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.

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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).

Market Intelligence Report

Youth Program Coordinator (Arts & Wellness) is part of the Recreation & Leisure category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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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

Obtain CPR/First Aid and YMHFA; take a short course in grant writing and program evaluation (NonprofitReady, Coursera).

Develop a 6–8 week arts/wellness curriculum and pilot it via a community center; collect attendance and outcome data.

Network with local YMCA/Boys & Girls Club/recreation departments; request an informational interview and shadow a program session.