Youth Programs Manager

Groundwork Hudson Valley is a 501c3 non-profit organization committed to “changing places and changing lives” in the lower Hudson Valley. Our mission is to create sustainable environmental change in urban neighborhoods through community-based partnerships that promote equity, youth leadership, and economic opportunity. Program areas include climate resilience, sustainability education, and youth leadership development. Groundwork partners with neighborhood residents, private and non-profit partners, local businesses and government officials to identify environmental improvements that will advance equitable, healthy, vibrant communities and empower the next generation of community leaders.  Groundwork Hudson Valley’s nationally acclaimed youth program, the Green Team, encourages outdoor activity, environmental stewardship, youth leadership, and neighborhood restoration.

Job Summary

The Youth Programs Manager is a full-time position responsible for working with staff, partner organizations, and sub-contractors to coordinate all aspects of Groundwork’s youth programs. Our programs focus on developing leadership skills, fostering group dynamics, and nurturing a variety of environmental skillsets to cultivate the community leaders of tomorrow. The Youth Programs Manager will also be responsible for connecting youth and stewardship activities to other Groundwork programs, including Community Adaptation and Sustainability Education.  In this capacity, the Youth Programs Manager will work closely with all Groundwork staff. The Youth Programs Manager will also work closely with the Executive Director to grow our existing programs, including the development and oversight of a new alumni relations initiative, and supporting the development of a workforce program for young adults.  

Responsibilities include:

• Day-to-day oversight of all Youth Program activities including, but not limited to:
  • Managing fieldwork and conservation projects;
  • Overseeing all youth program logistics;
  • Overseeing the recruitment, hiring, training, supervision and recognition of the 30 high school-aged Green Team members;
  • Ensuring compliance with youth labor laws and safety regulations;
  • Budgeting and financial management;
  • Evaluation and reporting.
• Managing the Youth Programs Associate and seasonal Youth Crew Leaders;
• Creating and maintaining positive relationships with partner organizations such as Groundwork USA, the National Park Service, Yonkers Public Schools, the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and others;
• Representing Groundwork Hudson Valley at key community events, leading activities to engage public audiences and empowering youth to take a leadership role in the organization of these activities;
• Developing and overseeing the youth alumni network;
• Other responsibilities as required.

Required Qualifications

The Youth Programs Manager will exhibit three key competencies:

• Understanding of youth development best practices and experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities, adjust and modify plans in response to organizational priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work well independently.

Additionally, they will have strong oral and written communications skills, be proficient in the basic use of the Microsoft Suite, have a valid driver’s license, and have a demonstrated passion for the guiding values and mission of Groundwork, including a commitment to environmental equity and justice. The Youth Programs Manager must have a bachelor’s degree, staff, and demonstrated program management experience in the field of positive youth development in an outdoor field-work setting. This job requires some travel, especially during the spring and summer, and requires the ability to work Saturdays during the spring/early summer and fall, on occasional evenings, and overnights in summer for camping trips.

Preference will be given to those with:

• Spanish language proficiency;
• A clean driving record, with experience driving 12 to 15 passenger vans preferred;
• First Aid/CPR certification;

Knowledge of Yonkers communities