Youth Program Manager Jobs
Youth Program Manager jobs are open across nonprofits, school districts, government agencies, and community organizations, from entry-level coordinator roles to senior director positions, with specializations in after-school programming, workforce development, and youth advocacy. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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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
Youth Program Manager Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Youth Program Manager JobsYouth Program Manager Job Market
Who's Hiring
- YMCA11
- Madison Square Boys10
- The Salvation Army6
- US Air Combat Command6
- The Guild for Human Services6
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in youth program manager jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in social work, education, human services, or a related field
- Two or more years of direct experience working with youth populations
- Experience designing and managing program budgets and grant deliverables
- CPR, First Aid certification, and mandatory reporter training
- Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and supervise program staff or volunteers
- Proficiency with case management or program tracking software and standard office tools
Tips for Your Youth Program Manager Job Search
Tailor your resume to program outcomes
Youth program managers are hired on results, so your resume needs specific outcomes: participant retention numbers, grant dollars managed, or programs scaled. Generic duties like 'oversaw daily operations' won't stand out against candidates who can point to measurable community impact.
Highlight your required certifications upfront
Many postings require CPR, First Aid, or mandatory reporter training before an offer is extended. List these in a dedicated credentials section near the top of your resume so hiring managers don't have to dig for them or assume you're unqualified.
Target postings by funding source and mission
Youth program roles at federally funded organizations like AmeriCorps grantees or Title I schools have different hiring timelines and priorities than private nonprofits. Matching your language to the funder's goals, such as equity, workforce readiness, or academic enrichment, sharpens your fit signal.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists youth program manager openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare a scenario-based interview story bank
Youth program interviews almost always include behavioral questions about handling conflict with youth, managing staff with limited budgets, or responding to a safety incident. Prepare three to five detailed stories in advance so you're not improvising answers about high-stakes situations in the room.
Negotiate start date around program cycles
Youth programs often run on academic or grant-year calendars, so a start date misaligned with the program cycle can put you behind immediately. When negotiating, ask when the next program cohort or funding cycle begins so you can position your start date as a strategic advantage.
Youth Program Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most youth program managers?
YMCA, Madison Square Boys, and The Salvation Army are hiring the most youth program managers right now, with openings concentrated in California, New York, and Massachusetts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Organizations tied to federal youth initiatives and large school district partnerships tend to post the most volume at any given time.
How many youth program manager jobs are remote?
About 16% of youth program manager openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though fully remote roles are more common in grant writing, program coordination, and curriculum development than in direct-service or site-based management positions, which typically require an in-person presence with participants.
How do you become a youth program manager?
Start with direct youth-facing experience through roles like program coordinator, case manager, or youth worker, ideally in a nonprofit, school, or government setting. Build skills in budget management, staff supervision, and program design. Earning relevant certifications like CPR, First Aid, and mandatory reporter training strengthens your candidacy. Many managers also pursue credentials in nonprofit management or social work to move into senior roles.
Can you get a youth program manager job with little experience?
Yes, some entry-level youth program manager postings are open to candidates with one to two years of direct youth work rather than management experience. Volunteering, AmeriCorps service, internships, or part-time youth work all count. Emphasizing transferable skills like group facilitation, crisis de-escalation, and community outreach helps you compete even when formal management titles are missing from your background.
What does the youth program manager interview process look like?
Most youth program manager interviews involve an initial phone or video screen with HR, followed by a panel interview with program leadership and sometimes community stakeholders. Expect behavioral questions about managing conflict, handling incidents involving youth, and working within budget constraints. Some organizations add a practical component, such as presenting a sample program plan or facilitating a brief mock activity with the interview panel.
Where can I find and apply to youth program manager jobs?
You can find and apply to youth program manager jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your experience, location, and program focus, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 294+ Youth Program Manager Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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