Executive Director, Mary And Francis Youth Center

The Mary and Frances Youth Center represents a core component of VCU’s commitment to positive youth development and community engagement and partnership with youth development organizations. The Executive Director of the Mary and Frances Youth Center will play a critical role in transforming the center into a bustling hub and inclusive space that benefits youth, community partners, as well as VCU students and faculty. The focus on sports-based activities, including tennis, provides the center with a unique platform to become a valuable partner in promoting positive youth development and academic connectivity through sports-based activities to support youth development and transform trajectories towards a positive and successful future.
The position requires experience in managing youth development programming and the ability to work collaboratively with community partners. We are seeking a candidate who is passionate about the potential of using sports-based and movement activities to transform youth outcomes. As the Executive Director of the Mary and Frances Youth Center, your main responsibility will be to create and develop innovative programming that can serve as a model for integrating VCU student learning while prioritizing positive youth development. Additionally, you will be responsible for supporting the work of youth organizations by providing a safe, positive, vibrant, and active space to promote youth development through sports-based activities. The ideal candidate should have the ability to envision and implement the strong potential of the Mary and Frances Youth Center as a formidable change agent that promotes positive youth development.
The Executive Director will also serve as a thought leader and resource on integrating positive youth development best practice models for VCU faculty, staff, youth, and community partners in the City of Richmond. The position requires a Ph.D. or other terminal degree, expertise in using sports as an instrument for youth development, experience with K-12 teaching, community-engaged service experiences focusing on learning and youth development through movement and activity, and fundraising experience. The position will report to the Division of Community Engagement within the Office of the Provost at VCU.
Responsibilities:

• Lead development plans to provide adequate funding for Mary and Frances Youth Center programs, including grants, donor development, program fees, and special events
• Serve as the building manager for the Mary and Frances Youth Center with all related responsibilities, including security, maintenance, and renovations
• Develop and implement a strategic plan for the Mary and Frances Youth Center and programs
• Create and coordinate special events for youth, families, and prospective donors
• Manage all activities within the Mary and Frances Youth Center
• Provide leadership for hiring, supervision, and professional development of Center staff, including youth development workers, student workers, and interns
• Develop and manage budgets, grants, annual reports, and evaluations for all programs
• Collaborate with K-12 schools and teachers to create programming that supports positive youth development and academic success
• Establish, support, and co-lead the Mary and Frances Youth Center Advisory Council
• Build capacity with community partners to support youth development through sports-based activities
• Collaborate with VCU departments to link university resources to programs offered at the Center
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners, local businesses, and other organizations to support the center's growth and sustainability.
• Develop a comprehensive fundraising plan to accommodate and support the MFYC vision and mission.
• Create an educational pipeline programming that ensures pathways for academic trajectory for youth from underserved and underrepresented communities
• Participate in Community Engagement Leadership Team and contribute to the overall mission and goals of Community Engagement
• Direct and coordinate all aspects of the Lobs & Lessons afterschool, summer and other programs
• Coordinate the volunteer program, including recruitment (campus and community), training, supervision, and recognition, partnering with faculty from diverse disciplines
• Develop authentic communications with donors and potential donors.
• Market programs and special events of the Mary and Frances Youth Center through various communication channels
• Serve as a thought leader and resource on integrating positive youth development best practice models

Qualifications:

• PhD or other terminal degree in a relevant field such as sports management, youth development, education, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
• Demonstrated expertise in using sports as an instrument for youth development, as evidenced by scholarship outputs and community service initiatives.
• Passion for working with young people and making a positive difference
• Experience with K-12 teaching and creating programming that supports positive youth development and academic success.
• At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role managing programming or initiatives impacting youth development.
• Experience in budget management and resource allocation to ensure efficient operations and effective programming.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising and building relationships with donors
• Strong background working in an academic environment with students and faculty
• Strong communication and marketing skills to effectively communicate the value proposition of the center's programs to stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience working in youth development impacting under resourced and underserved communities
• Ability to work collaboratively with community partners, local businesses, and other organizations to generate additional revenue streams and support the center's growth.

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s generous benefits package that includes: competitive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, Virginia Retirement System (VRS), professional development, tuition waiver, parental leave, caregiving leave and community service leave. Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/
Department: Community Engagement
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Exempt
University Job Family: Community Engagement
University Title: Sr. Administrator
ORP Eligibility : Yes
Salary Range: 90,000 - 120,000