Job Description

Build Brighter Futures.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is a cornerstone for youth and families across our region. We are seeking an inspiring and strategic Senior Vice President of Youth Development to lead a bold vision for empowering youth—from early learning through young adulthood—with programs that build achievement, belonging, and lifelong success.

As SVP, you will drive a comprehensive strategy for youth development that blends innovation and operational excellence across early childhood education and out-of-school time. Your leadership will shape how young people experience support, grow their potential, and become leaders in their communities.

What you will do at the Y:

• Strategic Leadership
• Develop and implement a forward-looking, mission-aligned strategy that reflects the unique needs and strengths of youth across our region.
• Program Innovation & Design
• Create and expand holistic, age-appropriate programs across early education, afterschool, and summer camp—centered on positive youth development and social-emotional growth.
• Operational Excellence
• Ensure consistent, high-quality implementation across all youth programs, with strong systems for training, safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Child & Youth Safety
• Champion youth protection policies and lead compliance with all licensing and regulatory standards across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
• Community Engagement & Partnerships
• Build dynamic relationships with schools, government agencies, and mission-aligned partners to expand reach and remove barriers for youth.
• Talent Development
• Recruit, support, and mentor high-performing leaders and staff, creating a culture of learning, accountability, and passion for youth work.
• Outcomes & Evaluation
• Lead a robust system for measuring program outcomes and impact, using both data and community input to drive results.
• Fund Development
• Partner with the advancement team to secure public and private funding, expanding access and scaling impact.

Who You Are:

• Experienced Executive: Master’s degree in Education, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field required.
• Proven Leader: Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in multi-site youth development or education-focused organizations.
• Compliance-Savvy: Deep understanding of licensing requirements and child safety regulations in the DMV area.
• Strategic & Analytical: Skilled in strategic planning, budget oversight, and use of data to guide decision-making.
• Relationship-Builder: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with staff, families, funders, and partners.
• Mission-Driven: Passionate about youth empowerment, and advancing the mission of the YMCA.
• Research-Informed: Deep knowledge of current research and trends in youth development, including emerging best practices, innovation, and the evolving landscape of youth service providers.
• Positive Youth Development (PYD) Framework: Demonstrated ability to design and lead programs using a strengths-based, PYD approach that promotes youth voice, engagement, and growth.
• Curriculum Design: Experience in developing age-appropriate curriculum that supports leadership, social-emotional learning, and life skills.
• Pipeline Development: Skilled in building and sustaining a youth development pipeline that supports participants from birth through young adulthood, including key transitions such as early education, school-age care, teen leadership, and career exploration.
• Metrics & Impact: Ability to design and implement tools that measure the long-term outcomes and community impact of YMCA youth programs, using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Why you should join us:

The YMCA offers a supportive and dynamic work environment that encourages personal and professional growth. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a range of benefits designed to support your overall well-being. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy as an employee:

• Mission-Driven Work: Shape the lives of young people and uplift our communities every day.
• Competitive Salary Range: $140,000–$150,000, based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Free Y Membership: Full membership for you and your family to support wellness and connection.
• Retirement Plans: The Y contributes 10% of your salary to a retirement plan, with additional 403(b) and Roth options.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Professional Growth: Ongoing access to leadership development and training.

Ready to Lead with Purpose? – Apply Today!

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is an equal opportunity employer and values a range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. We strive to be a welcoming organization where all staff, members, and communities feel respected, supported, and that they belong.

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