Director of Youth Engagement Programs

Job Description

The Director will also provide technical assistance and support collective advancements in the local implementation of Model United Nations;

YMCA 7th Grade Initiative; YMCA Counselor-in-Training programs; and other local teen leadership clubs and initiatives.

The Director will be expected to attend local, state, and national conferences and meetings that advance youth program development and innovation.

The Director’s role will include developing an equitable funding model for increasing youth access to and engagement in programs;

liaising with local YMCA staff, volunteers, families, schools, and key stakeholders; and assisting in the development of a communications and marketing strategy to promote youth programs.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must have 3 or more years of experience working with teenagers or young adults.
• Must have ability to relate authentically to diverse audiences, including from all socio-economic backgrounds and demographics.
• Experience in event planning and management, and volunteer recruitment and management strongly preferred.
• Experience in YAG, Model UN, youth engagement / leadership programs, or similar program development and / or management preferred.
• Two or more years of professional experience with direct project management in similar organization preferred.
• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, particularly Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• The ideal candidate will have superior time management and independent working skills, take initiative, and have a strong attention to detail and organization.
• The ideal candidate will be able to recruit, motivate, engage, and retain teens in programs and engage YMCA staff, volunteers, schools, families, and other key stakeholders.
• The ideal candidate will be comfortable maintaining high energy and mobility over extended periods of time. Must have the ability to lift 35 lbs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, relationship-building, and presentation skills.
• Must become a Praesidium Guardian within first 90 days of employment and oversee the Praesidium process for the youth program portfolio and the Alliance.
• Ability to be away from home up to 25% of the year, or an estimate of 50 days, including extended periods of overnight stays for state and national conferences.

Must have reliable transportation.

Essential Functions

• Lead day-to-day planning and coordination for statewide Youth and Government (YAG) programming, including providing support and technical assistance to local YMCA and / or school-based YAG coordinators.
• Plan and implement YMCA youth engagement events, including the annual YAG conference, officer retreat, Trenton Advocacy Day, and local engagement events, including agenda creation, volunteer engagement, venue and vendor procurement, registration, and attendee management.
• Implement effective strategies to attract students from diverse backgrounds to participate in YMCA teen programs.
• Direct NJYSA youth advocacy programming through curriculum updates and writing, logistics, volunteer oversight, facilitator training, technical assistance, and support to local YMCAs.
• Engage with students, YMCA staff, volunteers, families, and schools through YMCA visits, school visits, community events, and social media outreach.
• Develop audience-specific communications, presentations, and resources to provide information and guidance to students and parents about YMCA youth program benefits and eligibility requirements, and conduct community-based information sessions.
• Represent NJYSA at conferences such as the YMCA Conference on National Affairs (CONA), NJ SACC Annual Conference, NJ School Boards Association Workshop, Model UN Conference, and other conferences and programs as assigned.
• Works to secure and foster statewide community partnerships, relationships, and collaborations for the youth advocacy program and all other programs as needed.
• Provides input on strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of new and existing youth programs, and supports in identifying opportunities for increased program reach and funding.
• Accepts other assignments as may be periodically assigned to advance the mission and goals of NJYSA.

Required Certifications

• Must complete the Praesidium Guardian certification within first 90 days
• Valid Drivers license
30+ days ago