Program Director, Community & Teens (Pasadena & Altadena) - YMCA : Job Details

The YMCA has been a trusted leader in youth development for generations. From first steps to first jobs, we create opportunities for young people to grow stronger, lead with confidence, and build a future full of possibility-through teen experiences, civic engagement, workforce development, school partnerships, social services, and community outreach. As our communities continue to recover from the devastating Eaton Fire, the YMCA is uniquely positioned to support youth and teens while helping the community rebuild.

We are seeking a Program Director, Community & Teens, to lead and implement youth-focused programs, services, and initiatives in the Pasadena and Altadena communities. Through this work, the Program Director will help fire-impacted youth and families engage in meaningful opportunities while connecting them to valuable resources and support. In this role, the Program Director will partner with schools and community stakeholders to provide Youth & Government (civic engagement) programs, school-based services, and community initiatives-with a primary focus on teens.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Teen Programming, this position plays a critical role as a connector between the community, local schools, and the YMCA. In this fire recovery context, you will help create safe spaces for teens and youth to build a sense of belonging and empower their communities. The YMCA Teen Department includes 20 full-time Teen Directors across the Los Angeles region-join a winning team making a big difference in the lives of teens.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with schools and deliver signature YMCA programs such as Youth & Government (Model Legislature & Court, Model United Nations).
• Recruit, screen, train, manage, and engage adult volunteers (advisors) to support the Youth & Government program and other teen initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison between the YMCA and fire relief organizations in the community; actively participate in coordination efforts and identify ways the YMCA can contribute.
• Develop and implement teen-focused programs such as Global Change Agents, Teen Nights, Boys and Young Men of Color (BYMOC), and more.
• Connect families to fire relief resources and represent the YMCA at community events-be a connector in the community.
• Support regional teen initiatives such as Get Summer, the YMCA's free summer membership program for teens.
• Identify community needs and advocate for YMCA programs and services that help address those needs-especially for fire-impacted families in Pasadena and Altadena.
• Build and maintain school and partner relationships to support program expansion. Lead and develop school-based programming for middle and high school students.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• High school diploma required, bachelor's degree in a related field preferred
• Significant experience leading teen programs or related youth services
• Experience recruiting, screening, and managing adult volunteers
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Proven ability to build and sustain community and school partnerships
• A demonstrated commitment to inclusivity and ensuring all youth feel welcomed
• Must hold, or be willing to obtain within 60 days of hire: Infant/Child/Adult CPR, First Aid & AED certification

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Must be able to plan, lead, and participate in both indoor and outdoor activities
• Requires physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform essential job functions with or without accommodation
• Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds
• This is an in-person position based out of the Western Justice Center in Pasadena, with a required presence 1–2 days per week at the Pasadena-Sierra Madre YMCA
• Must have reliable transportation
• This position requires non-traditional hours, including nights, weekends, and overnights (e.g., overnight camp experiences)

Onboarding Support: To support a smooth onboarding process, the YMCA provides paid CPR/First Aid certification training, to be completed within 60 days of hire.

Apply today and help support fire-impacted families in Pasadena and Altadena through meaningful teen-focused programs, services, and community initiatives.

As part of our dedication to the diversity of our staff, the Association is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity without regard for race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. People of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment. Hired candidates are screened through the YMCA by the FBI and California Department of Justice; these government agencies make the final determination as to whether or not a candidate is eligible to work with minor children in this role.

• This position requires the final candidate to successfully pass an E-Verify check. For more information about E-Verify, please visit -