Non-Profit Program Director (Youth Development)

Career Guide

Leads the planning, delivery, and evaluation of youth programs that serve children and teens. Oversees staff and volunteers, manages budgets and grants, ensures safety and compliance, builds community partnerships, and tracks outcomes to meet funder and community goals.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Design and oversee youth programs aligned to mission and outcomes
Hire, train, and coach staff and volunteers
Manage program budgets, grants, and contracts
Build partnerships with schools, community groups, and funders
Ensure youth safety, compliance, and risk management
Track and report outcomes using data and dashboards
Write proposals and reports for grants and donations
Coordinate schedules, logistics, and multi-site operations

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Program Director

Director of Programs / VP of Programs

Executive Director

Transition Opportunities

Program Officer (Philanthropy/Foundation)

Director of Operations (Nonprofit)

Community Engagement Director

Corporate Social Responsibility Program Manager

Education/Out-of-School Time Coordinator (School District)

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Outcome evaluation and logic model designGrant budgeting and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) complianceManaging multi-site operations at scaleSafeguarding and risk management policy development

Development SuggestionsTake short courses in results-based accountability and 2 CFR 200 grant management; lead a small pilot program end-to-end (budget, outcomes, reporting) to build evidence.

Market Intelligence Report

Non-Profit Program Director (Youth Development) is part of the Program Management category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

See the market intelligence report

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$50,000-$60,000

Mid Level$65,000-$85,000

Senior Level$85,000-$110,000

Growth Trend

stable - Steady demand tied to grants and after-school funding; turnover sustains openings.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (local affiliates)YMCA/YWCA associationsBig Brothers Big Sisters agencies

Industry Sectors

Non-Profit & Social ImpactEducationLocal Government (Parks & Recreation/Youth Services)

Recommended Next Steps

Complete a Nonprofit Management Certificate or CNP to formalize leadership and fiscal management skills.

Take targeted courses in program evaluation (logic models, RBA) and grant compliance (2 CFR 200); build a sample outcomes dashboard.

Lead or volunteer to manage a pilot youth program, including budget creation, safety plan, and a grant report to a local funder.