Youth Development Director

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Youth Development Director supports the development, organization, and implementation of high‑quality YMCA programs at the branch and works in collaboration with youth development staff across the association to offer consistent, coordinated, and complimentary programs and services to members, families, and the community. The incumbent understands character development to be the guiding principle of the YMCA and personally exhibits a commitment to that goal in all YMCA operations.

The Bob Freesen YMCA in Jacksonville, Illinois, is a trusted community leader in youth development, committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen. As part of the national YMCA movement, we provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where young people can grow into confident, capable, and caring adults.

Our youth programs span early childhood education, after‑school care, summer day camps, and youth sports. These programs are designed to foster academic success, social‑emotional learning, physical wellness, and civic responsibility.

As Youth Development Director
, you’ll be at the forefront of this mission—leading a passionate team, designing impactful programs, and building strong partnerships with families, schools, and community organizations. This role is ideal for a visionary leader who thrives on mentoring staff, innovating youth services, and making a lasting difference in the lives of young people.

Jacksonville is a city and the county seat of Morgan County, Illinois, United States. The population is approximately 17,616. It is home to Illinois College, Illinois School for the Deaf, and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired. Jacksonville is the principal city of the Jacksonville Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Morgan and Scott counties.

$38,000 – $42,000

Family use of Y facilities, PTO (vacation/personal/sick), health insurance stipend, 503B smart savings plan, and Y retirement when eligible.

Send an email to Angie Sowle, Managing CEO for Bob Freesen YMCA at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Include "Bob Freesen Youth Development Director" in the subject line.

In the email, include a resume and cover letter along with three professional references and three personal references.

Position Final date to receive applications 3/23/2026. Application review and interviews will be ongoing. The vacancy may close at any time.

• Minimum two years of experience working with youth.
• Experience supervising multiple staff.
• Previous program development.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Previous camp experience preferred.
• Experience developing and managing financials in a business or organizational setting preferred.
• Have leadership competencies in the identified key areas.
• Ability to learn quickly.
• Ability to work with integrity, discretion, and a professional approach.
• Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, social, economics, etc.).
• Ability to complete all required trainings within 60 days of employment, including but not limited to CPR, first aid, Living Our Cause, DCFS Mandated Report, IL Gateway Registry Modules and maintain these certifications as current as outlined by regulations or requirements.

Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities.

• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and act swiftly in an emergency.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• May require physical effort and cardiac endurance while reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, standing, walking, balancing, bending, leaning, kneeling, walking, and climbing.
• Specifically, walking up and down stairs multiple times a day.
• Carrying supplies to and from work locations, normally lifting less than 25 lbs.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.