Lightner Y Achievers and YAG Program Director-YMCA of the Triangle

The YMCA of the Triangle is a 501(c)3 charity that has served Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill and the broader region for more than 165 years. As a nonprofit organization, the Y is committed to nurturing the potential of children through youth development, improving the community’s health and well-being by promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility by providing opportunities to give back and support our neighbors. Today, the YMCA of the Triangle operates 17 facility branches in Wake, Chatham, Durham, Orange and Lee Counties. The Y also operates three overnight camps: Camp Kanata in Wake Forest, Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer in Pamlico County. Last year, the YMCA's Annual Campaign provided more than $10 million to people in need.

About the Lightner Y Achievers Program
The Clarence E. Lightner YMCA Achievers program is a transformational youth development initiative aimed at empowering teens of color in grades 6–12 to achieve their full potential. Through bi-weekly Saturday Summits, participants engage with inspiring adult mentors of color, explore topics like academic success, college and career readiness, leadership development, racial equity, healthy living, and civic engagement. These experiences foster friendships, healthy lifestyle choices, and future preparedness. Learn more at YMCATriangle.org.

About North Carolina YMCA Youth & Government
YMCA Youth & Government (YAG) is a dynamic, nationwide initiative that prepares high school students to become the moral and political leaders of tomorrow. Participants gain hands-on experience with legislative, executive, and judicial processes through local delegations that meet throughout the school year. These delegations prepare for the annual North Carolina Youth Legislature Conference in Raleigh, where students from across the state convene for four days of debate, court simulations, and policymaking. Learn more at YMCATriangle.org.

POSITION SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and in partnership with the Senior Director of Civic Engagement, the Clarence E. Lightner (LYA) and Youth and Government (YAG) Program Director will lead, manage, and expand the Lightner Y Achievers, YAG and Boys and Young Men of Color (BYMOC) programs.

The ideal candidate will collaborate with YMCA branches, schools, community organizations, YMCAs across NC, and volunteers to deliver innovative, impactful programming that empowers teens and young adults, with a particular focus on supporting teens of color.

This full-time position requires occasional evening, weekend, and overnight commitments. The optimal prospect will bring a strong passion for youth development, creativity and innovation in program design, and experience in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, along with a proven ability to manage and grow programs.

The LYA/YAG Program Director is responsible for managing these functions in accordance with the stated mission, goals, and policies established by the administrative staff, governing committees, and Board of Directors of the YMCA.

OUR CULTURE AND COMMITMENT: 

The YMCA of the Triangle is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life working side by side with us to strengthen our community. Our mission compels us to embrace, reflect and celebrate the richness of diversity within each other and the many communities we serve with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming and inclusive: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Volunteer Coordination & Compliance:

• Create effective volunteer systems, coordinate volunteer schedules and ensure compliance with YMCA standards, in partnership with the VP DEIB.
• Ensure all volunteers are registered in volunteer matters and meet compliance standards and adhere to established volunteer protocols.
• Communicate regularly with volunteers to ensure clarity of roles and compliance.
• Build strong, impactful relationships with youth & adult volunteers.

Cultural Competency and Advocacy

• Integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging principles into all programs and initiatives.
• Stay relevant to the barriers and challenges of historically underestimated communities.
• Advocate for inclusion and racial equity through collaboration with elected officials and community stakeholders.

Program Leadership

• Expand and innovate the Lightner Y Achievers program: Saturday summits, BYMOC, LYA Clubs, yearly college tour and other related programming, under the guidance of the VP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (VPDEIB).
• Recruit, train, and supervise program staff and volunteers.
• Partner with the Senior Director of Civic Engagement to lead the North Carolina Teen Racial Equity Council and support YAG programming.
• Monitor program outcomes through data analysis and feedback, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Work with staff and volunteers to deliver program excellence.
• Provide in-person & onsite leadership support for overnight and weekend youth leadership retreats, regional civic engagement events, and a 4-day overnight conference.
• In conjunction with the YMCA’s Marketing Team, manage the public-facing program platforms, ensuring content accuracy and timely updates.
• Build and maintain the YAG conference phone app to ensure conference participant safety and success.

Project Management & Coordination

• Highly effective project management skills required, including calendar management, data collection, and program communications.
• Provide personalized guidance and support through the participant registration process & create an atmosphere of belonging for the LYA and Youth & Government (YAG) program in collaboration with the VP DEIB and Senior Director of Civic Engagement.
• Proactive, efficient communicator ensuring timely, daily responses to all inquiries and maintaining clear and consistent follow-up with stakeholders.
• Ensure the LYA and YAG social media account, website, YouTube channel, and podcast reflect accurate, helpful, and creative material.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and board members, to maintain the functionality of these platforms.

Youth & Teen Development

• Mentor and guide participants to foster leadership, personal growth, and create a positive and inclusive environment.
• Identify and connect participants to leadership and employment opportunities.
• Manage resources and create a curriculum to support participants' academic and personal success.

Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility

• Facilitate and implement opportunities for youth to participate in community service, advocacy, and civic activities.
• Activate student leadership and responsible citizenship.
• Enliven the YMCA’s social responsibility mission within LYA and the Youth and Government programs by providing leadership and support for civic and advocacy days as well as national youth conferences.

Community Engagement

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, especially in historically marginalized communities.
• Represent the YMCA at community events and initiatives.
• Foster impactful relationships with local YMCA branches, schools, and other community-focused organizations to identify leadership, academic success, and employment opportunities.

Administrative Management

• Oversee and maintain successful program budgets, reports, and compliance with YMCA policies.
• Develop and maintain an annual program calendar.
• Participate in budget planning and the annual fundraising campaign.

Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or the CEO.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, political science, psychology, sociology or a related field and 3-5 years of experience in youth/teen development, community engagement, or teen program management.
• Proven leadership and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to encourage teams and staff; able to actively coach, mentor and lead through complex initiatives, change and challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines with quality and excellence.
• Strong fiscal management skills, with the ability to develop, implement and manage budgets, evaluate financial performance, and take proactive and decisive action when needed.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with community partners, third-party organizations, and volunteers to move work forward.
• Ability to understand and use data to drive decisions and program planning.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong collaboration and influential leadership skills.
• Proven ability and capacity to address and resolve interpersonal conflicts.
• An outstanding commitment to the YMCA Mission and Purpose.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to manage and accomplish multiple projects and work assignments with little supervision.
• Travel, including evening, weekend, and overnight, will be necessary.
• A valid driver’s license.

 WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities this job requires include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Ability to adapt to change quickly, work under stressful conditions on a regular basis, and take responsibility for the health and safety of others.
• Travel, including evening, weekend, and overnight, will be necessary.