Executive Director of Child and Youth Development

Executive Director, Child and Youth Development
Edwardsville YMCA | Full-Time | Exempt

Applications will be accepted through July 29, 2026.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director of Child and Youth Development provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the YMCA's comprehensive early childhood and youth development programming. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this position is responsible for establishing the vision, strategy, financial sustainability, and providing executive leadership for early learning, youth development, school-age programming, camps, family engagement initiatives, and other assigned youth services.

The Executive Director of Child and Youth Development advances the YMCA's mission by developing leaders, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring exceptional experiences for children and families while modeling the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

OUR CULTURE

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

We are WELCOMING: We are open to all and create spaces where everyone belongs.

We are GENUINE: We value you and embrace your individuality.

We are HOPEFUL: We believe in your potential and support you in achieving your goals.

We are NURTURING: We encourage you to become healthier in spirit, mind, and body.

We are DETERMINED: We work relentlessly to strengthen our community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership

• Provides strategic leadership and vision for all Youth Development programs.
• Develops long-range goals, annual objectives, and operational plans aligned with the YMCA's strategic plan.
• Identifies opportunities for program growth, innovation, and expansion to meet evolving community and family needs.
• Collaborates with executive and department leaders to develop integrated youth, wellness, membership, and community initiatives.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Directly supervises assigned department leaders, including the Program Director of Youth Development, ECDC leadership.
• Provides leadership, direction, coaching, and accountability for assigned department leaders.
• Establishes performance expectations and fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Financial Management

• Develops and manages operating budgets for all assigned departments.
• Monitors financial performance, enrollment trends, staffing costs, and program sustainability.
• Identifies new funding opportunities, grants, and revenue sources.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensures compliance with Illinois DCFS licensing regulations and license-exempt requirements.
• Ensures licensing documentation, inspections, corrective actions, staff training, and reporting requirements are completed and maintained.

Grant Administration

• Oversees all grant-funded child nutrition programs, including CACFP, SFSP, and other applicable federal and state programs.
• Ensures compliance with all grant requirements, reporting, reimbursement, meal counts, audits, and documentation.
• Maintains relationships with grant administrators and regulatory agencies.

Program Oversight

• Ensures assigned Youth Development programs consistently deliver safe, high-quality services that support the developmental needs of children, youth, and families.
• Champions a culture of youth development by supporting programs that foster leadership, personal growth, positive relationships, and family engagement.
• Provides executive oversight for the development and evaluation of programs, services, and engagement opportunities that strengthen youth, families, and the community.
• Monitors enrollment, staffing, program quality, participant satisfaction, and risk management.
• Reviews program outcomes and implements continuous improvement initiatives.

Community Leadership

• Builds partnerships with schools, community organizations, and government agencies.
• Represents the YMCA within the community.
• Supports fundraising initiatives, grant opportunities, and the Annual Campaign.
• Promotes collaborative initiatives that strengthen youth engagement, family involvement, and community partnerships.