Youth Development Director
Reports To Executive 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.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Program Strategy, Development and Oversight
· 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.
Staff Leadership, Development and Capacity-Building
· 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.
Youth and Family Engagement
· 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.
Community Partnerships and Collaboration
· 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.
Program Evaluation, Impact Measurement and Continuous Improvement
· Participate actively in professional learning groups, including Partnership4Success 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.
Grant Management, Fundraising and Sustainability
· 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.
Advocacy. Equity and Organizational Leadership
· 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 organizational growth and impact.
· Lead with empathy, integrity, and commitment to social justice.
Qualifications
Educational and Professional Background
· Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Nonprofit Management, Youth Development, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
· Three to five years of progressive leadership experience in youth development, after-school programming, or summer program management.
· Demonstrated success managing multiple programs and achieving positive youth outcomes.
Grant Writing, Fundraising and Financial Management
· Demonstrated success securing grants, sponsorships, or donor support.
· Experience managing grant compliance, reporting, and funder requirements.
· Ability to develop and manage program budgets and allocate resources effectively.
· Knowledge of fundraising, event planning, and donor stewardship.
Program Design, Evaluation and Improvement
· Experience designing and delivering youth programs that foster leadership, creativity, and positive identity.
· Ability to use qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate outcomes and improve programs.
· Knowledge of strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices.
Staff Leadership, Development and Team Building
· Experience supervising, coaching, and developing staff and volunteers.
· Ability to build a collaborative culture of learning, innovation, and accountability.
· Commitment to equity, inclusion, and integrating diverse perspectives into programs.
Community Engagement and Partnership Building
· Experience building relationships with schools, community organizations, and local stakeholders.
· Ability to engage families as partners in their children’s development.
· Ability to represent the organization publicly and advocate for young people.
· Active participation in professional learning groups, including Partnership4Success and The Columbus Foundation’s Community of Practice, is essential.
Communication, Organization and Strategic Thinking
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey the organization’s mission and impact.
· Strong project-management skills, including goal setting, prioritization, and timely execution.
· Strategic judgment and the ability to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and develop practical solutions.
Preferred Qualifications
· Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
· Familiarity with youth development frameworks such as Positive Youth Development (PYD) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).
· Bilingual or multilingual abilities are a plus.
*Cover Letter is Required with Application!
Youth Development Director
Location: In person (Columbus, OH)
Reports To: Executive Director
About the Role
Are you passionate about helping young people thrive academically, socially, and emotionally? At Community Development for All People (CD4AP), we are looking for a dedicated Youth Development Director to champion our after-school and CDF Freedom Schools summer programs.
In this role, you won't just be managing programs—you’ll be designing spaces that center youth voices, promote belonging, and help our scholars reach their fullest potential. You will lead an incredible team of staff and volunteers, build deep roots with families and community partners, and ensure our programs continue to advance our mission of equity and social justice.
What You’ll Do
Empower Youth & Shape Programs
- Lead the design, delivery, and ongoing improvement of strengths-based youth programs.
- Keep our offerings relevant, creative, and engaging by applying the latest youth-development practices.
- Champion equitable, trauma-informed care and foster an environment where every young person feels they belong.
Lead & Inspire a Team
- Recruit, hire, and mentor a diverse team of program coordinators, instructors, and volunteers.
- Cultivate an inclusive, collaborative culture that encourages staff ownership, innovation, and continuous learning.
Build Authentic Community Connections
- Forge genuine relationships with youth and their families, honoring their lived experiences and engaging them as active partners in their children’s success.
- Develop strong, sustainable partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and stakeholders to expand the resources available to our youth.
- Represent CD4AP in community forums and actively participate in professional learning groups (such as Partnership4Success and The Columbus Foundation’s Community of Practice).
Drive Growth, Grants & Impact
- Develop tools to measure program success, using both qualitative and quantitative data to guide your decisions and share findings with stakeholders.
- Identify funding opportunities, write compelling grant proposals, and manage program budgets to ensure long-term sustainability.
- Ensure all program outcomes successfully meet grant commitments and funder expectations.
What You Bring to the Table
Education & Experience
- A Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Nonprofit Management, Youth Development, or a related field (Master’s degree or equivalent experience is highly preferred!).
- 3–5 years of progressive leadership experience managing after-school or summer youth programs.
Core Skills
- Program & People Leadership: Proven success in coaching teams, managing multiple programs, and utilizing data (like Positive Youth Development and Social-Emotional Learning frameworks) to drive positive outcomes.
- Fundraising & Finance: A track record of securing grants or sponsorships, managing budgets, and handling grant compliance.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal skills to passionately convey our mission and advocate for young people.
- Bonus Points: Bilingual or multilingual abilities are a huge plus!
The Perks
We value our team and offer a comprehensive benefits package to support you, including:
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Flexible spending account
- Employee assistance program
How to Apply
We can't wait to hear from you! Please note: A cover letter is required with your application. Tell us your story and why you are drawn to supporting the youth in our community.
Pay: $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
