What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Youth Programs position at USA Track & Field?
BASIC FUNCTION: The Director of Youth Programs is responsible for leading, managing, and growing all youth initiatives within USA Track & Field. This position oversees national youth championships and programming and works in close collaboration with the USATF Youth Division. The role focuses on competition management, youth development planning, operational excellence, and maintaining Safe Sport and regulatory compliance for all youth activities.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Youth Championships and Competition Management ·
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Youth Championships and Competition Management ·
- Oversee the planning, administration, and execution of all USATF national youth championships, including Youth Indoors, Youth Outdoors, Junior Olympic, Cross- Country, and U20 qualifying events, in alignment with regulations and competition rules.
- Manage the bid and site selection process for youth championship events, including bid documents, site visits, evaluation, and final recommendations.
- Collaborate with Local Organizing Committees (LOCs) to ensure operational success and compliance with all contractual and competitive standards.
- Ensure accurate application of age divisions, qualifying procedures, entry deadlines, entry fees, and competition formats consistent with Youth Committee jurisdiction.
- Approve and manage online content and communications related to youth competitions.
- Collaborate with constituents to align progression phases for the Youth National Championships
- Facilitate and oversee the meet management registration site.
- Complete USATF Youth Zendesk and Customer Service tickets ·
- Order and manage all Youth Championship materials and inventory items.
- Championship Bibs, Awards, Championship Rings, Credentials, Certificates and All-American items ·
- Facilitate the distribution and processing of 300 waiver forms to Youth and Membership Chairs, along with Youth Association transfer requests.
- Attend all Youth Executive Committee (YEC) monthly meetings. .
Youth Development and Strategic Initiatives
- Support the USATF Youth Division in the development and implementation of the Youth Athletics Development Plan, designed to increase participation, expand competitive opportunities, promote physical fitness, and assist athletes in their progression to U20 and elite levels.
- Drive innovative youth programming and competition enhancements that align with the organization’s strategic priorities. · Explore and develop revenue models that support USATF’s strategic initiatives for youth programs
- Contribute to domestic and international youth competition calendar planning in collaboration with the National Office and relevant committees.
- Support the Youth International Staff Selection Subcommittee process for identifying and recommending staff for youth international teams.
Governance, Policy, and Compliance
- Ensure all youth activities comply with USATF Bylaws, Regulations, and Rules of Competition, and Safe Sport standards.
- Coordinate with the Youth Athletics Committee, including USATF Association Youth Chairs and/or Association designees and the Youth Executive Committee to maintain consistent implementation of youth policies and procedures.
- Prepare and manage Youth Department and Youth Committee budgets, ensuring sound financial management.
- Provide regular reporting on youth initiatives and progress in implementing the Youth Athletics Development Plan.
Leadership and Department Oversight
- Supervise Youth Programs staff and allocate resources effectively to support national youth objectives.
- Serve as the primary National Office liaison to Youth Athletics Division leadership.
- Represent USATF Youth programming in internal planning meetings and external partnerships related to youth competition and development.
- Collaborate with constituents to align progression phases for the Youth National Championships.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in sports administration, event management, or youth athletic programming. Experience within the Olympic sports movement preferred.
- Strong knowledge of USATF Youth Competition Rules and Regulations
- Proven ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously with attention to operational detail.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and conflict resolution.
- Demonstrated experience in budget preparation, data analysis, and program planning.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS: ·
- Extensive travel required, including nights and weekends.
- Strong interpersonal communication and presentation skills required.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
