Youth & Teen Program Director (Temporary/Multiple Vacancies)
Join the Arlington Parks & Recreation Team: Empower Teens and Make an Impact!
Are you passionate about youth development and creating engaging experiences for teens? Arlington Parks & Recreation is seeking multiple temporary energetic and organized Youth & Teen Program Directors to lead dynamic programs that inspire, support, and empower young people.
The Program Director will serve as the on-site leader for DPR’s teen after-school program, special events, school break camps, summer camps, and community outreach efforts. This role oversees daily operations, develops engaging and age-appropriate programming, supervises staff, ensures compliance with safety and operational standards, and builds positive relationships with families, schools, and community partners—all while advancing DPR’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and youth development.
Specific Duties Include:
Oversee daily operations of the teen after-school program, supervising 3–6 staff and ensuring quality participant engagement;
Plan, schedule, and implement engaging teen programs, special events, school break camps, and outreach activities;
Develop program calendars, coordinate activities, and ensure program objectives are met;
Lead staff meetings, conduct evaluations, and provide coaching to support professional growth and performance;
Maintain a visible presence during program hours, supporting staff, leading activities, and ensuring safety standards are followed;
Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment that promotes positive youth development and respects individual differences;
Monitor participant attendance, registration, program outcomes, and budget expenditures;
Coordinate the timely procurement, transportation, and organization of program supplies and equipment;
Build positive relationships with participants, families, schools, and community partners while providing excellent customer service; and
Support participants of all abilities, provide personal care as needed (training provided), and perform other related duties as assigned.
Successful candidates will be able to collaborate and communicate with others, can complete tasks, take initiative, and work successfully in a team environment.
- High School Diploma/Equivalent;
- Considerable experience administering recreational programs; and
- Some experience leading or supervising recreational programs.
Substitution: Successful completion of some college coursework from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the experience requirement.
Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:
Working in youth recreation programs in a leadership role;
Working with individuals with disabilities;
Working with diverse populations; and/or
Evaluating and coaching staff.
Special Requirements:
If selected, staff will be required to:
A complete application will include an attached resume which highlights how your background and experience align with the qualifications for this position
Possess a driver’s license and driving history record check. Must travel between multiple program sites throughout the day and transport program supplies, equipment, and materials support daily operations.
Successfully complete a criminal background check.
Must possess First Aid/CPR/AED Certifications, or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire.
Provide professional references.
Attend all training, wear a uniform, and the ability to lift up to 25lbs and stand for prolonged periods of time during the work shift.
Provide personal care as needed to participants (training provided).
Arlington County requires all employees to have a bank account to accept direct payroll deposits.
Additional Information
Work Hours: Part-time, but could work up to 40 hours per week, Monday–Saturday. During the school year (September–June), after-school program hours are typically 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., Monday–Friday.
Additional hours may include Arlington Public Schools early-release days (1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.), school break camps (8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.), and occasional Friday and Saturday evening programs (6:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m.).
The official job title is Recreation Assistant IV.
For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.
Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Click here to learn more about our commitment.
Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
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