Position Purpose

The Director of Outreach is a year-round position that integrates client relations, communications and marketing, participant enrollment, and data analysis to strengthen the Merrowvista community. This role ensures a seamless experience for participants, families, and alumni—from first inquiry through registration, program attendance, and beyond.

Serving as a connector between external audiences and internal program and administrative teams, the Director of Outreach advances enrollment goals, supports scholarship access, builds awareness of Merrowvista programs, and fosters lasting relationships across the community. By combining strategic communications with high-quality customer service and data-driven insight, this role helps extend the reach and impact of AYF’s mission.

Mission

The American Youth Foundation dares people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others, inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges, and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

The American Youth Foundation (AYF) enthusiastically welcomes staff and participants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities. AYF seeks to cointinually assess our practices through a broad lens of cultural competency and is committed to acting and changing for the better of all. We are passionately committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in whh people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally, and all are highly encouraged to apply.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Marketing and Outreach

• Lead marketing efforts for camps and programs through digital campaigns, targeted outreach, and print media, including developing and submitting content for publication.
• Collaborate with the Merrowvista Executive Director and AYF Advancement team on grant writing.
• Partner with Merrowvista’s Executive Director and the Community and School Programs Director to identify and develop new partnership leads.
• Develop internal processes for proactive responses to new participant inquiries.
• Update and maintain relevant sections of AYF’s website (www.ayf.com), ensuring content is current, accessible, and mission-aligned.
• Create content and help shape Merrowvista’s social media strategy, amplifying program stories and engagement across platforms while ensuring a consistent, professional voice.

Client Relations

• In partnership with the Client Relations Manager, ensure internal communication protocols are met, including timely follow-up on inquiries and scheduling calls and tours.
• Support the Merrowvista Camps team by scheduling Open Houses, coordinating enrollment at Camp Fairs, and managing online presentations for prospective families. This includes creating outreach materials and attending events alongside program leaders.

Alumni Engagement

• Serve as editor for alumni engagement content, including the Valley Vistas newsletter.
• Co-lead onsite and offsite alumni events including our annual Volunteer Weekend.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Track, analyze, and report on enrollment, marketing, and recruitment trends to inform strategic decisions.
• Use data to enhance the participant experience, identify new outreach opportunities, and evaluate the effectiveness of communications and recruitment strategies.

Site Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Merrowvista Leadership Team, contributing to site-wide planning and decision-making.
• Act as Site Leader during program seasons on a rotating basis, providing leadership presence for staff and participants.
• Serve on the Site Emergency Response Team (ERT).
• Supervise the Client Relations Manager and seasonal Office Coordinator, supporting communications, staffing, and outreach projects as needed.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous improvement across the site and organization.