Youth Programs Director in Hagerstown, Maryland at Eastern Sports Management

Youth Programs Director

The Youth Programs Director is responsible for the overall leadership, development, management, and financial performance of the Youth Sport Programs Department at Hagerstown Field House.

This individual will have full departmental responsibility for creating, implementing, managing, and growing a comprehensive variety of youth sport programs, including leagues, camps, classes and clinics, birthday parties, and other youth sport-focused events and opportunities.

The Director will be responsible for building a strong and sustainable youth sport programming department that provides exceptional experiences for children and families while supporting the overall mission and financial objectives of Hagerstown Field House.

This position requires an energetic, sales-driven, organized, entrepreneurial, and relationship-oriented leader who is passionate about youth sports development, recreation, and community engagement.

The ideal candidate will take ownership of the department, demonstrate initiative, develop a strong team, identify opportunities for growth, and consistently work to make Hagerstown Field House a leading destination for youth sports and recreation in the region.

Compensation: Salary Exempt $55,000 - $58,000/Annually

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Department Leadership and Ownership

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the Youth Sport Programs Department.
• Take ownership of the department's daily operations, long-term development, and overall success.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, performance expectations, and growth strategies.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive annual youth sports programming plan.
• Ensure programs align with the mission, vision, and strategic objectives of Hagerstown Field House.
• Work collaboratively with facility leadership to support the overall success of the organization.
• Identify opportunities to improve department efficiency, program quality, and customer experience.
• Provide regular updates to facility leadership regarding departmental performance, challenges, opportunities, and future initiatives.

Youth Program Development and Management

• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive schedule of youth sport programs and activities.
• Create and manage youth sports leagues, camps, clinics, instructional programs and birthday parties.
• Identify opportunities to introduce new programs based on community needs, interests, and market demand.
• Ensure programs are age-appropriate, engaging, organized, and provide positive experiences for participants.
• Establish program schedules, registration timelines, participation goals, and performance measures.
• Monitor program quality and make improvements based on feedback, enrollment, and participation trends.
• Audit programs to ensure they are consistently delivered at a high level.
• Develop seasonal and year-round programming opportunities that encourage repeat participation and long-term engagement.

Staff Leadership, Recruitment, and Development

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate youth program employees, coaches, instructors, and seasonal staff.
• Build and develop a reliable, enthusiastic, and professional youth programming team.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations for all department staff.
• Provide ongoing training, feedback, and professional development to part-time staff..
• Delegate responsibilities effectively and hold team members accountable to company standards.
• Foster a positive team culture centered on customer service, professionalism, safety, and youth development.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels for all programs and activities.

Financial Management and Department Growth

• Develop and manage annual departmental budgets in coordination with facility leadership.
• Monitor program revenue, expenses, profitability, and overall financial performance.
• Establish enrollment, revenue, and participation goals for individual programs and the department as a whole.
• Identify opportunities to increase revenue through new programs, expanded offerings, partnerships, and additional services.
• Evaluate program pricing, staffing costs, equipment needs, and operating expenses.
• Develop strategies to improve program profitability while maintaining quality and accessibility.
• Monitor registration numbers and enrollment trends to identify opportunities and address underperforming programs.
• Take an active role in growing the financial contribution of the Youth Programs Department to Hagerstown Field House.

Community Engagement and Partnership Development

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with local schools, athletic organizations, youth groups, community organizations, and families.
• Develop partnerships that expand programming opportunities and increase participation.
• Serve as an ambassador for Hagerstown Field House within the community.
• Identify opportunities to collaborate with local businesses, schools, coaches, and organizations.
• Represent Hagerstown Field House at community events, meetings, and outreach opportunities.
• Build relationships that strengthen the facility's reputation as a community resource for youth sports and recreation.
• Continually identify ways to bring new families and participants into the facility.

Customer Service and Family Experience

• Establish a high standard of customer service throughout all youth programs.
• Serve as a point of contact for parents, participants, coaches, and community partners.
• Ensure families receive clear and timely communication regarding registration, schedules, policies, and program expectations.
• Address customer concerns and resolve issues professionally and effectively.
• Gather feedback from participants and families to continually improve programs.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, safe, and positive environment for children of all skill levels and backgrounds.
• Ensure the participant and family experience remains a priority in all departmental decisions.

Marketing, Promotion, and Program Recruitment

• Work with facility leadership and marketing personnel to develop promotional strategies for youth programs.
• Help create marketing materials, social media content, email campaigns, and website updates.
• Develop registration and enrollment strategies to maximize participation.
• Promote upcoming programs, camps, leagues, clinics, and special events.
• Identify opportunities for community outreach and grassroots marketing.
• Monitor marketing effectiveness and make recommendations to improve program visibility and enrollment.

Safety, Risk Management, and Compliance

• Prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of all youth participants.
• Ensure appropriate background checks and required clearances are completed for applicable employees and volunteers.
• Establish and enforce youth safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure staff understand emergency procedures and appropriate supervision standards.
• Maintain accurate participant records, incident reports, and required documentation.
• Ensure programs operate in accordance with facility policies and applicable regulations.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and professionalism throughout the department.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Park and Recreation Management, Physical Education or a related field preferred. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• Previous experience in youth sports, recreation, athletics, program management, or youth development.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, supervising employees, coaches, instructors, or volunteers.
• Experience developing, managing, and growing programs or departments.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, revenue generation, program pricing, and operational management.
• Excellent organizational, communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with registration systems, scheduling, customer service, and program administration preferred.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications or a willingness to obtain them. Obtaining any additional training and certification as required by Management.
• Successful completion of required background checks and clearances.

Desired Leadership Qualities

The successful candidate will:

Performance Expectations and Measures of Success

The Youth Programs Director will be evaluated based on the overall success and growth of the department, including:

• Program Growth: Increased participation, registrations, and retention across youth programs.
• Program Development: Successful creation and implementation of new programs and activities.
• Financial Performance: Achievement of departmental revenue goals, responsible expense management, and improved program profitability according to ESM Company expectations
• Staff Leadership: Recruitment, development, retention, and performance of department employees and program staff.
• Customer Satisfaction: Positive feedback and strong relationships with participants, parents, and families.
• Community Engagement: Development of meaningful partnerships with schools, athletic organizations, and community groups.
• Operational Excellence: Consistent, organized, and professional delivery of all youth programs.
• Safety and Accountability: Consistent adherence to youth protection policies, facility procedures, and safety standards.
• Departmental Leadership: Demonstrated initiative, ownership, accountability, and the ability to operate and grow the department with appropriate oversight.

Work Schedule and Environment

This is a full-time hands-on leadership position requiring a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate youth programs, leagues, camps, and special events. The Director may need to teach classes to meet Department financial goals and expectations.

The Director will work in an active indoor sports and recreation environment and will be expected to spend time both in an office setting and on the facility floor interacting with participants, employees, coaches, and families.

The Opportunity

The Youth Programs Director will play a critical role in shaping the future of Hagerstown Field House.

This is an opportunity for an enthusiastic and driven leader to build a successful youth programming department, positively impact children and families, strengthen community relationships, develop a strong team, and create sustainable growth opportunities for the facility.

We are looking for someone who is ready to take ownership, bring new ideas, build relationships, and make a lasting impact on the youth sports and recreation landscape in our community.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.