Youth Program Coordinator

Who We Are

Youth Enrichment Services Inc. (YES) is a $1.8M non-profit corporation headquartered in Boston. YES’s mission is to inspire youth through outdoor experiences and leadership opportunities that build confidence and prepare them to summit life’s challenges. Founded in 1968, YES provides opportunities to develop confidence and leadership skills, as well as preparing for college and career opportunities through participation in outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, biking, and track & field. Over 1,200 youths ages 7-18, participate in year-round programs: Operation Snowsports, Outdoor Adventure, and YES Academy with 150 adult volunteers to support the programs each year. Go to www.yeskids.org for more information about YES.

Position Overview

This is a position for a highly enthusiastic, energized, safety-conscious adult who is well organized, understands sports-based youth development, and has strong interpersonal skills. This is a year-round, full-time, in-person position requiring evening and weekend hours. Activities include swimming, hiking, biking, indoor rock climbing, canoeing and kayaking.

Summer Season Availability: Must be available Monday – Friday from June 3rd to August 23rd. All mandatory training and certifications must be completed as early as May.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead or co-lead YES programs for youth in 2nd – 8th grade, including day camp activities in Boston and overnights in the Berkshires over the summer, year-round Track & Field, biking, and Operation SnowSports
• Develop and lead a structured program day that includes welcomes & introductions, travel to the activity destination, safety talks, games, team builders and reflection activities
• Implement best-practices in youth development and group & behavior management support
• Create a safe and welcoming environment for youth to try new activities and build confidence, including biking, hiking, paddle sports, swimming, rock climbing, etc.
• Perform outreach, assist with applications, and implement activity curriculums for YES Kids and strategic partner programs
• Assist with administrative tasks such as taking and entering attendance, creating attendance and sign-in sheets, and creating and reviewing emergency contact sheets for trips
• Assist in maintaining program inventory
• Prepare and reset space for each program day
• Partner with community stakeholders (City, DCR, non-profit organizations, businesses, etc.) that will provide opportunities and support for YES’ programming;
• Communicate with parents and guardians and work with the Outdoor Experiential Learning Manager and Director of Programs & Operations to address any safety concerns
• Build trusting relationships, ensure the safety of participants, and engage youth and staff
• Supervise and role model for both adult and teen staff working in the field
• Follow all DPH State regulations and YES Policies and procedures and complete required staff trainings
• Provide first aid and administer approved medications as authorized by the Health Care Consultant (summer)
• Assist in the YES Rental Shop with equipment maintenance, shop duties, fittings, and volunteer nights

Requirements

• A minimum of 2 years of experience leading or volunteering with youth programs in an outdoor, camp, school, or similar setting including but not limited to the following activities: biking, hiking, paddle sports, rock climbing, etc.
• Ability to work cooperatively and interact with a diverse population including adult and youth staff, youth participants, volunteers, parents, and partners
• Knowledge of child development and group management techniques
• Ability to ride a bicycle, and commitment to learning rock climbing belay technique required
• Strong swimmer with the ability to complete a lifeguard certification course
• Ability to work outdoors, for extended periods in all weather and ability to lift 25 lbs
• Must be 21 years of age with a valid Driver’s License; and willingness to drive a 12-passenger van
• Ability to obtain DPH State Summer Camp Director Certification as needed
• CPR/First Aid required (training will be provided)
• CORI-SORI Background check will be administered

Other Experience Preferred:

• Experience supervising teen staff
• Certification in rock climbing or paddle sports

The above job description and qualifications are not meant to be all-inclusive. Additional responsibilities and qualifications may be added at any time by the employee’s direct supervisor, the Director of Programs and Operations, or Executive Director.

YES strongly desires to attract a broad and diverse pool of candidates to apply, particularly candidates of color, female candidates, and/or candidates who represent the communities YES serves.

This is a full-time, in-person, salaried position. The majority of responsibilities of this position require physical activity outdoors. Applications will be accepted throughout April 2025 or until the position is filled. Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to Kamilah Rowe, Outdoor Experiential Learning Manager, at krowe@yeskids.org and include “Application for Youth Program Coordinator” in the subject.