Youth Development Coordinator

ABOUT SOLAR YOUTH Solar Youth, Inc. is a New Haven-based nonprofit dedicated to youth development and environmental education. Our mission is to empower youth from New Haven’s under-resourced neighborhoods to achieve lifelong success—nothing less!

Many of the young people we serve face significant challenges, with limited access to positive role models and meaningful opportunities. At Solar Youth, we strive to be a consistent and supportive presence, building long-term relationships that begin as early as age 4 and continue through high school.

Through our neighborhood-based programs, youth explore their environment, develop skills and confidence as agents of positive change, and teach others what they have learned—a model we call Kids Explore! Kids Do! Kids Teach! We emphasize thoughtful decision-making, personal responsibility, and FUN, while helping youth cultivate the skills and motivation to become engaged members of their communities, build healthy relationships, develop both physical and mental well-being, and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

At the heart of our work are five core elements, which connect youth to nature, their communities, and each other: Environmental Exploration, fostering a deep appreciation for the world around them; Youth-Led Problem Solving, encouraging leadership and critical thinking; Nonviolent Communication, promoting empathy, conflict resolution, and strong relationships; and Mindfulness Practice, instilling self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Learn more at solaryouth.org.

SOLAR YOUTH CAMP Solar Youth’s Camp is a five-week summer program designed to provide up to 100 youth with opportunities to explore their local environment, develop essential life skills, and build confidence as community leaders. Open to youth ages 5 to 13 at no cost to families, our camp nurtures a deep connection to nature, personal growth, and overall well-being.

Throughout the program, youth engage in hands-on environmental exploration, learning about New Haven’s diverse ecology and urban infrastructure while gaining a broader understanding of conservation and sustainability. Camp activities include active games, arts and crafts, team-building exercises, outdoor learning experiences, mindfulness practices, literacy support, community service projects, and weekly field trips beyond their neighborhoods.

By fostering curiosity, leadership, and joy, Solar Youth’s Camp empowers youth to see themselves as stewards of their environment and agents of positive change.

THE POSITION Solar Youth is seeking passionate, skilled, and mission-aligned Youth Development Coordinators to join our Summer Camp team. We are looking for individuals who bring both the heart for youth development and the leadership skills to effectively support young people—especially those facing significant life challenges. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic, solutions-oriented, and joyful team players who see setbacks as opportunities for growth and who thrive in dynamic, outdoor, youth-centered environments.

Coordinators will lead a cohort of up to 25 youth (ages 5–13), supervise Camp Educators, and mentor high school Youth Educator Interns. They are responsible for cultivating a joyful, safe, and empowering environment rooted in Solar Youth’s core values: Environmental Exploration, Youth-Led Problem Solving, Nonviolent Communication, and Mindfulness Practice.

This role is a vital part of Solar Youth’s Cycle of Stewardship—a model that supports youth through long-term, developmental relationships with caring adults. As youth participate in programs over time, they build critical assets and grow into stewards of their own communities. This cycle is supported by three pillars: Programs, Presence, and Partners, which together provide consistent and transformative opportunities for youth to explore, lead, and thrive.

This is a seasonal summer position with the potential for full-time academic year employment, based on performance and organizational needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership (60%)

• Serve as the lead educator for a cohort of up to 25 youth, with age groups typically ranging from 5–7, 8–10, or 11–13 (groupings may vary based on enrollment)
• Implement and adapt lesson plans aligned with camp themes (STEM, nature, mindfulness, etc.)
• Ensure Camp Educators are following daily schedules and are prepared to lead high-quality, hands-on activities
• Facilitate outdoor games, team-building exercises, and community service action projects (C-SAPS)
• Infuse joyful energy, creativity, and curiosity into programming every day
• Promote safety, youth voice, and inclusive group culture

Staff & Intern Support (20%)

• Mentor and supervise Youth Educator Interns, ensuring they are actively engaged and supported in their roles
• Coach and guide Camp Educators to uphold camp standards, manage group dynamics, and model professional behavior
• Step in with hands-on support during transitions, behavioral challenges, or high-energy activities

Data, Storytelling & Communication (20%)

• Maintain weekly program records and youth attendance using Salesforce
• Document camp highlights by uploading photos and sharing youth success stories for internal and external communications
• Support reflection and storytelling from youth and staff, elevating meaningful moments that reflect Solar Youth’s mission
• Collaborate with the leadership team to track progress and make adjustments based on real-time needs

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Deep enthusiasm for Solar Youth’s mission and values
• Experience working with youth from under-resourced communities in outdoor or enrichment settings
• Ability to create a joyful, safe, and structured group culture
• Strong interpersonal skills, especially in mentoring teens and supervising peers
• Organized and confident with basic data entry, photo management, and digital storytelling
• Comfort working outdoors in all weather
• Familiarity with nonviolent communication, SEL, or trauma-informed practices preferred
• Experience with urban ecology, environmental justice, or youth leadership programs a plus
• Age 21+ with a valid driver’s license and clean driving record strongly preferred

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Start Date: May 1st or Mid-May (exact date to be determined)
• End Date: Between August 8th-15th
• Location: (IN-PERSON) New Haven, CT
• Pay: $22–$26 per hour, commensurate with experience.
• Job Schedule: SY CAMP dates are June 30th - July 31st . Camp is daily M-TH 8:30AM-3:00PM (subject to change). Fridays are training days for all staff including our Youth Educator Interns. In addition time allotted for administrative duties: such as updating data, shopping for supplies, and 1on1s. There will be 1-2 weeks training at the end of June. Coordinators are expected to work full days, Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Fridays are reserved for additional needs and will be scheduled in advance at the discretion of the Camp Directors.
• Candidates can expect a phone call, zoom, and/or in-person interview.
• Longevity: Interested candidates may be considered for a full-time position for the academic year based on performance and organizational needs.

TO APPLY: go to THIS JOB APPLICATION FORM. You will be asked to upload your resume and cover letter (a one page description of how your values drive your work and why your experiences are a fit for the role).

Please note that we are a small organization and aim to respond to all candidates, but due to the volume of responses may not be able to in a timely manner. If you follow the above directions, you should get an automated email response confirming receipt of your application. If you are selected to move forward in the hiring process, you will be contacted by us directly. NO CALLS PLEASE.

ABOUT SOLAR YOUTH SOLAR YOUTH, INC. is a New Haven-based non-profit, youth development and environmental education organization. Our mission is to empower youth from New Haven’s low income neighborhoods to achieve lifelong success – and nothing less! Through programs that connect youth to the environment, their communities and each other, youth build the skills and motivations necessary to be positive contributors to their community, have healthy relationships, be physically and mentally healthy, and become economically self-sufficient. Solar Youth’s four core program elements are ENVIRONMENTAL EXPLORATION, YOUTH-LED PROBLEM SOLVING, NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION and MINDFULNESS PRACTICE. See solaryouth.org/who-we-are.

Solar Youth is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.