Youth Program Coordinator

United Way of Southwest Virginia•Abingdon, VA

7d•$48,000 - $50,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Programs Coordinator is responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of the Youth Leadership & Civic Engagement Initiative, a regional youth leadership program serving Washington, Smyth, Russell, and Grayson counties. This position is a 2-year grant-funded role that reports directly to the Executive Director of United Way of Southwest Virginia. The Youth Programs Coordinator will play a pivotal role in cultivating the next generation of civic-minded leaders by connecting youth to leadership development opportunities, civic education, mentorship experiences, and community-based service initiatives. This position will work closely with schools, local governments, nonprofits, businesses, and community stakeholders to build a collaborative, youth-centered model that empowers students to actively participate in shaping the future of their communities. The ideal candidate is passionate about youth development, community engagement, leadership cultivation, and strengthening civic participation across rural Southwest Virginia.

Requirements

Strong commitment to maintaining integrity and confidentiality of donor and client information.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Ability to manage deadlines is essential to the completion of work.
Experience in finance management and budget tracking.
Ability to prepare reports, packets, and supporting documentation for a variety of activities.
Ability to interact and work in partnership with diverse groups of staff, volunteers, donors and other stakeholders.
Good verbal communication skills, especially when asking questions, listening to and obtaining clarification on complex instructions.
Personal and professional integrity when working independently, when using United Way resources, when handling donations and donor correspondence, and at all other times.
Pleasant professional manners and willingness to assist where needed.
Self-motivated and independent, with a strong focus, follow-through, and organization.
Aptitude for logistics and willingness to recommend and make ongoing improvements to United Way’s office functioning.
Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, organizational and prioritizing skills, and relationship-building skills.
Understanding of maternal and infant health issues, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Familiarity with public health principles, social determinants of health, and community health models.
Knowledge of local and regional healthcare systems, social services, and support networks.
Experience in program coordination, including planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Strong organizational and time management abilities.
Bachelor’s degree required in Education, Public Administration, Political Science, Social Work, Community Development, Communications, Youth Development, Nonprofit Management, Human Services, or a related field.
Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in youth programming, leadership development, civic engagement, education, nonprofit program coordination, or related community-based roles.
Valid driver's license and automobile insurance required.
Access to reliable, high-speed internet at home required.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience working with youth populations, schools, or underserved rural communities is strongly preferred.
Experience developing partnerships with schools, local governments, nonprofits, businesses, or community organizations is highly desirable.
Background in youth leadership development, volunteer coordination, facilitation, mentoring, event planning, or civic education is a plus.
Experience managing grant-funded programs, collecting program data, and completing compliance/reporting requirements is preferred.
Preference will be given to candidates who live in the UWSWVA service area.

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day operations of the Youth Leadership & Civic Engagement Initiative.
Coordinate leadership workshops, civic engagement activities, mentorship experiences, and regional events.
Ensure program activities align with initiative goals focused on youth leadership, civic literacy, and community impact.
Monitor program milestones, deliverables, timelines, and outcomes.
Coordinate logistics for meetings, trainings, travel, community visits, and youth activities.
Facilitate leadership development opportunities that build communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Support youth participants in developing confidence, civic identity, and leadership capacity.
Coordinate youth-led service and community impact projects across participating counties.
Foster inclusive, engaging, and supportive environments for youth participants.
Encourage youth voice, creativity, and active participation in community conversations and decision-making.
Build and maintain partnerships with schools, local governments, nonprofits, businesses, and civic organizations.
Coordinate opportunities for youth to engage directly with public officials, community leaders, and civic institutions.
Organize experiences such as government tours, public meeting attendance, civic simulations, leadership roundtables, and youth advisory opportunities.
Represent the program at community events, coalitions, schools, and public forums.
Recruit, coordinate, and support mentors from civic, nonprofit, business, and public service sectors.
Facilitate mentorship experiences that expose youth to civic leadership pathways and regional career opportunities.
Strengthen cross-sector collaboration to support long-term youth engagement and leadership development.
Assist in developing sustainable partnerships that expand opportunities for participating youth.
Track and report on program participation, outcomes, and community impact metrics.
Maintain accurate records, attendance, activity documentation, and evaluation data.
Assist with grant reporting requirements and program evaluation activities.
Use data and participant feedback to improve program quality and effectiveness.
Coordinate the Annual Regional Youth Leadership & Democracy Summit.
Support planning and implementation of workshops, conferences, service projects, and youth recognition events.
Coordinate communication and logistics among participating counties and partner organizations.
Assist with marketing and outreach efforts to recruit youth participants and promote program visibility.
Work collaboratively with United Way staff, community partners, volunteers, and stakeholders to strengthen program impact.
Assist in United Way events and initiatives that support the mission and goals of the Youth Leadership & Civic Engagement Initiative.
Work with the Grants Manager to complete required grant reports and identify opportunities for program sustainability and expansion.
Perform other duties and assume additional responsibilities as assigned.