Director of Programs

The Virginia YMCA is seeking a highly motivated, dynamic, team-oriented professional to join our team as Director of Programs!Job DescriptionThe Virginia YMCA was founded in 1871 and is richly steeped in our core values of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility. We are a non-facility YMCA - we do not have a “gym and a swim” - that focuses exclusively on youth leadership programming with a particular specialty in premier civics education and engagement. Our core program, Model General Assembly (MGA), has run continuously since 1948, bringing together high school students from across the state to engage in a Youth Legislature mirroring the Virginia General Assembly. We also provide other civics and leadership programming focusing on the judicial branch and youth leadership. We are the only YMCA in Virginia that focuses solely on Youth and Government civics education programs.Headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, the Director of Programs (DP) works closely with and under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer. The DP manages all youth and government programs to ensure continued growth and organizational advancement. Our current programs are Hi-Y and Tri-Y Clubs, commonly known as Youth & Government Clubs across the state, the annual Model General Assembly (MGA), and the annual Model Judiciary Program (MJP). The Director of Programs specializes in working with our volunteer program leaders and youth participants and is an integral part of the Virginia YMCA.QualificationsQualifications and Experience:21 years of age or olderHold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or universityHave extensive experience working with teenagers and educatorsBe able to walk into a room without introduction and speak comfortably in public settings as an advocate for the Virginia YMCA and our programsPossess excellent written and oral communication skills without AI supportBe able to build strong relationships with Volunteers, Advisors, Students, Donors, and StaffBe able to develop training curriculum and present it to youth and adultsBe people oriented and enjoy working and collaborating with othersBe a quick learner, able to work with a team and independently, and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environmentBe able to delegate, supervise, and motivate others to achieve our mission and goalsDemonstratable proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel & Outlook, basic graphic design, website maintenance, and social media managementBe available to work some weekends and evenings and travel at least 24 days — often overnight — per yearBe organized and have successful, demonstratable experience planning both small and large events from runway to close-outHold a valid driver licenseDesired Skills And ExperienceExperience working with, or in, a non-traditional YMCAPrior work with civics education or youth-focused programsRecruitment of and managing relationships with school staff and faculty advisorsKnowledge of and connections with Virginia’s state governmentBe a Virginia MGA Youth & Government alumnusNonprofit fundraising experienceSupervisory ResponsibilitiesSupervises and manages volunteers, vendors, and program participantsDriving ResponsibilitiesMust have reliable transportation for mileage-reimbursed short trips within a 50-mile radius of our headquarters and be qualified to drive a rental car leased by the Virginia YMCABackground CheckMust meet the minimum requirements as established by the State of Virginia and the Virginia YMCA for past employment, drug screening, department of motor vehicle record, and criminal background checksPhysical RequirementsMust be able to lift and/or move tables, chairs, and other equipmentMust be able to ride in a car for extended periods, walk extended distances in urban areas such as downtown Richmond, and walk up and down stairsAbility to work effectively in a variety of environments, both indoors and outdoorsEssential FunctionsKey Responsibilities:Recruits advisors and students for Youth and Government clubs and programsMaintains relationships with advisors and students at existing clubs and programsCoordinates our Model Judiciary Program (MJP) in collaboration with the Young Lawyers Division of the Virginia Bar AssociationRecruits, plans, and executes additional programs throughout the state, as directedWorks with vendors such as hotels, event centers, and with political leaders to plan for programs and ensure successful executionPlans and executes other events such as the annual MGA Officer Retreat and other trainings throughout the yearDevelops leadership trainings and activities to engage with our program youth participantsCompiles and reports data after each program to evaluate and plan for future eventsWorks with CEO on grant funding applications and reportingCoordinates program registration, including entering registrations, coordinating the publication of all program materials, creating master housing lists, etc.Assists in fundraising efforts as directed by the CEOMaintains a friendly, positive, safe, and supportive environment for participants, volunteers, stakeholders, donors, and colleaguesAttends staff meetings, board meetings, special events, and trainings as requiredFollows the Virginia YMCA personnel policies, practices, emergency procedures, child safety procedures, risk management procedures, etc. as requiredPerforms all other duties as assigned by the CEOCause-Driven Leadership CompetenciesNoneRequired CertificationsNone