Senior Director of Youth Development at Boys & Girls… · Topeka

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.

Knowledge / Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree in youth development, education, social work, human services, nonprofit leadership, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.

• Five or more years of progressive youth development or related program experience preferred, including demonstrated experience leading and developing teams.

• Strong knowledge of positive youth development, program design, trauma-informed and inclusive practices, staff training, and continuous quality improvement.

• Ability to analyze youth outcome and program-quality data, prioritize initiatives, manage budgets and resources, and communicate results clearly.

• Demonstrated judgment, integrity, collaboration, conflict resolution, and ability to lead change across multiple teams and sites.

• Must meet applicable BGCT screening, safety, professional development, and vehicle-use requirements when relevant.

Core Leadership Competencies

Plans & Aligns; Develops Talent; Ensures Accountability; Drives Results; Directs Work; Decision Quality; Resourcefulness; Communicates Effectively; Collaborates; and Manages Conflict. Demonstrates these competencies through clear expectations, staff coaching, sound decisions, productive partnerships, and consistent follow-through.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Work includes office-based planning, visits to multiple Club locations, observation and participation in youth activities, facilitation of training, and occasional evening or special-event commitments. Requires sustained attention, communication, problem-solving, and ability to move through active program environments. Reasonable accommodations may be provided in accordance with applicable law.

General BGCT Expectations

• Healthy Behavior Modeling: Models healthy choices and positive behavior when interacting with members.

• Inclusive Environment: Creates equitable, welcoming opportunities for youth and teens of all abilities and backgrounds.

• Continuous Learning: Engages in ongoing professional development and builds the capacity of others.

• Safe Spaces: Shares responsibility for preventing abuse and maintaining safe physical and emotionally supportive Club environments.

Disclaimer

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not intended as a comprehensive inventory of every duty, qualification, or responsibility assigned to the position.