Senior Director of Youth Development

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF TOPEKA•Topeka, KS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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 role 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. The position works across multiple Club locations and includes office-based planning, site visits, observation and participation in youth activities, and facilitation of training. Occasional evening or special-event commitments are part of the work. The role requires sustained attention, communication, problem-solving, and the ability to move through active program environments. Reasonable accommodations may be provided in accordance with applicable law.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in youth development, education, social work, human services, nonprofit leadership, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
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.
Demonstrate the listed core leadership competencies: Plans & Aligns; Develops Talent; Ensures Accountability; Drives Results; Directs Work; Decision Quality; Resourcefulness; Communicates Effectively; Collaborates; and Manages Conflict.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Lead consistent, developmentally appropriate programming across the four priority outcome areas for elementary, middle-school, and teen members.
Guide selection, adaptation, implementation, and evaluation of research-informed curricula, BGCA programs, and relevant community resources.
Ensure programming reflects member interests, diverse abilities, family needs, youth choice, and age-appropriate pathways toward positive outcomes.
Champion safe, inclusive environments, meaningful programs and experiences, and supportive relationships consistent with BGCA’s Formula for Impact.
Lead program-quality assessments, staff observations, youth and family feedback, improvement plans, and follow-up coaching in partnership with Club leadership.
Establish practical outcome measures; review participation and impact data; evaluate effectiveness; and communicate strengths, gaps, and recommended adjustments.
Supervise and develop Program Directors, Program Coordinators, Program Experts, and the professional training team; set priorities, work plans, performance expectations, and accountability.
Develop and coordinate onboarding reinforcement, ongoing youth development training, coaching, and competency-building for program professionals and site leaders.
Maintain a professional learning calendar and evaluate how training is applied in Club practice, including certified trainer activity and identified development needs.
Partner 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.
Provide consultative support to Site and Unit Directors, using observations and feedback to address barriers without duplicating daily operational authority.
Cultivate schools, community partners, and subject-matter experts that strengthen programming and expand opportunities for members.
Embed BGCT safety policies, active supervision, positive behavior support, trauma-informed approaches, and applicable program and licensing requirements into curriculum, training, and program implementation.
Support program budgets, supplies, grant deliverables, program documentation, and responsible allocation of resources in coordination with relevant departments.
Provide timely progress reports, actionable recommendations, and updates to the VP of Program Management & Quality Assurance; support organizational improvement priorities.
Participate in organizational planning, special initiatives, and professional development, and perform related duties assigned by the VP of Program Management & Quality Assurance.
Model healthy choices and positive behavior when interacting with members.
Create equitable, welcoming opportunities for youth and teens of all abilities and backgrounds.
Engage in ongoing professional development and build the capacity of others.
Share responsibility for preventing abuse and maintaining safe physical and emotionally supportive Club environments.