Senior Director of Youth Development

Primary Function

The Senior Director of Youth Development leads BGCT’s youth development program strategy, quality, and professional learning across Club locations, ensuring meaningful, age-appropriate experiences for youth ages 5–18. The position provides direction, coaching, and accountability for Program Directors, Program Coordinators, Program Experts, and the professional training team.

As an impact partner to the Senior Director of Club Leadership and Teen Center Director, this leader translates BGCT’s mission and BGCA’s Formula for Impact into practical, high-quality programming and measurable youth outcomes. The position leads the content and continuous improvement of four priority areas: Health & Wellbeing, Character & Leadership, Academic Success, and Life & Workforce Readiness. Club site leaders retain responsibility for daily site operations and direct site staffing.

Key Roles (Essential Job Responsibilities)

Program Strategy & Four Priority Outcome Areas

• Program direction: Lead consistent, developmentally appropriate programming across the four priority outcome areas for elementary, middle-school, and teen members.

• Curriculum and resources: Guide selection, adaptation, implementation, and evaluation of research-informed curricula, BGCA programs, and relevant community resources.

• Youth voice and access: Ensure programming reflects member interests, diverse abilities, family needs, youth choice, and age-appropriate pathways toward positive outcomes.

High-Quality Club Experience & Continuous Improvement

• Quality standards: Champion safe, inclusive environments, meaningful programs and experiences, and supportive relationships consistent with BGCA’s Formula for Impact.

• Assess, plan, improve: Lead program-quality assessments, staff observations, youth and family feedback, improvement plans, and follow-up coaching in partnership with Club leadership.

• Youth outcomes: Establish practical outcome measures, review participation and impact data, evaluate effectiveness, and communicate strengths, gaps, and recommended adjustments.

People Leadership, Training & Professional Development

• Team leadership: Supervise and develop Program Directors, Program Coordinators, Program Experts, and the professional training team; set clear priorities, work plans, performance expectations, and accountability.

• Training strategy: Develop and coordinate onboarding reinforcement, ongoing youth development training, coaching, and competency-building for program professionals and site leaders.

• Training effectiveness: Maintain a professional learning calendar and evaluate application of training in Club practice, including certified trainer activity and identified development needs.

Cross-Functional Partnership & Implementation

• Operational alignment: Work in close partnership with the Senior Director of Club Leadership and Teen Center Director to align program design with staffing, schedules, member safety, space, school partnerships, and operational capacity.

• Collaborative problem-solving: Provide consultative support to Site and Unit Directors, using observations and feedback to address barriers without duplicating daily operational authority.

• External partnerships: Cultivate schools, community partners, and subject-matter experts that strengthen programming and expand opportunities for members.

Safety, Stewardship & Organizational Accountability

• Child and Club safety: Embed BGCT safety policies, active supervision, positive behavior support, trauma-informed approaches, and applicable program and licensing requirements into curriculum, training, and program implementation.

• Resource stewardship: Support program budgets, supplies, grant deliverables, program documentation, and responsible allocation of resources in coordination with relevant departments.

• Reporting and improvement: Provide timely progress reports, actionable recommendations, and updates to the VP of Program Management & Quality Assurance; support organizational improvement priorities.

Additional Responsibilities

Participates in organizational planning, special initiatives, and professional development; performs related duties as assigned by the VP of Program Management & Quality Assurance.