Youth Program Coordinator Jobs
Youth Program Coordinator jobs are open across nonprofits, school districts, government agencies, and community organizations, from entry-level program assistant roles to senior coordinator and program director positions, with specializations in after-school programming, youth development, and summer camp coordination. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 292+ Youth Program Coordinator jobs
Job Summary and Key Accountabilities: The YMCA is known for our commitment to high-quality youth programming that meets the needs of the communities we serve. The Youth Development Director is accountable for ensuring that assigned early learning and youth development programs, which may include summer day camp, drop-in childcare, before-and-after school care, and/or teen programming, meet program standards in accordance with all applicable licensing and funding requirements. This role is also responsible for enhancing the member/participant experience and retention, optimizing program enrollment and revenue, and managing program budgets. This also includes leading and developing team members and ensuring a safe environment for all participants and staff.
Scope of Responsibilities:
Program Management
Increases member/participant connection and commitment to YMCA programs and ensures the member/participant experience is consistent, integrated and aligned to YMCA goals for youth programming and participant experience, engagement and retention.
Identifies and promotes key drivers of a successful program experience. Adapts and creates tools and processes to enhance participant experience. Addresses current or prospective program inquiries.
Monitors program registration goals to understand trends and identify means for development. Adapts and customizes program portfolio and curriculum to meet community needs. Optimizes program capacity and enrollment goals.
Participates in special events and activities at YMCA sites and within the community.
Promotes programs in the community through multiple channels including community engagement strategy. This includes collaborating with peers and leaders in and outside the Y.
Coordinates with site team/contact center to ensure all collections, refunds and other transactions are completed accurately and timely.
Participates in direct service as needed to facilitate program operations.
Team Management
- Identifies, manages and motivates a high-performing team that accomplishes program objectives
- Coaches and mentors staff to support them in delivering safe, engaging and well-organized program services. Completes formal staff evaluations for performance reviews. Provides corrective coaching and intervention as necessary.
- Accountable for hiring and terminating staff
- Trains new staff and provides ongoing trainings in accordance with training designs. Facilitates all-staff meetings and in services. Responsible for ensuring staff are compliant with required trainings and certifications.
- Recruits and trains volunteers to meet the needs of the programs.
- Evaluates volunteer work and strategy to ensure volunteers are used appropriately.
- Approves time worked by staff in Human Resources Information System. Fiscal and Risk Management
- Manages program budget, including revenue and expenses, to meet financial targets and monitor financial performance and ensures program safety and compliance according to program standards.
- Responsible for the delivery of revenue, expenses and margin. Reports on budget performance on a quarterly basis. Provides key input to develop budget.
- Oversees maintenance of table files, program guides and online registration site to ensure accurate information is advertised.
- Works to keep facilities safe, clean and inviting by adhering to association standards. Promotes the value of keeping the center welcoming and safe with staff.
- Identifies, escalates and rectifies potential risks that could threaten the safety, health or well-being of members, participants or employees.
- Supports the YMCA’s mission and center operations as needed.
Child Abuse Prevention
- Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:
- Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
- Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
- Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
- Completing all child abuse prevention training as required
Commitment to Inclusion
Supports the YMCA’s commitment to inclusion of all members as required by Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Job responsibilities may include implementing program modifications for persons with cognitive, behavioral or physical disabilities, including but not limited to the injection of medical glucagon to members with Type 1 diabetes in emergency situations.
Minimum and Preferred Requirements Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent or higher in Elementary Education, Recreation Management, Early Childhood Education or a related field.
- 3 to 5 years or more experience in youth and family programming providing high-quality experience to program participants, with at least 3 years of supervisor or team leadership experience.
- ExceleRate IL Director Credential Level 1 or higher preferred. Additional credentials may be required based on program license requirements.
- Commitment to, and a passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission.
- Demonstrated ability to accomplish goals through others, whether direct reports or through influence.
- Strategic thinking skills including effective planning, setting goals, monitoring progress, tracking results and making appropriate adjustments to plans based on circumstances and context.
- Ability to organize and prioritize multiple, competing priorities to maximize personal and team effectiveness.
- Budget and expense management skills with the ability to assist in managing budgets to plan.
- Customer service orientation, with the ability to effectively communicate on a regular basis with internal customers, build relationships, manage customer expectations and take responsibility for a high level of service.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively build and maintain relationships with customers, team members and other stakeholders and constituents.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), email; ability to learn and adapt to new technology.
- Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Team Leader competencies in previous experience or practice.
- Meet physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
Minimum and Preferred Requirements Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent or higher in Elementary Education, Recreation Management, Early Childhood Education or a related field.
- 3 to 5 years or more experience in youth and family programming providing high-quality experience to program participants, with at least 3 years of supervisor or team leadership experience.
- ExceleRate IL Director Credential Level 1 or higher preferred. Additional credentials may be required based on program license requirements.
- Commitment to, and a passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission.
- Demonstrated ability to accomplish goals through others, whether direct reports or through influence.
- Strategic thinking skills including effective planning, setting goals, monitoring progress, tracking results and making appropriate adjustments to plans based on circumstances and context.
- Ability to organize and prioritize multiple, competing priorities to maximize personal and team effectiveness.
- Budget and expense management skills with the ability to assist in managing budgets to plan.
- Customer service orientation, with the ability to effectively communicate on a regular basis with internal customers, build relationships, manage customer expectations and take responsibility for a high level of service.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively build and maintain relationships with customers, team members and other stakeholders and constituents.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), email; ability to learn and adapt to new technology.
- Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Team Leader competencies in previous experience or practice.
- Meet physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
Additional Experience and Educational Requirements (DCFS Licensed Programs):
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent or higher in Elementary Education, Recreation Management, Early Childhood Education or a related field with a minimum of 21 college semester hours in courses related to Early Childhood Education or Childhood Development. Youth Development Directors overseeing programming that only serves school-age children are required to have a minimum of 21 college semester hours in courses related to child care and/or child development, elementary education, physical education, recreation, camping or other related fields
- Type 03 or 04 IL Teacher Certification preferred
- Must be at least 21 years of age and/or 5 years older than the oldest child that participates in the program
- ExceleRate IL Director Credential Level 1 or higher preferred; must be obtained once in role
Job Summary and Key Accountabilities: The YMCA is known for our commitment to high-quality youth programming that meets the needs of the communities we serve. The Youth Development Director is accountable for ensuring that assigned early learning and youth development programs, which may include summer day camp, drop-in childcare, before-and-after school care, and/or teen programming, meet program standards in accordance with all applicable licensing and funding requirements. This role is also responsible for enhancing the member/participant experience and retention, optimizing program enrollment and revenue, and managing program budgets. This also includes leading and developing team members and ensuring a safe environment for all participants and staff.
Scope of Responsibilities:
Program Management
Increases member/participant connection and commitment to YMCA programs and ensures the member/participant experience is consistent, integrated and aligned to YMCA goals for youth programming and participant experience, engagement and retention.
Identifies and promotes key drivers of a successful program experience. Adapts and creates tools and processes to enhance participant experience. Addresses current or prospective program inquiries.
Monitors program registration goals to understand trends and identify means for development. Adapts and customizes program portfolio and curriculum to meet community needs. Optimizes program capacity and enrollment goals.
Participates in special events and activities at YMCA sites and within the community.
Promotes programs in the community through multiple channels including community engagement strategy. This includes collaborating with peers and leaders in and outside the Y.
Coordinates with site team/contact center to ensure all collections, refunds and other transactions are completed accurately and timely.
Participates in direct service as needed to facilitate program operations.
Team Management
- Identifies, manages and motivates a high-performing team that accomplishes program objectives
- Coaches and mentors staff to support them in delivering safe, engaging and well-organized program services. Completes formal staff evaluations for performance reviews. Provides corrective coaching and intervention as necessary.
- Accountable for hiring and terminating staff
- Trains new staff and provides ongoing trainings in accordance with training designs. Facilitates all-staff meetings and in services. Responsible for ensuring staff are compliant with required trainings and certifications.
- Recruits and trains volunteers to meet the needs of the programs.
- Evaluates volunteer work and strategy to ensure volunteers are used appropriately.
- Approves time worked by staff in Human Resources Information System. Fiscal and Risk Management
- Manages program budget, including revenue and expenses, to meet financial targets and monitor financial performance and ensures program safety and compliance according to program standards.
- Responsible for the delivery of revenue, expenses and margin. Reports on budget performance on a quarterly basis. Provides key input to develop budget.
- Oversees maintenance of table files, program guides and online registration site to ensure accurate information is advertised.
- Works to keep facilities safe, clean and inviting by adhering to association standards. Promotes the value of keeping the center welcoming and safe with staff.
- Identifies, escalates and rectifies potential risks that could threaten the safety, health or well-being of members, participants or employees.
- Supports the YMCA’s mission and center operations as needed.
Child Abuse Prevention
- Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:
- Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
- Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
- Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
- Completing all child abuse prevention training as required
Commitment to Inclusion
Supports the YMCA’s commitment to inclusion of all members as required by Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Job responsibilities may include implementing program modifications for persons with cognitive, behavioral or physical disabilities, including but not limited to the injection of medical glucagon to members with Type 1 diabetes in emergency situations.
Minimum and Preferred Requirements Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent or higher in Elementary Education, Recreation Management, Early Childhood Education or a related field.
- 3 to 5 years or more experience in youth and family programming providing high-quality experience to program participants, with at least 3 years of supervisor or team leadership experience.
- ExceleRate IL Director Credential Level 1 or higher preferred. Additional credentials may be required based on program license requirements.
- Commitment to, and a passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission.
- Demonstrated ability to accomplish goals through others, whether direct reports or through influence.
- Strategic thinking skills including effective planning, setting goals, monitoring progress, tracking results and making appropriate adjustments to plans based on circumstances and context.
- Ability to organize and prioritize multiple, competing priorities to maximize personal and team effectiveness.
- Budget and expense management skills with the ability to assist in managing budgets to plan.
- Customer service orientation, with the ability to effectively communicate on a regular basis with internal customers, build relationships, manage customer expectations and take responsibility for a high level of service.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively build and maintain relationships with customers, team members and other stakeholders and constituents.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), email; ability to learn and adapt to new technology.
- Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Team Leader competencies in previous experience or practice.
- Meet physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
Minimum and Preferred Requirements Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent or higher in Elementary Education, Recreation Management, Early Childhood Education or a related field.
- 3 to 5 years or more experience in youth and family programming providing high-quality experience to program participants, with at least 3 years of supervisor or team leadership experience.
- ExceleRate IL Director Credential Level 1 or higher preferred. Additional credentials may be required based on program license requirements.
- Commitment to, and a passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission.
- Demonstrated ability to accomplish goals through others, whether direct reports or through influence.
- Strategic thinking skills including effective planning, setting goals, monitoring progress, tracking results and making appropriate adjustments to plans based on circumstances and context.
- Ability to organize and prioritize multiple, competing priorities to maximize personal and team effectiveness.
- Budget and expense management skills with the ability to assist in managing budgets to plan.
- Customer service orientation, with the ability to effectively communicate on a regular basis with internal customers, build relationships, manage customer expectations and take responsibility for a high level of service.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively build and maintain relationships with customers, team members and other stakeholders and constituents.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), email; ability to learn and adapt to new technology.
- Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Team Leader competencies in previous experience or practice.
- Meet physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
Additional Experience and Educational Requirements (DCFS Licensed Programs):
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent or higher in Elementary Education, Recreation Management, Early Childhood Education or a related field with a minimum of 21 college semester hours in courses related to Early Childhood Education or Childhood Development. Youth Development Directors overseeing programming that only serves school-age children are required to have a minimum of 21 college semester hours in courses related to child care and/or child development, elementary education, physical education, recreation, camping or other related fields
- Type 03 or 04 IL Teacher Certification preferred
- Must be at least 21 years of age and/or 5 years older than the oldest child that participates in the program
- ExceleRate IL Director Credential Level 1 or higher preferred; must be obtained once in role
See All 292+ Youth Program Coordinator Jobs
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Find JobsYouth Program Coordinator Job Market
Who's Hiring
- YMCA11
- Madison Square Boys10
- The Salvation Army6
- US Air Combat Command6
- Albertina Kerr5
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in youth program coordinator jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in education, social work, human services, or a related field
- Experience designing and facilitating programs for youth or adolescent populations
- CPR, first aid certification, and Mandated Reporter training required
- Strong skills in curriculum development and age-appropriate activity planning
- Proficiency with case management or program tracking software
- Ability to pass a criminal background check and child safety clearances
Tips for Your Youth Program Coordinator Job Search
Tailor your resume to program outcomes
Youth program coordinator job postings reward specific results over vague duties. Reframe your experience around measurable outcomes: enrollment numbers you grew, retention rates you improved, or events you organized. Hiring managers want to see the impact your programs had on youth participants.
List your youth-specific certifications prominently
Certifications like CPR and first aid, Mandated Reporter training, and youth mental health first aid are listed as requirements in a large share of postings. Put these in a dedicated credentials section near the top of your resume so reviewers spot them immediately.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists youth program coordinator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by program population served
Youth coordinator roles differ sharply by population: after-school programming for K-8, teen workforce development, and juvenile justice re-entry programs each require different language in your application. Search by the specific population you have experience with and mirror that framing in your cover letter.
Prepare a scenario answer about a difficult participant
Interviewers for youth-facing roles almost always ask how you handled a youth participant in crisis or conflict. Prepare one concrete story using the situation, your specific response, and what happened afterward. Vague answers about 'communication skills' won't land here.
Negotiate your program budget authority upfront
Many youth coordinator offer letters leave program budget authority ambiguous. During negotiation, ask directly what budget you will own and what requires approval. This shapes your day-to-day autonomy more than title or other perks and is easier to clarify before you sign than after.
Youth Program Coordinator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most youth program coordinators?
The companies hiring the most youth program coordinators right now include YMCA, Madison Square Boys, and The Salvation Army, with the largest share of openings in California, New York, and Illinois, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Nonprofits, school districts, and municipal government agencies consistently account for the largest volume of postings.
How many youth program coordinator jobs are remote?
About 16% of youth program coordinator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which is lower than many office-based roles because direct interaction with youth is a core job function. Administrative, grant-writing, and curriculum development sub-roles are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid flexibility.
How do you become a youth program coordinator?
Start by earning a degree in education, social work, psychology, or a related human services field. Gain direct experience working with young people through internships, volunteer roles, or entry-level program assistant positions. Earn certifications like CPR, Mandated Reporter training, and youth mental health first aid. Build a record of planning and running programs, then move into a coordinator role.
Can you get a youth program coordinator job with little experience?
Yes, entry-level youth program coordinator roles exist, particularly at community centers, after-school nonprofits, and summer camp organizations that value hands-on experience over formal credentials. Volunteering with youth-serving organizations, completing an internship, or working as a program aide builds the direct experience hiring managers want most when your resume is light on paid roles.
What does the youth program coordinator interview process look like?
Most employers start with a phone or video screen focused on your background working with youth. A structured panel interview typically follows, where a committee of program staff and sometimes a supervisor asks scenario-based questions about participant conflict, crisis response, and program design. Some organizations include a brief written exercise or ask you to outline a sample program session before a final offer is made.
Where can I find and apply to youth program coordinator jobs?
You can find and apply to youth program coordinator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your experience and location, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 292+ Youth Program Coordinator Jobs
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