Program Coordinator - Mary & Frances Youth Center

Unit: Community Engagement and Impact MBU Department: Mary and Frances Youth Center Department Summary: At the Mary and Frances Youth Center, we believe in the power of young people to shape a stronger, more connected community. Located on VCU's Monroe Park Campus, the Youth Center serves as a hub for youth programming, partnership, and leadership development in the Richmond region.

Nestled within VCU’s Division of Community Engagement, the Mary and Frances Youth Center is home to two private tennis courts and dedicated classrooms tailored for youth programming and educational training workshops for youth educators.

Through meaningful collaborations and evidence-based practices, we provide opportunities that equip youth with the skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive.

The Mary and Frances Youth Center (MFYC) represents a fundamental aspect of Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) commitment to positive youth development, community engagement, and partnerships with youth development organizations. As a central component of VCU's Division of Community Engagement within the Office of the Provost, the MFYC is a critical place-based asset focused on youth development. The MFYC embraces the utilization of various sports and movement activities as vehicles for fostering holistic youth development.

We are seeking a Program Coordinator who can support and enhance our existing programs for youth, adults that work with youth, and the community while also designing and implementing new initiatives that align with our vision, particularly in connection to Restorative Youth Sports practices and theories.

We are seeking a Program Coordinator who will play a vital role in transforming the MFYC into a vibrant and inclusive hub that benefits youth, families, community partners, VCU students, and faculty alike. With a focus on innovative, sports-based programs that strengthen life skills, the MFYC offers a unique opportunity to serve as a valuable partner in promoting positive youth development and academic connectivity.

The Program Coordinator will collaborate directly with community partners, youth, families, university students and faculty to create a thriving environment that harnesses the restorative power of sports and movement for positive youth development. While tennis holds significance in our programming, it is not the sole focus. Additionally, being located within VCU's campus provides a unique opportunity for the MFYC to serve as an educational programming pipeline that ensures pathways for the academic trajectory of youth.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to develop programming that not only opens doors for youth but also provides exceptional learning and experiential opportunities for VCU students as well as promote and support research activities for faculty.

The ideal program coordinator enjoys working with youth, values structured and intentional programming, has a strong interest in mentoring students, and understands the need for clear program goals and measurable outcomes. This person has strong administrative skills and recognizes the importance of connecting sports based activities with youth development and expanded academic learning opportunities.

The Program Coordinator will report directly to the Executive Director of the MFYC. This position holds significant responsibility in shaping the MFYC's impact and contributing to VCU's commitment to positive youth development and community engagement.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree, with preference in Education, Public Administration, or Sport Leadership or equivalent experience
• K-12
  
  Experience:
  
  Experience working with K-12 students in Richmond, VA, (or similar community profile) either during the school day or in an after school setting.
• Curriculum development and assessment of youth programs.
• Summer Camp
  
  Experience:
  
  Experience coordinating and working in summer camps focused on working with youth from urban and rural neighborhoods
• Knowledge of Youth Development
  :
  Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of best practices in positive youth development specifically focusing on youth…