Senior Youth Development Director

Position Summary

The Senior Youth Development Director provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and team development for the YMCA’s multi-site, school-based youth programs. This role leads a team of Youth Development Directors who oversee before- and after-school programs, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and mission alignment. 

During the summer months, the Senior Youth Development Director serves as a Camp Director for one of the YMCA’s summer camps in the City of Chesapeake, while also providing leadership, guidance, and operational support to the other Chesapeake summer camp sites and directors. This includes ensuring all programs are safe, engaging, and aligned with YMCA values and quality standards.

Year-round, the Senior Director serves as a key resource to support program excellence, staff development, compliance with licensing requirements, and operational growth across multiple locations.

Essential Functions

Leadership and Supervision

• Lead, coach, and evaluate a team of Youth Development Directors to ensure effective leadership of school-based and summer camp programs across multiple sites.
• Directly manage operations for two school-based program sites during the school year, ensuring high-quality program delivery, safety, and alignment with YMCA standards.
• Serve as a resource and mentor, providing direction on staffing, program planning, operations, and problem-solving.
• Foster a positive, inclusive work culture rooted in the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Program Oversight

• Ensure all youth programs meet or exceed state licensing standards, YMCA policies, and standards.
• Monitor program delivery through regular site visits and performance reviews.
• Support program growth by assisting with strategic planning, partnerships, and community engagement.

Operational and Fiscal Management

• Develop and manage budgets to ensure strong fiscal performance.
• Uphold, require, expect compliance of association standards (for self and team that is managed)
• Analyze enrollment, staffing ratios, and program performance data to drive operational improvements.
• Ensure effective use of association systems for enrollment, attendance tracking, and financial reporting.
• Build strong relationships with school district partners, community organizations, and parents.

Staff Training and Development

• Coordinate professional development and training opportunities for Youth Development Directors and site-level staff.
• Ensure all staff receive required onboarding, licensing, and compliance training.
  Promote leadership development and succession planning within the youth development team.

Safety and Risk Management

• Oversee safety and risk management protocols to ensure the well-being of all youth participants and staff.
• Respond to and resolve escalated incidents, parent concerns, and regulatory issues.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of state regulations and best practices in youth development.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Engaging Community
• Communication & Influence
• Developing Self & Others 

 QUALIFICATIONS:

The Senior Youth Development Director will meet the qualifications set forth by the YMCA of South Hampton Roads and the Virginia Department of Social Services. Minimum qualifications include:

• Meet the minimum qualifications of “Program Director” as defined by the Virginia Department of Social Services Division of Licensing, which include: 
  • At least 21 years or older
  • Minimum of 48 credit hours from a college or university of which 12 credit hours are in child related courses 
  • 1 to 2 years supervisory experience
  • At least one year of programmatic experience
• Proficient computer skills with ability to learn new software programs
• Current CPR/First Aid/O2/MAT certified preferred or must receive within 60 days of hire
• YMCA Multi Team Leader Certification preferred

OUR CULTURE: 
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Will be required to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, push, and lift up to 50 pounds
• While performing duties the employee may occasionally work in the outside weather conditions, and is exposed to wet, cold and /or humid conditions
• Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multi-tasking
• Will be exposed to cleaning supplies
• Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time
• Must be physically able to successfully complete required certifications
• During peak program seasons, may be expected to work night and weekend hours to meet program needs 

BACKGROUND CHECKS:

An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements of the position.  They may include criminal background and reference checks, E-Verify, drug test, driver’s license record, and/or a Child Protective Services Check (CPS).  Additional driver’s license check, CPS, criminal background check, alcohol, and/or drug testing may be required.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Accountable for completion of assigned goals as measured by the number of people served, cause driven measures, service satisfaction scores, operating results, and supervisor evaluation of assigned duties. Continuation of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements for the position.  They may include a background check, drug test, driver’s license record, CPS, and/or Criminal Background check.