Youth Development Director

Youth Development Director Job Overview

The CD4AP Youth Development Director leads the design, delivery, and evaluation of after-school and CDF Freedom Schools summer programs that help young people thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The Director supervises staff and volunteers, builds community partnerships, and ensures programs advance the organization’s mission and values while strengthening youth leadership, interests, and talents. The Youth Development Director must have a passion for working with children and their families.

• Lead the design, delivery, and improvement of strengths-based after-school and summer programs that foster leadership, creativity, and academic success.
• Align programs with the organization’s mission, values, and priorities and with the strengths and interests of youth and their communities.
• Develop program models that center youth voice, promote belonging, and help participants reach their potential.
• Establish evaluation and reflection systems that use data and participant feedback to guide decisions and improve outcomes.
• Apply emerging youth-development practices to keep programs relevant and effective.

• Recruit, hire, supervise, and develop a diverse team of program coordinators, instructors, and volunteers committed to youth development and equity.
• Provide professional development that strengthens staff skills, continuous learning, and internal leadership.
• Set clear expectations and encourage staff ownership, sound judgment, innovation, and accountability.
• Build an inclusive team culture and equip staff to create safe, engaging, and culturally responsive environments for youth.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback, coaching, and growth opportunities.

• Build authentic relationships with youth and families that honor their strengths, cultures, and lived experiences.
• Create opportunities for scholars to lead, make decisions, and contribute to their communities.
• Gather and use youth and family feedback to strengthen programs.
• Design outreach strategies that build trust and welcome all families.
• Engage families as active partners in their children’s growth and success.

• Build and sustain partnerships with schools, community organizations, funders, and other stakeholders to expand opportunities for youth.
• Leverage community assets, resources, and expertise to strengthen outcomes and extend the organization’s reach.
• Represent the organization in community forums, advocacy efforts, and public events, elevating its programs and youth voices.
• Coordinate partnerships that advance shared youth-development and equity goals.

• Participate actively in professional learning groups, including Partnership4
  
  Success and The Columbus Foundation’s Community of Practice, and apply relevant learning to CD4AP programs.
• Develop strengths-based tools to measure program outcomes for youth, families, and the community.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to assess effectiveness, identify trends, and guide decisions.
• Share findings with staff, partners, and stakeholders to support learning and improvement.
• Ensure program outcomes meet grant commitments and funder expectations.

• Identify funding opportunities, write grant proposals, and submit applications on time.
• Manage grant compliance, reporting, and stewardship to maintain strong funder relationships.
• Partner with the development team to cultivate donors, sponsors, and community partners.
• Manage program budgets and allocate resources for impact and sustainability.
• Pursue fundraising strategies that align with organizational goals and diversify revenue.

• Champion equitable, inclusive, and trauma-informed youth-development practices.
• Advance equity and belonging across programs, policies, and organizational practices.
• Help the leadership team set strategy and advance…