Youth Development Specialist

Job Title:

Youth Development Specialist

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) designs, implements, and supports high-quality youth programs that promote social-emotional growth, academic success, and post-secondary readiness. This role plays a central part in both the Aspiring Professionals Program (WRAP) and Wesley-Rankin’s out-of-school-time programming (After school and Summer Camp). The YDS builds strong relationships with students, coordinates engaging learning experiences, collaborates with staff and partners, and ensures programs meet organizational goals.

• Co-lead planning and implementation of WRAP 101 and WRAP Advanced, including mentorship program, post-secondary readiness, skill development and financial literacy sessions, as well as parent engagement strategies with the College & Career Manager.
• Share case management responsibilities with the College & Career Manager, tracking student progress and providing individualized support.
• Support recruitment and engagement of WRAP students and families, including planning and facilitating monthly family engagement activities.
• Assist in coordinating events, workshops, and summer internship-related logistics.
• Plan and implement engaging, culturally responsive, relevant after school and summer camp programming for youth (summer camp grades 7-9, after school grades 7-12) through curriculum development and partnership cultivation.
• Plan and implement lessons, clubs, and activities that promote leadership, positive youth development, community, life skill development, and academic success.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with students and a classroom culture that supports consistent attendance, positive behavior, and retention.
• Provide leadership, guidance and accountability to seasonal part-time staff.
• Work closely with the Volunteer & Advancement team on volunteer recruitment, coordination, retention, events, and communication.
• Partner with the Data team to ensure accurate data entry, goal tracking, evaluation plans and strategies, as well as continuous quality improvement strategies.
• Collaborate with the rest of the Children’s & Youth Education team to support alignment across grade levels, support other programs as needed, and share relevant best practices.

• Participate in fundraising, recruitment, and community engagement activities (e.g., note-writing, speaking engagements, promotion events).
• Provide transportation to participants in 15-passenger vans as needed for field trips and

• Bachelor’s degree in education, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in youth development, teaching, or a related role.
• Strong understanding of youth development and instructional practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience using assessment tools or data systems to track student progress.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and culturally responsive practice.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (verbal and written).

• Experience in community-based or nonprofit education settings.

• Full-time, in-person position based in West Dallas.
• Schedule varies seasonally (school year versus summer) and includes consistent
• Health insurance premium paid by Wesley-Rankin.
• Dental & vision plans available at low cost.
• 10 PTO days at employee’s discretion;
  Additional 10 PTO days at the end of the year (office closes for 2 weeks), 10 paid holidays.

To apply, please complete the application on our website.