Youth Development Director | Waukee Family YMCA

There's Nothing Like Working at the Y!

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Our staff members are people who drive this cause – it is because of our drive, our passion, our belief in others, and our belief in the strength of our mission that we are able to make a difference – every day.

EVERY position positively impacts others at the Y - JOIN US, WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

POSITION SUMMARY:
The YMCA Youth Development Director is responsible for overseeing and managing the delivery of high-quality, engaging, and safe youth & family programs. The Youth Development Director will supervise staff and volunteers ensuring they have the resources, training, and support needed to effectively engage participants. This individual will collaborate with community partners, create a positive, inclusive environment, and evaluate program outcomes to ensure alignment with the YMCA’s mission and goals. The Director will also be responsible for budgeting, scheduling, and fostering involvement in program activities, all while promoting the YMCA's core values.

JOB LOCATION: Waukee Family YMCA
HOURS/DAYS SCHEDULE: Standard work week, but will often work evening, weekend, and additional hours to accommodate activities and representation of the organization at events. 
SALARY RANGE: $48,000 - $52,000 annualized - based on skills and experience
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: October 22, 2026 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Create a work environment that exemplifies the Y’s culture and how we show up and supports ownership and accountability for staff members.
2. Directs and supervises program areas and activities to meet the needs of the community and ensures programs comply with all applicable operation standards; evaluate and review programs to ensure quality and safety.  
3. Create, develop and implement new programs, and expand participation in assigned programs.
4. Promote member engagement by encouraging involvement in related Y programs and small communities.
5. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations.
6. Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules and directs staff and volunteers as needed. Reviews and evaluates staff performance. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals.
7. Conduct marketing and promotion for assigned programs, coordinating with association’s marketing staff to ensure all marketing meets association and brand requirements. 
8. Manage planned budget and information for assigned area to ensure revenue and expenses are consistent with approved budget plan.
9. Manage the program(s) registration process and ensure timeliness.  
10. Coordinates use of facilities for program activities and events.
11. Attend department, branch and association staff meetings as required, and assists in YMCA fundraising activities and special events.
12. Perform additional duties as required.
13. Demonstrate and support the objectives of the organization as embodied in the mission statement and values.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in recreation, education, human services, social services, related field or equivalent work experience.
2. Two to four years of experience in program management experience, preferably in a YMCA or other nonprofit agency.
3. Two years of youth develop related work experience.
4. Minimum of one year of experience in a supervisory or leadership role. 
5. Demonstrated computer skills in a Microsoft Office or Google Workspace environment.
6. Ability to direct programs through supervision of staff and volunteers, development and monitoring of budgets, marketing and public relations, program development and fund-raising.
7. Current Red Cross CPR / AED / First Aid Certifications or equivalent - prior to starting if hired
8. Child Abuse Prevention Training - prior to starting if hired and maintained annually.
9. YMCA Team Leader certification preferred; or must achieve within three years from start.
10. Completion of trainings and/or certifications, as required by supervisor and/or the YMCA.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the responsibilities of this position, the employee is required to talk, hear, sit, use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel, stand, walk, reach with arms and hands.  The employee is often required to lift up to twenty-five pounds of weight, climb, balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  Vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, and may at times require peripheral vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. This position usually works in an office, fitness, and/or youth oriented environment, but the mission of the organization may sometimes take them to non-standard workplaces.  This position works a standard work week, but additionally will often work evening, weekend, and additional hours to accommodate management of program activities and representation of the organization at events.