The Youth Connection
The Youth Connection Career Academies (TYCCA) Program Director
Detroit, Michigan•Full-time
About the Job
Position Title: The Youth Connection Career Academies Program Director
Reports To: President/CEO
Date Written/Revised: 7/1/2026
Type: Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY:
Manages the overall development and coordination of The Youth Connection Career Academies and all Academy projects. Works closely with the COO, Health Wellness and Prevention Director, CFO and collaboratively with other core staff to carry out goals and objectives of The Youth Connection.
Why Join The Youth Connection?
- Influence hundreds of young people through innovative career pathways.
- Develop partnerships with employers, schools, government, and community organizations.
Comprehensive Position Description:
The TYCCA Program Director prepares Detroit youth for lifelong success by connecting education, workforce development trainings, paid work experiences, community service, credentials, supportive services, and employer partnerships for our youth that lead to meaningful careers and economic mobility.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Oversees The Youth Connection Career Academies (TYCCA) Division
- Assures contract compliance with all funders that support TYCCA. Including program and budget requirements:
- Detroit Employment Solutions Corporations (DESC).
- Grow Detroit Young Talent (GDYT).
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Summer employment.
- Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF).
- Coordinate and monitor activities of TYCCA and summer work experiences.
- Collaborate with Communications department to implement communication and recruitment campaigns.
- Identify and recruit Executive level partners and secure commitments.
- Assist in identifying funding sources and assist in development of budget and grant proposals.
- Work with youth and a variety of individuals and organizations that represent the diverse communities of metropolitan Detroit.
- Oversee the strategic direction of TYCCA and create opportunities for expansion.
Contract Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with WIOA/DESC and other program policies.
- Oversee eligibility, ISS development, documentation, monitoring, and audits.
- Ensure timely reporting and corrective actions.
- Meet enrollment, credential, employment, measurable skills gain, and retention targets.
- Use dashboards and CQI to improve outcomes.
- Develop employer partnerships, internships, apprenticeships, work experiences, and job placements.
Supervision:
Supervise TYCCA, Job Developer, Data Entry and Intake Staff, interns, and clerical support and other staff as assigned.
SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS:
In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position is required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function determined by the particular requirements of the company and availability.
- Assist with agency wide conferences, meetings and events.
- Attend staff and board meetings as required.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Ability to work flexible hours.
- Ability to attend meetings/functions.
- Ability to travel both locally and nationally.
SPECIFIC JOBS KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:
- Knowledge and experience with WIOA and DESC Workforce Development programming and services.
- Excellent word-processing skills; experience with related software programs including but not limited to Microsoft office, Word, Excel Internet, teams, e-mail, zoom.
- Knowledge and/or experience in community organizing and/or other community-based work.
- Must be able to work effectively in a team as well as independently.
- Strong organizational, case Management, and supervisory skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with a variety of individuals and organizations that represent the diverse communities the Youth Connection serves.
- Innovative and creative problem solver.
- Must represent The Youth Connection with integrity and professionalism.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:
Education:
- Master’s Degree or equivalent experience in health and human service-related disciplines, or business administration/management with relevant experience
Experience:
- Two or more years of experience implementing WIOA, Workforce Development or DESC programming.
- Five or more years of program/ project management and staff supervision.
- Familiarity with the population TYC serves with a special focus on youth 14-24 and out of school youth.
Licenses or certificates:
- Valid unrestricted Michigan Driver’s License. Must have reliable transportation with proof of auto insurance.
- Licensed in Human Services Disciplines/profession desired.
About The Youth Connection
The Youth Connection is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Southeast Michigan connecting youth to a brighter future. We are committed to providing high-quality youth programs, advocacy and supportive services.