Youth Development Director

YMCA • Full-time • Chicago, Illinois, United States • $44k - $50k / year • 1m ago

Inspiring Growth, Adventure, and Resilience: Lead Transformative Youth Development Programs at YMCA Camp Duncan!

Job Description

YMCA Camp Duncan located in Volo, IL is now hiring a Youth Program Director!

The Youth Development Director will design, execute, and continuously refine dynamic, age-appropriate day camp programs—including specialized adventure, challenge, and high ropes activities—that promote physical, social, and emotional development while integrating YMCA values and aligning with overall camp goals. This role is dedicated to promoting the holistic health and well-being of children by delivering transformative outdoor experiences that inspire exploration, build resilience, and foster a lifelong connection with nature. Leverage participant feedback and emerging best practices for sustained growth and effectiveness, while also supporting year-round school age programming on and off-site, as well as other Camp Duncan program operations as needed.

Salary range is $44,000-$50,000 per year dependent on on-site housing, includes full-time benefits.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience in day or overnight camps.
Prior training and experience in high ropes courses and adventure/challenge programs is preferred but not required.
Prior experience as a lifeguard preferred but not required.
Willing to work a flexible schedule to include nights and weekends.
Strong customer service orientation with the ability to relate well with a diverse set of youth, parents, and staff.
Demonstrates safe and age-appropriate strategies in interactions with youth.
Strong verbal, written and presentation skills with the ability to effectively lead trainings
Ability to organize and prioritize multiple, competing priorities to maximize personal and team effectiveness.
Valid driver’s license with clear driving record and the ability to meet necessary requirements to drive a YMCA vehicle
Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively build and maintain relationships with stakeholders and constituents.
Ability to meet physical requirements of the job description. The YMCA will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Essential Functions

Staff Leadership & Collaboration

Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a diverse team of full-time, part-time, and seasonal day camp counselors, instructors, and support staff, providing ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities
Foster a positive, collaborative culture by working closely with fellow staff and the Regional Director of Enrichment and Camp, VP, School-Aged and Camp Executive Director to enhance all aspects of day camp programming

Operational & Safety Management

Manage day-to-day day camp operations to ensure seamless program delivery by coordinating scheduling, resource allocation, and logistics, while developing and enforcing robust safety protocols, emergency procedures, and risk management strategies
Collaborate with the Food Service Manager to ensure efficient food service delivery, maintain accurate records, and uphold proper equipment care

Financial Management & Marketing

Manage program budgets to ensure responsible use of financial resources and achievement of revenue goals by monitoring expenditures and controlling expenses in alignment with YMCA strategic objectives
Drive marketing efforts through targeted outreach, effective communication, and the dissemination of camp literature to engage potential families and user groups

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

Serve as the primary liaison among campers, families, staff, and YMCA administration by effectively communicating program goals, updates, and performance outcomes through regular reports and meetings
Promptly address and resolve any issues or concerns raised by parents or participants in a professional manner

Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement

Implement robust evaluation tools to measure program effectiveness and participant satisfaction, analyze data and feedback to continuously refine day camp experiences
Stay informed of industry trends and innovative practices to ensure that the camp’s offerings remain competitive and relevant

Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure strict adherence to YMCA policies, local regulations, applicable external accreditations, and best practices in safety and quality by regularly reviewing and updating procedures
Maintain a secure and supportive camp environment
Lead comprehensive training sessions on safety, emergency preparedness, and ethical conduct for all camp personnel

Day Camp Experience & Facility Operations

Act as the day camp experience facilitator by delivering a high-quality, engaging environments for all campers during operating hours
Uphold camp procedures, policies, and public relations standard
Ensure that all facility operations contribute to an exceptional and welcoming day camp environment.

Required Certifications

Bachelor's Degree
Valid driver’s license with clear driving record and the ability to meet necessary requirements to drive a YMCA vehicle
Prior training and experience in high ropes courses and adventure/challenge programs is preferred but not required.
Prior experience as a lifeguard preferred but not required.

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