Program Director – Youth Empowerment
As we like to say, “We’re not new to it, but we are true to it.”
Founded in 1929, the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester has been at the forefront of change for women and people of color.
We are dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Our work focuses on three signature areas:
Empowerment & Economic Advancement: We work to address the unique needs of those living in poverty and strive for outcomes that increase emotional and economic self-sufficiency. We provide women with economic empowerment programs annually with our GEMS, Women’s Residence, Childcare Programs, and more. YWCA also has an ongoing commitment – truly, a mandate of our mission – to provide leadership development opportunities to women and girls.
Health & Wellness: We provide over 7,500 women and families with health and wellness programs annually with our Aquatics Programs, Gymnastics Programs, Courthouse and Supervised Visitation Programs, Services for People with Developmental Disabilities, Health Resources and more.
Racial Justice: YWCA’s approach to racial justice goes beyond changing hearts and minds. We strive to transform communities, systems, and public policy.
For more than 90 years, our YWCA has been making a difference in the lives of women, children and families in White Plains and Westchester.
Our mission is real, genuine, and authentically pursued by the entire staff. We are positioned for IMPACT!
If this sounds interesting to you…keep reading!
The Program Director - Youth Empowerment plays a vital role in supporting the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester's mission by directly overseeing the successful implementation and growth of the Y Leaders and Girls Empowered through Meaningful Support (GEMS) programs. Reporting to the Executive Director of Youth Empowerment, this position is responsible for providing strategic leadership, fostering a positive program environment, and ensuring program effectiveness in empowering young women and girls.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership, Staff management, & Organizational Strategy
§ Champion a positive and results-oriented environment within the Y Leaders and GEMS programs. Ensure programs prioritize the development of leadership skills, self-esteem, and positive social-emotional growth for participants.
§ Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment. This includes clearly communicating program goals, implementing annual staff development plans, and providing mentorship opportunities.
§ Work closely with the Executive Director and Senior Leadership Team to develop long-range strategic goals, focusing on participant growth, program impact, and alignment with the YWCA's mission.
§ Oversee the budget for the Y Leaders and GEMS programs, ensuring efficient resource allocation. Identify funding opportunities and collaborate with the Development team to secure resources for program growth and sustainability.
Program Oversight, Coordination, and Evaluation
§ Lead the implementation of research-backed and industry-standard best practices specific to leadership development and youth empowerment initiatives.
§ Develop and implement a comprehensive evaluation system utilizing data to track program effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes.
§ Foster a culture of continuous improvement, utilizing evaluation findings to inform program development, curriculum updates, and staff training.
§ Ensure adherence to all YWCA policies and procedures, as well as relevant funding source regulations and reporting requirements.
Community Engagement & Management
§ Build and maintain strong relationships with community-based organizations, schools, and youth development professionals.
§ Partner with external organizations to leverage resources, expertise, and opportunities to enhance the reach and impact of the Y Leaders and GEMS programs.
§ Advocate for the needs of young women and girls in the community by participating on relevant committees and at events focused on youth development.
Essential Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, Youth Development, or a closely related field is required. Master's degree preferred.
- § Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a leadership role within youth development programs, with a focus on girls and young women.
- § Experience in youth curriculum development, including the ability to adapt and implement evidence-based curricula
- § Demonstrated experience implementing successful programs that develop Black and Latina girls.
- § Proven experience in program design, implementation, and evaluation, with a demonstrated ability to utilize data for continuous improvement.
- § Experience working with and securing funding for youth development programs.
Licensing and/or Certifications: None
Key Attributes:
- § Strong commitment to the mission and values of the YWCA.
- § Strong understanding of leadership development principles and best practices relevant to youth empowerment initiatives.
- § Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse team and foster a positive and inclusive work environment.
- § Excellent communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
- § Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- § Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant programing software.
The Last Word…
The YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester is a dynamic organization whose mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. Each week over 4,000 women, children and their families are served through our childcare, nursery school, after-school, summer camp, athletic and mission-based programs. In addition, the YWCA provides a home for 193 low-income women at our Residence.
· Job Type: Full-time (35hrs/wk.)
· Pay:$50k - $60k / yr.
· Benefits: We offer a competitive medical plan to all Full-Time employees
· Employment Classification: Non-Exempt
· Schedule: Determined by Supervisor and Organizational Need
The YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- White Plains, NY (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- White Plains, NY: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person