Program Director; Student Y

"Program Director (Student Y)

Job Description

Position:
Program Director (Student Y) FLSA Status:
Exempt

Reports To:

Senior Program Director Posted Date:
July 14, 2026

Position Summary Essential Functions Qualifications and Experience Required Benefits YMCA Core Competencies Final date to receive applicationss Apply

The Program Director (Student Y) is responsible for creating, coordinating, and implementing all aspects of the Student Y program. Student Y is a student‑led program for middle and high school students (grades 6–12) interested in making an impact in local and global communities. Student Y provides schools and community organizations with opportunities to engage in meaningful service‑learning projects throughout the school year while developing compassionate, informed, and engaged community leaders.

This position is responsible for building and sustaining strong relationships with students, teachers, advisors, school administrators, alumni, community partners, and volunteers across the Commonwealth. The Program Director (Student Y) serves as a key representative of the organization within schools and communities by maintaining a regular presence in schools, directly supporting chapters, and collaborating with the Directors of Program Outreach to recruit and retain schools, advisors, students, and members for Student Y programs and initiatives.

The Program Director (Student Y) oversees the development and implementation of new classroom curriculum opportunities, service‑learning initiatives, leadership programming, and community engagement strategies that expand the reach of the Kentucky YMCA mission into schools and communities statewide. This includes working with partners to implement innovative resources and national programming initiatives through Student Y and other KY YMCA program areas where the organization is positioned to serve students both within Kentucky and beyond.

This role works closely with the Student Y Youth Council to plan and implement statewide service projects, voter registration and civic engagement efforts, youth workshops, and leadership opportunities throughout the year. The position serves as the lead for voter education, registration, and civic engagement initiatives associated with Student Y programming.

The Program Director (Student Y) is also responsible for assisting with the marketing and promotion of all aspects of the program, including creating new content when necessary and celebrating the impact of chapters, schools, and students through social media, storytelling, outreach campaigns, and press opportunities. In alignment with the organization’s strategic plan, this role contributes to planning and implementation efforts to increase revenue and participation for Student Y through programming growth, memberships, fundraising opportunities, merchandise strategies, and expanded school engagement.

This position oversees and supports the college‑level Student Y program, with a strong emphasis on relationship building and leadership development.

The Program Director (Student Y) collaborates closely with all program directors and departments across the organization to ensure alignment, consistency, and support across program areas. This position regularly serves as an on‑site director and implementer for Student Y and other KY YMCA programs, including but not limited to GFI, LTC, Y‑Corps, Youth in Government, Model United Nations, and national programs through YUSA.

Responsibilities include leading and directing both staff and volunteer teams on‑site, overseeing implementation and logistics, managing the participant experience, and ensuring the successful execution of programs planned collaboratively with other directors and organizational leadership.