Director Teen Innovation and Exploration - Full Time

Greater Philadelphia YMCA Employment Opportunity!

The Director of Teen Innovation & Exploration provides strategic, operational, and relational leadership for teen-centered initiatives focused on digital media, creativity, and emerging technologies. They are responsible for maintaining operational readiness of the space and, under the direction of the VP of NextGen Leadership, engaging funders, internal stakeholders, and partners to support program implementation and sustainability. Working closely with program facilitators and program partners, the Director delivers hands-on learning experiences that expose teens to fields such as media production, coding, digital design, 3D printing, film, and artificial intelligence. They also lead efforts in certification pathways, mentorship, and community partnerships while fostering a safe, culturally responsive environment that supports socio-emotional learning and empowers teens to thrive personally and creatively.

Some rewards for joining our team:

• Free YMCA gym membership. 
• Flexible work schedule available.
• Discounted YMCA programs after meeting the eligibility requirements.
• Eligible for a 12% company contribution to the YMCA Retirement Fund after meeting the requirements.
• Employee referral bonus program.
• Opportunities for continuing education and professional training and development. 
• Fun, collaborative, and mission driven environment.

What is needed for this job:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, youth development, information technology, design/media arts, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience working directly with youth, especially in underserved or urban communities.
• 2+ years in a leadership or supervisory role managing staff, programs, or collaborative partnerships.
• Background in technology and creative digital media, including proficiency photography, film and live production, music and audio production, graphic, fashion and industrial design disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, engage community stakeholders, and work across diverse teams.
• Experience facilitating group work with teens in an informal learning environment.
• Demonstrated ability to foster inclusive, trauma-informed, and culturally relevant learning environments.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with youth, families, and partners.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple cohorts and project timelines.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Passion for working with emerging technologies and a strong commitment to supporting youth from a range of socio-economic backgrounds.
• Proven ability to build bridges and maintain partnerships across nonprofit, educational, and corporate sectors.
• Background check and all required clearances upon conditional offer.

The responsibilities we will trust you with:

• Manage the daily operations of the program space, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and creative environment that aligns with the program’s mission and learning approach.
• Support grant compliance, documentation, and communication responsibilities in alignment with established program and funding requirements, under the direction of senior leadership.
• Hire, onboard, and supervise staff, interns, volunteers, and alumni mentors; provide training, coaching, and performance management.
• Recruit and retain teen participants from varying socio-economic backgrounds.
• Foster an emotionally supportive space where teens are encouraged to explore technology, express creativity, and build future-ready skills.
• Mentor teens as they complete projects and pursue certification opportunities through partners such as Cisco Networking Academy, Skillshare, and LinkedIn Learning.
• Cultivate partnerships with community organizations and tech professionals to support project-based workshops and special programming.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory system; ensure timely software updates and functionality of all technology in collaboration with IT.
• Plan and lead engaging events that highlight youth creativity and career exploration, including industry discussions, public showcases, and a yearly celebration of student work.
• Collaborate with internal YMCA departments to connect teens to broader youth development resources across the Association.
• Attend required meetings and conferences organized by program affiliates and supporting networks
• Track and manage program data, attendance, and impact using YMCA-approved systems.
• Oversee supply and equipment purchases, ensuring alignment with budget and grant guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you can expect:

• Support from an amazing team

• Opportunities to learn & grow

• Being a part of a non-profit organization that works to make the community stronger

After reading this, if you're thinking this is great- we want to meet you!

Get the ball rolling with our quick, 3-minute online application.

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. The Y considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or other protected classification and in accordance with applicable laws.