Program Director - Teen Tech

YMCA Of Greater Hartford Job Description

Job Title: Program Director – Teen Tech

FLSA Status: Exempt Job Grade:

Primary Department: Teen Tech

Reports to: Executive Director

Revision Date: 10/30/2024 Leadership Level: Leader

The YMCA of Greater Hartford is an association open to all committed to helping people reach their potential in spirit, mind, and body. Our commitment is based on the belief that the purpose of this three-fold development is to live out the values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.

Position Summary

Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the teen tech center, working in collaboration with Best Buy and the Clubhouse Network.

The tech center offers young people ages 10 to 18 from urban neighborhoods the opportunity to work on projects they find meaningful using art, computers and technology. The program provides support and resources for young people to pursue their interests and build upon their talents. In the tech center, youth can design their own art, robots, science simulations, computer games, animation, 3D modeling, fashion, create music through our music studio and more.

Essential Functions

• Provide community outreach to engage a diverse group of young people, parents, teachers, and community leaders in the tech program.
• Create a warm and welcoming environment.
• Help teens develop projects (e.g., help them come up with ideas, gather materials, get started, identify mentors, and support their ongoing work).
• Recruit, hire, train and provide supervision to the teen tech coordinator.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteer mentors, ensuring they work effectively with youth.
• Support youth in planning for the future, including exploring academic and job opportunities that leverage their tech skills and experience.
• Work collaboratively with Best Buy coordinators to recruit Geek Squad Agents and Blue Shirt volunteers.
• Ensure computers and technology are fully operational, properly maintained and offer technical support as needed.
• Provide administrative support for the tech center program, including keeping records of participants and keeping the tech center space organized.
• Assist with raising awareness of the program and fund-raising activities, communicate goals and impact of the program.
• Participate in meetings, share ideas and support collaborative projects across the youth development department.
• Ensure all grant requirements are completed and implemented.
• Support other programs and activities of the branch as assigned.
• Other related duties as assigned
  
  

Qualifications

• Degree in a related field and Two years minimum experience in the following: Music, Art, Robotics, Science, Graphic & Web Design and/or Photography, or similar combination of education and experience
• Two years minimum experience in program development, including working with youth from underserved communities
• Demonstrated ability to reach out to youth, parents, educators, and community leaders
• Communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing, experience with community outreach
• Excellent interpersonal skills including an ability to get along with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities, and a talent for making people feel welcome and included
• Experience with computers and/or interest in technology as a creative and empowering tool and a passion helping others learn.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with members, staff, and others contacted in the course of the work.
• Ability to work well under pressure with multiple competing priorities.
  
  

Physical Requirement

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds in weight.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency