Teen Director in Norfolk, Virginia at YMCA Of South Hampton Roads

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Association Director of Youth Development, the Teen Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all teen programs across the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. This position serves as the support of the Association Teen Strategy, ensuring alignment with the YMCA mission, youth development goals, and community needs.

The Teen Director is responsible for:

• Developing and supporting teen programming frameworks.
• Providing resources, training, and accountability to centers.
• Leading collaborative initiatives that elevate teen engagement, leadership, and community impact.
• Support with grants and partnerships that advance teen wellness, mental health, and entrepreneurial learning.
• Supporting the successful launch and sustainability of the Blocker Community Café.
• Providing leadership and supporting YMCA program initiatives and delivery.
• This role ensures all teen programming reflects the Y’s values, achieves measurable outcomes, and builds pathways for teens to connect, lead, and thrive.

DIVISION OF DUTIES:

• 35% Teen Strategy & Program Development
• 35% Center Support, Training & Accountability
• 20% Partnerships & Grant Management
• 10% Association initiatives, Annual Giving, and other special projects

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Teen Director must understand and be willing to learn the necessary skills required for the successful completion of duties, including:

Program Development & Implementation:

• Lead the Community Café Launch, including planning, staffing, operations, and leadership integration
• Oversee teen programs and initiatives such as Teen Pass, Leaders Club, Y Achievers, Y Teen Entrepreneurial Clubs (Y-TEC), and other leadership pipelines
• Guide and support program delivery through coaching and alignment with association outcomes
• Develop innovative program models that promote leadership, wellness, career exploration, and civic engagement
• Provide ongoing evaluation, reporting, and data analysis to measure success and identify growth opportunities

Partnerships & Grant Management:

• Partner with the financial development team to ensure the successful completion of all grants, ensuring all deliverables and reporting requirements are met
• Partner with the Financial Development team on funding opportunities and management of teen-specific grants
• Build strong community partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and civic groups to expand program reach and sustainability

Training, Resources & Accountability:

• Create and deliver training and resource tools for teen program staff across all centers
• Provide regular coaching and accountability check-ins with Teen Coordinators and branch leaders
• Ensure program staff and volunteers are equipped with tools to meet safety, engagement, and quality standards
• Support the professional development of teen program staff and emerging leaders

YMCA CAUSE-DRIVEN LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Engaging Community
• Communication & Influence
• Developing Self & Others
• Critical Thinking & Innovation
• Program & Project Management

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 21 years or older
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Recreation or a related field preferred
• Minimum 5 years supervision of staff. Strong background in supervision and leadership
• Demonstrated success in program strategy, staff supervision, and grant or project management
• Proven ability to inspire collaboration across multiple locations and levels of leadership
• CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to certify within 60 days of employment)
• Clear Criminal Background Check, and CPS check and a negative TB test

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

• YMCA Team Leader certification preferred
• Experience in grant writing, budget management, and partnership cultivation
• Adept in public speaking, group facilitation, and youth engagement
• Creative, organized, and mission-driven with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Skilled at inspiring teamwork and building enthusiasm among teens and staff alike
• Able to inspire teamwork with enthusiasm and a positive attitude

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Frequent travel to YMCA centers and community partner sites
• Must be available for evening and weekend teen programs, meetings, or special events
• Requires flexibility to support multiple branches and community events

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time
• May be required to walk, stand, run, kneel, climb and stoop
• Must be able to sit on the floor and get back up
• Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multi-tasking
• Must be able to lift, pull and pull up to 50 pounds
• Must be physically able to successfully complete required certifications

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Accountable for completion of assigned goals as measured by the number of people served, cause driven measures, service satisfaction scores, operating results, and supervisor evaluation of assigned duties.

BACKGROUND CHECKS:

An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements of the position. They may include criminal background and reference checks, E-Verify, drug test, driver’s license record, and/or a Child Protective Services Check (CPS). Additional driver’s license check, CPS, criminal background check, alcohol, and/or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and/or maintain the requirements of this position.