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.

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.

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

1
Complete a Nonprofit Management Certificate or CNP to formalize leadership and fiscal management skills.
2
Take targeted courses in program evaluation (logic models, RBA) and grant compliance (2 CFR 200); build a sample outcomes dashboard.
3
Lead or volunteer to manage a pilot youth program, including budget creation, safety plan, and a grant report to a local funder.