Director of Youth Development

Description

Do you want a career that impacts the community? Do you have a desire to work somewhere that changes children’s lives?

Join Chicago Youth Centers as we serve over 3,000 children and families each year!

Title: Director of Youth Development

Company: Chicago Youth Centers (CYC)

Website: chicagoyouthcenters.org

Compensation: $70,000 – $80,000

Classification: Full Time; Exempt

Reports to: Senior Director of Programs & Operations – Out of School Time

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

Purpose: The Director of Youth Development is responsible for leading the organization’s youth development initiatives, including implementing curriculum trainings, overseeing the out-of-school time (OST) team, and developing innovative programs that enhance the academic, social, and emotional growth of young people.

Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Implementation and Training

Develop, implement, and continuously improve youth development curricula.

Train and support staff in the delivery of curriculum and best practices.

Ensure programs align with educational standards and organizational goals.

• Leadership & Team Management

Lead, manage, and mentor the out-of-school time (OST) team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

Conduct regular team meetings, provide performance feedback, and support professional development.

• Program Development & Management

Design and implement innovative programs that address the needs and interests of youth and families.

Maintain quality program evaluation and data collection systems in order to achieve continuous improvement.

Coordinate with community partners, schools, and other stakeholders to enhance program offerings and resources.

• Budget & Resource Management

Assist in the development and management of program budgets, ensuring financial resources are used effectively

Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to support program growth.

Ensure compliance with funding requirements.

• Community & Outreach Engagement

Build and maintain relationships with families, community organizations, and other stakeholders.

Represent the organization at community events, meetings, and conferences.

Promote the organization’s programs and services through various communication channels.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance

Ensure all programs comply with relevant funding standards, and organizational policies.

Address any issues or challenges that arise in program implementation promptly and effectively.

Willing to embrace and demonstrate CYC’s Mantras:

• ATTITUDE MATTERS - Positivity begins with me. My attitude has the power to influence my environment and inspire those around me. I aim to be enthusiastic, optimistic, and kind—even when things get hard.
• CARE FOR REAL - I will take every opportunity to show that I truly care. I commit to serving children and families, my co-workers and my community. I will think, care and act in a respectful manner to uplift and support others.
• OWN IT - I will never say, “That’s not my job.” When I see something that needs to be done, I will assign myself and do it. I will make a commitment to carry out my job responsibilities and assignments with consistency, dependability, and respect.
• PUSH FORWARD - I will be determined and progressive in thought and action. I will press on when problems arise and find innovative ways to solve issues. I will continuously learn and be open to the ideas of others.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Youth Development, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in youth development, program management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in curriculum development and training.
• Experience of direct oversight of a community/youth center in underserved urban neighborhoods
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of budget management and resource development.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.