comprehensive early childhood and youth development programming. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this position is responsible for establishing the vision, strategy, financial sustainability, and providing executive leadership for early learning, youth development, school-age programming, camps, family engagement initiatives, and other assigned youth services. The Executive Director of Child and Youth Development advances the YMCA's mission by developing leaders, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring exceptional experiences for children and families while modeling the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Recreation, Human Services, Business Administration, or a related field.
Five or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in youth development, childcare, education, recreation, or nonprofit management.
Experience supervising multiple departments and leading management-level staff.
Experience managing budgets and financial performance.
Knowledge of Illinois DCFS licensing standards and licensing-exempt requirements.
Strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing teams.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business software.
CPR, First Aid, AED, and Child Abuse Prevention certifications or ability to obtain within required timeframe.

Nice To Haves

Experience administering grant-funded programs and regulatory compliance preferred.
YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or willingness to obtain.
Experience with CACFP, SFSP, or other federally funded child nutrition programs.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership and vision for all Youth Development programs.
Develops long-range goals, annual objectives, and operational plans aligned with the YMCA's strategic plan.
Identifies opportunities for program growth, innovation, and expansion to meet evolving community and family needs.
Collaborates with executive and department leaders to develop integrated youth, wellness, membership, and community initiatives.
Directly supervises assigned department leaders, including the Program Director of Youth Development, ECDC leadership.
Provides leadership, direction, coaching, and accountability for assigned department leaders.
Establishes performance expectations and fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Develops and manages operating budgets for all assigned departments.
Monitors financial performance, enrollment trends, staffing costs, and program sustainability.
Identifies new funding opportunities, grants, and revenue sources.
Ensures compliance with Illinois DCFS licensing regulations and license-exempt requirements.
Ensures licensing documentation, inspections, corrective actions, staff training, and reporting requirements are completed and maintained.
Oversees all grant-funded child nutrition programs, including CACFP, SFSP, and other applicable federal and state programs.
Ensures compliance with all grant requirements, reporting, reimbursement, meal counts, audits, and documentation.
Maintains relationships with grant administrators and regulatory agencies.
Ensures assigned Youth Development programs consistently deliver safe, high-quality services that support the developmental needs of children, youth, and families.
Champions a culture of youth development by supporting programs that foster leadership, personal growth, positive relationships, and family engagement.
Provides executive oversight for the development and evaluation of programs, services, and engagement opportunities that strengthen youth, families, and the community.
Monitors enrollment, staffing, program quality, participant satisfaction, and risk management.
Reviews program outcomes and implements continuous improvement initiatives.
Builds partnerships with schools, community organizations, and government agencies.
Represents the YMCA within the community.
Supports fundraising initiatives, grant opportunities, and the Annual Campaign.
Promotes collaborative initiatives that strengthen youth engagement, family involvement, and community partnerships.