Youth Program Coordinator (Arts & Wellness)

Career Guide
Plans, coordinates, and delivers after-school and community programs that blend arts, creative expression, and wellness for youth. Oversees schedules, staff/volunteers, safety, and budgets; tracks outcomes and engages families and community partners.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and schedule arts and wellness program calendars
  • Recruit, train, and supervise instructors and volunteers
  • Coordinate facilities, materials, transportation, and risk management
  • Track participation, outcomes, and produce grant/board reports
  • Manage program budgets and assist with grant compliance
  • Engage parents, schools, and community partners to boost access
  • Facilitate workshops and events; handle behavior de-escalation
  • Ensure child safety protocols and mandated reporting compliance

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Program Manager
Director of Youth Programs
Community Engagement Manager
Recreation Program Manager
Transition Opportunities
Health Educator (community settings)
Volunteer Coordinator
Teaching Artist / Arts Educator
Youth Services Case Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Trauma-informed behavior management and de-escalationGrant compliance and outcomes reportingCurriculum design for arts/wellness sessionsData collection using CRM/case management tools
Development SuggestionsComplete YMHFA/trauma-informed care training and a grant writing + program evaluation course; volunteer to design and lead a short workshop and track outcomes in a simple CRM (e.g., Salesforce NPSP trial).

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$35,000–$45,000
Mid Level$45,000–$58,000
Senior Level$55,000–$75,000
Growth Trend
stable — Steady demand in nonprofits/parks; growth limited by funding cycles.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
YMCABoys & Girls Clubs of America (local chapters)City Parks & Recreation Departments
Industry Sectors
Non-Profit & Social ImpactEducationLocal Government & Parks and Recreation

Recommended Next Steps

1
Obtain CPR/First Aid and YMHFA; take a short course in grant writing and program evaluation (NonprofitReady, Coursera).
2
Develop a 6–8 week arts/wellness curriculum and pilot it via a community center; collect attendance and outcome data.
3
Network with local YMCA/Boys & Girls Club/recreation departments; request an informational interview and shadow a program session.