Youth Program Director

WYA mission Statement:  Westchester Youth Alliance builds bridges across our diverse communities of faith, race and identity through dialogue and service that strive for justice and understanding.

 The Opportunity: To lead a diverse group of teens through engaging and meaningful programming to cultivate communities, inspire teens to come together, build bridges across differences and combat hate.  WYA is on a growth trajectory. It is an exciting time to be joining us - this is an opportunity to not just do the work but also help guide our path forward.

Summary Job Description

The Programming Director is responsible for leading the development of, coordinating, administering and facilitating youth programming for the Westchester Youth Alliance. Program development will be aligned with the WYA mission and core curriculum. The Program Director will work collaboratively with the Executive Director, the WYA programming committee and teen leadership to build impact, grow and support our work. Responsibilities also include community and partnership engagement to develop programs and grow teen participation. This role reports directly to the Executive Director of Westchester Youth Alliance.

Job Responsibilities

 Program Development and Implementation

• Develop and deliver a full programming calendar from September - June that reflects the mission and the core programming curriculum of Westchester Youth Alliance:
  • 4 –larger scale (target 50+ teens) community service events
  • 2 –advocacy program series supported by in-person and Zoom events (target 20-30 teens participating per event – most program series will include multiple events aligned with series theme)
  • 1 - 2 social programs at the kick-off and end of the core programming year
  • Regular teen leader Zoom calls on Sunday evenings and one monthly in-person session (est. 3x/month) focused on learning and program development
• Programs should strive to access the rich depths of collective spiritual knowledge, and demonstrate how it can help teens address current social, political and developmental issues that are relevant to teens.
• Programming calendar should be drafted 6 months in advance and finalized 2 months prior to implementation of each event
• Take an active leadership role in the programming committee, developing effective and productive relationships with volunteer committee members, setting meeting agendas and providing post-meeting minutes.
• For events and programs, programming director will:
  • Be a confident and dynamic public speaker
  • Confidently lead discussions and interpersonal games and ice-breakers
  • Develop program objective and implementation plan in partnership with ED,programming committee and teen leads
  • Identify community and youth program partners to plan and execute the program
  • Identify and retain external experts to support and present advocacy content
  • Insure implementation of all programming aligns with the WYA curriculum
  • For all programs: create agendas, manage logistics including calendaring, securing facilities as needed, procuring & organizing supplies and food/beverages
  • During all events: organize, facilitate and lead program implementation including organizing of teens, public speaking, partner coordination

Teen engagement:

• Work with and cultivate an authentic relationship with WYA teen members.
• Support WYA members’ individual advocacy goals, making sure our ambitious programming is attainable for WYA members and working with members outside of group meeting times.
• Develop and implement strategies for attracting and engaging new members.
• Expand WYA impact by increasing the numbers of teens per program annually.

Community Relations:

• Partner with the Executive Director to develop partnerships and collaborations with other youth-serving and community organizations, local government agencies, religious youth groups and schools to grow the impact of WYA.
• Promote our Events and Mission- The PD should be confident in speaking about WYA in small and larger gatherings.
• PD will collaborate with the Executive Director and contract administrative support to develop and implement promotion of WYA programs through social media and through engagement of youth and community partners. The Program Director helps to keep the WYA website and contact lists current and useful.
• Provide input and content to monthly community newsletter

Measurement and Impact

• Track Progress- responsible for data collection and managing data tools to track our progress and impact. This includes researching positive youth development goals and creation of regularly administered member surveys.
• Produce bi-annual program reports to be presented to the board of trustees including subjective assessment of results as well as measurable impact
• Provide high-level assessments of each program summarizing teen engagement, goals met, challenges and opportunity. Assessments will be utilized to report to the BOD, ED, and for future planning purposes.
• Growth to be measured by number of youth participating, diversity of participants in alignment with WYA stated mission and # of school districts
• Support development of impact reporting for grant applications, fund-raising purposes and end of year annual report

Qualification Requirements:

• Experience engaging teens and fostering relationships
• Experience creating and executing programming
• Ability to create safe spaces for deep listening and honest, respectful dialogue.
• Ability to promote leadership and prepare teens to be active participants in a democratic society.
• Strong interpersonal skills not only to work with the teens but to connect with partnering organizations, schools, congregations, parents etc.
• Comfort and confidence speaking and presenting in public, engaging teens as well as adults
• Administrative skills to promote programming, collect data, and write letters or reports as needed.
• Commitment to community building, social justice and religious literacy.
• Experience working with diverse communities
• Fluency in Spanish a plus

Hours & Salary

• Part-time - 20 - 25 hrs/wk, some weekends and holidays including leadership of regularly scheduled Sunday early evening teen meetings (some on-line, some in-person)
• 1 - 2 events held monthly in-person either on weekends or school holidays, that require lead time and planning with teens and collaborators.
• Westchester Youth Alliance does not have a physical location, most work will be remote with the exception of in-person youth programming
• Hourly salary commensurate with experience $26 - $30/hour

Please send cover letter and resume to Nisa Geller at [email protected]