Job Description
Build Brighter Futures.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is a cornerstone for youth and families across our region. We are seeking an inspiring and strategic Senior Vice President of Youth Development to lead a bold vision for empowering youth—from early learning through young adulthood—with programs that build achievement, belonging, and lifelong success.
As SVP, you will drive a comprehensive strategy for youth development that blends innovation and operational excellence across early childhood education and out-of-school time. Your leadership will shape how young people experience support, grow their potential, and become leaders in their communities.
What you will do at the Y:
- Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a forward-looking, mission-aligned strategy that reflects the unique needs and strengths of youth across our region.
- Program Innovation & Design
- Create and expand holistic, age-appropriate programs across early education, afterschool, and summer camp—centered on positive youth development and social-emotional growth.
- Operational Excellence
- Ensure consistent, high-quality implementation across all youth programs, with strong systems for training, safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Child & Youth Safety
- Champion youth protection policies and lead compliance with all licensing and regulatory standards across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
- Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Build dynamic relationships with schools, government agencies, and mission-aligned partners to expand reach and remove barriers for youth.
- Talent Development
- Recruit, support, and mentor high-performing leaders and staff, creating a culture of learning, accountability, and passion for youth work.
- Outcomes & Evaluation
- Lead a robust system for measuring program outcomes and impact, using both data and community input to drive results.
- Fund Development
- Partner with the advancement team to secure public and private funding, expanding access and scaling impact.
Who You Are:
- Experienced Executive: Master’s degree in Education, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field required.
- Proven Leader: Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in multi-site youth development or education-focused organizations.
- Compliance-Savvy: Deep understanding of licensing requirements and child safety regulations in the DMV area.
- Strategic & Analytical: Skilled in strategic planning, budget oversight, and use of data to guide decision-making.
- Relationship-Builder: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with staff, families, funders, and partners.
- Mission-Driven: Passionate about youth empowerment, and advancing the mission of the YMCA.
- Research-Informed: Deep knowledge of current research and trends in youth development, including emerging best practices, innovation, and the evolving landscape of youth service providers.
- Positive Youth Development (PYD) Framework: Demonstrated ability to design and lead programs using a strengths-based, PYD approach that promotes youth voice, engagement, and growth.
- Curriculum Design: Experience in developing age-appropriate curriculum that supports leadership, social-emotional learning, and life skills.
- Pipeline Development: Skilled in building and sustaining a youth development pipeline that supports participants from birth through young adulthood, including key transitions such as early education, school-age care, teen leadership, and career exploration.
- Metrics & Impact: Ability to design and implement tools that measure the long-term outcomes and community impact of YMCA youth programs, using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Why you should join us:
The YMCA offers a supportive and dynamic work environment that encourages personal and professional growth. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a range of benefits designed to support your overall well-being. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy as an employee:
- Mission-Driven Work: Shape the lives of young people and uplift our communities every day.
- Competitive Salary Range: $140,000–$150,000, based on experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
- Free Y Membership: Full membership for you and your family to support wellness and connection.
- Retirement Plans: The Y contributes 10% of your salary to a retirement plan, with additional 403(b) and Roth options.
- Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Professional Growth: Ongoing access to leadership development and training.
Ready to Lead with Purpose? – Apply Today!
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is an equal opportunity employer and values a range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. We strive to be a welcoming organization where all staff, members, and communities feel respected, supported, and that they belong.
Job Tags
Holiday work, Summer work,