Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) Coordinator

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Job Title:

Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) Coordinator

Department:

Social Work | Administration-JM

The YLA Coordinators play a central role in leading and advancing LiFEsports’ youth-led initiative, the Youth Leadership Academy. Serving as both mentors and committee leaders, they support high school participants in cultivating leadership, teamwork, and advocacy skills through experiential projects and structured programming. Coordinators are responsible for elevating youth voices, empowering participants to shape the direction of the academy, and develop community-relevant solutions.

Beyond their direct engagement with youth, the coordinators also train and support College of Social Work interns and staff. They model and promote culturally responsive, strengths-based practices for working with socially vulnerable youth, drawing on their professional expertise and lived experience. Their work strengthens LiFEsports’ ability to foster authentic relationships, promote youth leadership, and contribute to long-term community impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) program within LiFEsports.
• Serve as a mentor and leadership development guide to high school participants, promoting youth voice and civic engagement.
• Facilitate committee meetings, trainings, and hands-on leadership projects for youth participants.
• Support development of culturally responsive, strengths-based programming aligned with LiFEsports' mission.
• Provide training, coaching, and mentorship to interns and staff from the College of Social Work.
• Collaborate with LiFEsports and College of Social Work staff to evaluate program effectiveness and ensure high-quality implementation.
• Serve as a liaison with schools, community partners, and families involved in the YLA program.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. 2 years of relevant experience required.

Desired Qualifications

2-4 years of relevant experience preferred. Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Public Health/Administration, Education, Youth Development, or related field. Or, Master’s degree in Social Work or related field. Experience working with adolescents in leadership or mentoring roles. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Strong communication, facilitation, and organizational skills. Experience with program coordination, staff training, or community-based youth programs. Lived experience and/or professional work in urban or socially vulnerable communities.

Working Conditions:

• Some evenings and weekends required.
• Travel within Central Ohio may be expected.

Pay range is $ 15.86 -$ 20.74 per hour.  The actual salary will fall within this range based on the candidate’s qualifications, internal equity, and the unit’s available budget.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) program within LiFEsports.
• Serve as a mentor and leadership development guide to high school participants, promoting youth voice and civic engagement.
• Facilitate committee meetings, trainings, and hands-on leadership projects for youth participants.
• Support development of culturally responsive, strengths-based programming a