Youth Development Coordinator

Location: Community YMCA (2269 Gottingen St)

Program: Community YMCA

Position Status: Full Time Term (8 weeks, evenings and weekends)

Compensation: $18.00 per hour, 35 hours a week

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.

With us at their side, they can shine on.

Compensation & Benefits

As part of your total compensation:

• Receive a complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
• Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home
• Discounts on YMCA childcare and camp programs

About the Role

The Community Y is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Youth Development Coordinator to lead our Junior Leadership Program and help develop the next generation of confident, capable young leaders.

Rooted in the values of arts, recreation, culture, and community-based programming, this role designs and delivers leadership experiences that build communication, teamwork, responsibility, creativity, and practical job skills.

The coordinator will mentor youth as they take on leadership roles across Y programs, including drop-in sports, arts and culture activities, and community-based initiatives in local parks and neighbourhood spaces, while collaborating closely with the program team to ensure opportunities remain inclusive, engaging, and reflective of the diverse spirit of our community.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about youth development, mentorship, and creating meaningful opportunities that empower young people to grow, lead, and contribute to a thriving community.

In this Role, You Will:

• Plan, organize, and deliver the Junior Leadership Program, providing youth with opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, communication, and job-readiness skills
• Design, implement, and evaluate leadership experiences rooted in arts, recreation, culture, and community engagement
• Mentor youth as they take on leadership roles within YMCA programs, including assisting with drop-in sports, arts and culture activities, special events, and community-based initiatives in local parks and neighbourhood spaces
• Recruit, train, and support youth participants, fostering confidence, skill development, and accountability
• Collaborate with the broader program team to ensure leadership opportunities are inclusive, engaging, and responsive to community needs
• Facilitate workshops, team-building exercises, and experiential learning activities that promote problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration
• Support the planning and delivery of special events, outreach initiatives, and seasonal programs that engage youth and the wider community
• Track program outcomes, gather feedback from participants, and provide regular reporting to supervisors on program impact and opportunities for improvement
• Ensure a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all youth participants, adhering to YMCA policies and procedures
• Staff acknowledge members who are waiting for service, ask questions to determine what they need and provide support however they can
• Staff always watch for members who appear to need assistance and proactively offer help
• Staff follow the 5/10 rule: within 10 feet acknowledge with eye contact and a nod or smile; within 5 feet offer a verbal greeting
• Staff keep workspaces clean, safe, and organized and complete cleaning checklists daily
• Ensure program spaces are tidy and equipment is returned properly
• Clean and tidy common areas as needed and report unresolved issues
• Ensure community rooms are left clean after use
• Other duties as required

Education & Skills Qualifications

• Knowledge in teaching or leadership in one or more of: Children’s Programming, Running Events, Special Events, Recreation, or Sports
• Post-secondary enrollment considered an asset (Education, Recreation, Kinesiology, Community Development, or related field)
• Experience working with children and families in outdoor recreational or community event settings
• Event coordination or lesson planning experience an asset
• Community networking skills or related experience
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Strong attention to detail
• Reliable transportation for community travel
• Flexibility for occasional non-standard hours
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• First Aid & CPR certification required

To Apply

Please apply online at: https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/ by May 18, 2026

Required Documentation

Successful candidates must provide:

• Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older
• Completion of Child Safeguarding Training upon hire
• Valid First Aid & CPR certification

Background checks are reviewed individually and may not automatically disqualify candidates.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, ethnic minorities, faith groups, newcomers, and veterans.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made.