Director of Operations

at  YMCA

Step into the forefront of inspiring young leaders, fostering critical thinking, and nurturing civic engagement!
Job Description
Illinois YMCA Youth & Government is a vibrant statewide organization dedicated to investing in the next generation of leaders! As the Director of Operations, you’ll lead with passion and purpose, orchestrating engaging experiences across the state of Illinois for more than 1000 students. Coordinating Regional and State events, you’ll ignite the spark of civic engagement in young hearts and minds.
As a beacon of inspiration, you’ll foster program excellence and champion inclusive practices that embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Your role is to elevate the Youth & Government experience to unparalleled heights by fostering an environment that supports volunteers and empowers students to become catalysts for positive change. Join us on this thrilling journey to shape a brighter tomorrow, one empowered leader at a time!

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience managing large projects.
• YMCA Team Leader certification preferred.
• One to two years related experience in project management or event planning.
• Previous experience with and or management of youth programming.
• Excellent personal computer skills and experience with project management software.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

Essential Functions
Logistic Leadership & Program Management

In coordination with the Program Board, develop programs to create opportunities for teen achievement and skill development by utilizing Y staff, volunteers, and community resources.

• Oversee the planning, organization and execution of two Regional Conferences in the fall and one State Conferences in Spring
• Secure schools, Y facilities, equipment, and supplies for program activities and events.
• Ensure programs produce identified outcomes of achievement, relationships, and a sense of belonging.
• Conduct regular observations, monitoring, and evaluations of programs and volunteer performance to maintain high standards.
• Promote and incorporate the YMCA core values and character development model into all program activities.
• Oversee Y&G marketing and distribution of program information to staff, members, program participants, and the community.
• Seek opportunities for program development with cost-effectiveness and revenue-generation in mind.

Program Board Engagement

• Work with the Program Board Chair to coordinate meetings and board engagement.
• Provide staff liaison support for Program Board Committees
• Develop working relationships with Program Board members

Fundraising

• 10K in regional event sponsorship
• Support CEO’s efforts to cultivate relationships with community leaders and agencies to develop collaborative programmatic, volunteer, and financial partnerships.

National Conference Coordination & Support

• Recruit, organize and support Illinois Y&G presence at national events, when program budget allows
• Provide chaperone duties

Program Budget Accountability

• Participates in the planning of the annual budget; manages and implements the approved budget for the program and takes appropriate action to correct variances

Coordinate Regional & State Event Deliverables

• Committee packets
• Nametags
• Agendas
• Schedules

Volunteer Management & Recruitment

• Leverage the full potential of our valuable volunteer resources. Oversee volunteer outreach for conference support and program enhancements each year.
• Models relationship-building skills in all interactions; develops and maintains collaborative relationships with staff and community organizations to maximize program impact and drive overall outcomes; maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within the area of responsibility.
• Leads volunteers effectively; recruits volunteer teams; onboards and develops them for success.
• Conduct monthly check-ins with committee chairs and coordinators to ensure progress with organizational goals, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, and discuss development opportunities.

Performs Other Duties as Assigned

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

• Collaboration
• Program/Project Management

• Participates in the planning of the annual budget; manages and implements the approved budget for the program and takes appropriate action to correct variance