State Director, Youth & Government

Why Your Role Matters

The State Director for Youth and Government provides strategic leadership for the YMCA Youth and Government program across Texas. This role oversees program delivery and quality while collaborating with YMCA leaders, volunteers, schools, and community partners to ensure impactful youth leadership experiences.

You will lead a small team and coordinate with program leaders statewide to drive program execution, innovation, and continuous improvement. The role also includes supporting fundraising, grant management, and donor engagement, and serving as a key spokesperson for the program.

Working independently, the State Director sets priorities, addresses challenges, and ensures the successful implementation of program objectives. The position requires regular travel to support conferences, program development, and statewide engagement.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Define and advance the statewide vision for Youth and Government, aligning program strategy with YMCA values and educational standards.
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative programs, curricula, and events that enhance youth leadership skills and engagement.
• Set performance goals and monitor program outcomes to ensure quality, consistency, and measurable impact across all districts.
• Mentor and develop staff, volunteers, and interns to cultivate a high-performing, collaborative, and motivated team.
• Promote inclusive programming that engages diverse youth populations and fosters equity in all aspects of the program.
• Collaborate with YMCA leaders and the state alliance committee to establish priorities, share best practices, and support local district efforts.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with volunteers, schools, community organizations, and public officials to expand program reach and influence.
• Represent the Texas Youth and Government program at local, state, and national events, conferences, and meetings, advocating for the program and its participants.
• Support statewide advocacy efforts, including legislative initiatives, relationship-building with policymakers, and preparation of advocacy materials.
• Develop, monitor, and manage program budgets, contracts, and grants to ensure financial sustainability and accountability.
• Partner with the Risk Management team to implement safety protocols, policies, and preventative measures for all programs and events.
• Oversee the supervision of participants, staff, and volunteers to ensure a safe, compliant, and supportive environment. 
• Recruit, train, and engage volunteers to support program initiatives, events, and mentorship opportunities.
• Collaborate with Advancement and Marketing teams to build funding strategies, cultivate donor relationships, and secure grants and sponsorships.
• Utilize program data and outcomes to demonstrate impact, inform funding requests, and strengthen donor engagement.
• Lead logistical planning for statewide conferences, events, and program activities, ensuring smooth execution and high-quality experiences.
• Maintain accurate records, reporting, and documentation to support program evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with IT and other departments to support technology solutions, data management, and communication needs.
• Execute additional responsibilities as assigned to support program success and organizational goals.

Travel Requirements
This position requires regular travel to support conferences, program development, and statewide engagement.

What You Bring to the Y

You have demonstrated success in significantly growing programs. More specifically, you have a track record of success with large and geographically expansive initiatives. You possess a can-do attitude with the ability to think creatively, overcome obstacles, and perform exceptionally in a variety of environments.

• Bachelor’s degree in education, youth development, nonprofit management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of professional experience in leadership, program management, and budget oversight.
• Proven ability to hire, coach, and develop staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team.
• Demonstrated success in designing, implementing, and evaluating large-scale programs or initiatives.
• Strong project management skills, including coordinating events, partnerships, and multi-team efforts.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and public speaking skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of youth program safety standards, risk management, and compliance.
• Ability to travel regularly and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements: 

In the course of performing job duties, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk, and occasionally lift and/or move items, including equipment, furniture, and/or children. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform these essential functions. If you require any accommodations or have specific concerns regarding these physical requirements, please feel free to discuss them during the interview process.