Community and School Programs Director

Mission

The American Youth Foundation dares people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others, inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges, and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Job Summary

The Community and School Programs (CSP) Director is responsible for designing, planning, and leading day and residential programs at Merrowvista. This role involves fostering a dynamic and supportive community environment where participants from diverse backgrounds can discover and develop their strengths. CSP programs often serve pre-existing groups, focusing on helping all members achieve personal growth and contribute to their community’s goals. This role will oversee 45 programs annually, serving over 2,500 participants and chaperones with immersive, experiential learning opportunities. The CSP Director is the primary program representative for various stakeholders, including parents, participants, staff, alumni, and the AYF Board of Directors. The Director will ensure adherence to state, American Camp Association, and AYF program policies and oversee risk and emergency response plans for CSP programs.

Essential Functions of the Position

Program Leadership and Staffing

• Lead year-round, primarily residential, youth programs in alignment with AYF’s mission oHire a team of 4-8 seasonal CSP staff or interns to deliver fall and spring programs
• Develop and deliver staff training and support for seasonal staff

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients, including teachers, administrators, chaperones, and students
• Network with clients to build the program calendar and expand into CSP program growth

Merrowvista Site Leadership and Support o Serve as a member of the Merrowvista Site Leadership Team throughout the year, providing guidance and collaborative leadership for site activity.

• Serve as a facilitator or site leader for other Merrowvista programs as needed. oServe as a member of the Site Emergency Response team.
• Represent Merrowvista and the AYF at regional, local, and national meetings and events.

Program Development

• Develop curricula aligned with AYF’s mission and regional education standards oEvaluate and improve program quality. Address questions, concerns, and feedback effectively
• Oversee high-risk specialty areas including challenge courses and waterfront

Administration and Finance

• Manage revenue and expense budgets including planning and purchasing for programs oCoordinate program and staff manuals, forms, and handbooks
• Oversee equipment inventory and purchases
• Prepare end-of-season program and risk management reports

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Extensive experience and education in youth development, including direct work with youth and staff supervision
• Commitment to AYF’s mission, vision, integrity, and accountability
• Ability to foster positive professional relationships and a sense of community
• Passion for serving youth, creating inclusive spaces, and promoting belonging
• Active participation in program activities, including staff training and youthcentered events
• Ability to maintain effective mental, emotional, and social resilience in a dynamic residential program setting
• Practice effective selfcare to sustain overall wellness
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail
• Selfmotivated, energetic, and serviceoriented team player
• Certifications in First Aid, CPR, or Wilderness Risk Management
• Willingness to learn, grow, and take on new responsibilities

Preferred Education and Experience:

• 5 years in education, youth programming, or community service
• Experience hiring and supervising staff in experiential learning environments

Work Environment:

• Ability to work in varying temperatures and environments
• Casual, professional attire appropriate for program settings
• Evening, overnight, and weekend responsibilities during peak program seasons (fall and spring)
• Travel for recruitment and professional development throughout the year
• Onsite living required during program season, with housing and meals provided

Compensation

• Salary Range: $65,000$75,000

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance. oRetirement plan with 3% salary match
• Family accommodations during on-site required living periods. oTuition discounts for dependents.
• 12 annual holidays
• Paid Time Off

AYF Core Values

The AYF believes that how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value investing in youth, stewarding the environment, encouraging participants and staff to explore and develop their values and beliefs, belonging in community, and growing together.

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals based on merit and / or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familiar status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

About AMERICAN YOUTH FOUNDATION

The American Youth Foundation is a nonprofit youth development organization that engages thousands of youth year-round through community and school programs, summer camps, and leadership conferences at our beautiful properties, Merrowvista in New Hampshire and Miniwanca in Michigan. Since 1925, we have welcomed young people from around the world to our campuses to discover the richness of our outdoor environments, the fun of interacting with a positive community, and the challenge of self-discovery.