The Greater Austin YMCA is hiring a State Director of Youth & Government! Apply today!
Job Description
The State Director for Youth and Government provides strategic leadership for the YMCA Youth and Government program across Texas. This role oversees program delivery and quality while collaborating with YMCA leaders, volunteers, schools, and community partners to ensure impactful youth leadership experiences.
You will lead a small team and coordinate with program leaders statewide to drive program execution, innovation, and continuous improvement. The role also includes supporting fundraising, grant management, and donor engagement, and serving as a key spokesperson for the program.
Working independently, the State Director sets priorities, addresses challenges, and ensures the successful implementation of program objectives. The position requires regular travel to support conferences, program development, and statewide engagement.
Qualifications
You have demonstrated success in significantly growing programs. More specifically, you have a track record of success with large and geographically expansive initiatives. You possess a can‑do attitude with the ability to think creatively, overcome obstacles, and perform exceptionally in a variety of environments.
- Bachelor’s degree in education, youth development, nonprofit management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- 8+ years of professional experience in leadership, program management, and budget oversight.
- Proven ability to hire, coach, and develop staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative, high‑performing team.
- Demonstrated success in designing, implementing, and evaluating large‑scale programs or initiatives.
- Strong project management skills, including coordinating events, partnerships, and multi‑team efforts.
- Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and public speaking skills with diverse stakeholders.
- Knowledge of youth program safety standards, risk management, and compliance.
- Ability to travel regularly and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Essential Functions
- Define and advance the statewide vision for Youth and Government, aligning program strategy with YMCA values and educational standards.
- Lead the development and implementation of innovative programs, curricula, and events that enhance youth leadership skills and engagement.
- Set performance goals and monitor program outcomes to ensure quality, consistency, and measurable impact across all districts.
- Mentor and develop staff, volunteers, and interns to cultivate a high‑performing, collaborative, and motivated team.
- Promote inclusive programming that engages diverse youth populations and fosters equity in all aspects of the program.
- Collaborate with YMCA leaders and the state alliance committee to establish priorities, share best practices, and support local district efforts.
- Build and sustain strong relationships with volunteers, schools, community organizations, and public officials to expand program reach and influence.
- Represent the Texas Youth and Government program at local, state, and national events, conferences, and meetings, advocating for the program and its participants.
- Support statewide advocacy efforts, including legislative initiatives, relationship‑building with policymakers, and preparation of advocacy materials.
- Develop, monitor, and manage program budgets, contracts, and grants to ensure financial sustainability and accountability.
- Partner with the Risk Management team to implement safety protocols, policies, and preventative measures for all programs and events.
- Oversee the supervision of participants, staff, and volunteers to ensure a safe, compliant, and supportive environment.
- Recruit, train, and engage volunteers to support program initiatives, events, and mentorship opportunities.
- Collaborate with Advancement and Marketing teams to build funding strategies, cultivate donor relationships, and secure grants and sponsorships.
- Utilize program data and outcomes to demonstrate impact, inform funding requests, and strengthen donor engagement.
- Lead logistical planning for statewide conferences, events, and program activities, ensuring smooth execution and high‑quality experiences.
- Maintain accurate records, reporting, and documentation to support program evaluation and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with IT and other departments to support technology solutions, data management, and communication needs.
- Execute additional responsibilities as assigned to support program success and organizational goals.
Physical Requirements: In the course of performing job duties, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk, and occasionally lift and/or move items, including equipment, furniture, and/or children. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform these essential functions.
About Us
The Greater Austin YMCA is a nonprofit community enterprise with a purpose of elevating quality of life in central Texas by boldly expanding access for all children, adults, families and seniors in our dynamically growing community. Founded in 1953 and anchored in three Central Texas counties, the Y has served close to 500,000 people and provided more than $30M in financial assistance and program subsidies over the past 10 years. We operate 8 community centers and Camp Moody along with 6 early childhood education centers, 60 after‑school programs on school campuses in four districts, and 20 summer camps, with 1,500 staff team members, 1,000 volunteers, and a $48M annual operating budget.
Additional Information
The organization has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.
We Take Care of Our People
Our mission isn't just a statement—it's a guiding force that shapes our actions every day. Rooted in our unwavering commitment to serving our community and esteemed team members, our mission is a true way of life. We're passionate about fostering health and wellness for all, and we're truly excited to introduce the following comprehensive benefits package that has been thoughtfully designed to prioritize your well‑being.
- Health Insurance: We provide comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, to ensure the well‑being of our employees.
- Retirement Savings Plan: We offer a 12% employer‑funded retirement plan upon meeting eligibility, empowering employees to plan for their future.
- Paid Time Off: Work‑life integration is important to us, which is why we provide up to 48 days of paid time off over vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
- Additional Perks: Free household membership to facilities operated by the Greater Austin YMCA, which is worth $1,000 annually.
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