Program Coordinator

Program Coordinator - Mary & Frances Youth Center

• 907 Floyd Avenue, VCU Main Campus, Virginia, United States, 23284

• Community Engagement and Outreach

• Staff

• Community Engagement and Impact MBU

Unit: Community Engagement and Impact MBU

Department: Mary and Frances Youth Center

Department Summary: At the Mary and Frances Youth Center, we believe in the power of young people to shape a stronger, more connected community. Located on VCU's Monroe Park Campus, the Youth Center serves as a hub for youth programming, partnership, and leadership development in the Richmond region.

Nestled within VCU's Division of Community Engagement, the Mary and Frances Youth Center is home to two private tennis courts and dedicated classrooms tailored for youth programming and educational training workshops for youth educators.

Through meaningful collaborations and evidence-based practices, we provide opportunities that equip youth with the skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Mary and Frances Youth Center (MFYC) represents a fundamental aspect of Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) commitment to positive youth development, community engagement, and partnerships with youth development organizations. As a central component of VCU's Division of Community Engagement within the Office of the Provost, the MFYC is a critical place-based asset focused on youth development. The MFYC embraces the utilization of various sports and movement activities as vehicles for fostering holistic youth development. We are seeking a Program Coordinator who can support and enhance our existing programs for youth, adults that work with youth, and the community while also designing and implementing new initiatives that align with our vision, particularly in connection to Restorative Youth Sports practices and theories.

We are seeking a Program Coordinator who will play a vital role in transforming the MFYC into a vibrant and inclusive hub that benefits youth, families, community partners, VCU students, and faculty alike. With a focus on innovative, sports-based programs that strengthen life skills, the MFYC offers a unique opportunity to serve as a valuable partner in promoting positive youth development and academic connectivity.

The Program Coordinator will collaborate directly with community partners, youth, families, university students and faculty to create a thriving environment that harnesses the restorative power of sports and movement for positive youth development. While tennis holds significance in our programming, it is not the sole focus. Additionally, being located within VCU's campus provides a unique opportunity for the MFYC to serve as an educational programming pipeline that ensures pathways for the academic trajectory of youth. The ideal candidate will have the ability to develop programming that not only opens doors for youth but also provides exceptional learning and experiential opportunities for VCU students as well as promote and support research activities for faculty.

The ideal program coordinator enjoys working with youth, values structured and intentional programming, has a strong interest in mentoring students, and understands the need for clear program goals and measurable outcomes. This person has strong administrative skills and recognizes the importance of connecting sports based activities with youth development and expanded academic learning opportunities.

The Program Coordinator will report directly to the Executive Director of the MFYC. This position holds significant responsibility in shaping the MFYC's impact and contributing to VCU's commitment to positive youth development and community engagement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree, with preference in Education, Public Administration, or Sport Leadership or equivalent experience
• K-12 Experience: Experience working with K-12 students in Richmond, VA, (or similar community profile) either during the school day or in an afterschool setting.
• Curriculum development and assessment of youth programs.
• Summer Camp Experience: Experience coordinating and working in summer camps focused on working with youth from urban and rural neighborhoods
• Knowledge of Youth Development: Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of best practices in positive youth development specifically focusing on youth and young adults.
• Sports-Based Activities: Experience using sports-based or movement activities to promote youth development and healthy living.
• Program Development and Management: Track record in developing and managing youth programs, including experience with STEM initiatives.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Proven leadership abilities, including the ability to work collaboratively, lead, train, and manage student staff while fostering a positive work environment.
• Strong Administrative Skills: Proficiency in the utilization of the Google Suite, registration systems management, and other technologies needed to support the needs of the Mary and Frances Youth Center.
• Coordinating workshops and training opportunities for youth development professionals, utilizing the RichmondYDN calendar and program offerings.
• Valid VA Driver's License and willingness to drive a VCU 12 passenger vehicle to transport youth.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree (or higher) in Education, Public Administration, Social Work or Sport Leadership
• Certification: USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) or PTR (Professional Tennis Registry) certified or willing to become certified.
• Advisory boards: Experience working with advisory boards.
• Event Planning and Coordination: Proficiency in planning and executing large-scale community events for youth and families, including the ability to manage logistics, secure necessary resources, and ensure a positive experience for attendees.
• Experience in participating in or developing youth mentoring programs.
• Marketing and Communication: Strong skills in marketing and communication to effectively promote programs to engage stakeholders.
• Community Partnerships: Demonstrated ability to build and nurture community partnerships.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including parents, community leaders, and university faculty, staff, and students.

Preferred Application Deadline: January 5, 2026

Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be reviewed.

In your cover letter, we kindly request that you specifically address the following aspects:

• Youth program development

• Experience with developing structured programming and community engagement.

• Alignment with qualifications: Clearly articulate how your background, skills, and experiences align with the qualifications outlined in the job description.

We value your insights into how your unique qualifications and experiences make you an exceptional candidate for the Program Coordinator role at the Mary and Frances Youth Center.

VCU is closed for winter break through January 4, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning January 5, 2026.

Salary Range: Up to $60,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 1411B - Coordinator CE Base

Salary : $60,000