Assistant Unit Director - Pea Ridge

Boys & Girls Clubs of America; Pea Ridge (AR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Boys & Girls Clubs of America seeks an Assistant Unit Director – Programs to lead trauma-informed youth programming and support daily site operations. This role blends hands-on program development with supervising staff and coordinating services to ensure safe, inclusive spaces for youth.

You will oversee core programs, mentor staff, collect data, and assist with grant implementation and community partnerships to enhance the Club experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in youth development, education, or related field.
• Experience in youth-serving programs with trauma-informed practices is preferred.
• Strong communication, active listening, and de-escalation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support trauma-informed youth programs and services.
• Supervise staff and volunteers with compassionate, consistent leadership.
• Collaborate with Unit Director on program scheduling and safety policies.
• Collect and report program data; support grant implementation and reporting.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Active listening & de-escalation

Lead staff & volunteers with empathy

Grant implementation & evaluation

Data collection & reporting

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in youth development, education, or related field

Tools

CPR and First Aid Certification

Valid driver’s license

Job description

Job Summary:The Assistant Unit Director supports the overall success of Club operations by leading high-quality, trauma-informed programs while assisting with daily site management. This role blends hands-on program development with staff supervision and operational coordination. The Assistant Unit Director – Programs works closely with the Unit Director to ensure Club environments are emotionally and physically safe, inclusive, and empowering for all youth. Responsibilities include overseeing organization-wide programs, mentoring youth and staff, supporting grant implementation, and maintaining strong community partnerships that enhance the Club experience.Responsibilities:BGCBC CultureModel and promote the organization’s trauma-informed values.Foster environments rooted in dignity, inclusion, emotional safety, empowerment, and relationship-building.Support programs and volunteer experiences that affirm youth identity, voice, and lived experiences.Trauma-Informed Culture & Youth DevelopmentModel the values of dignity, inclusion, emotional safety, and empowerment in all interactions.Promote culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate practices.Create welcoming spaces where youth feel seen, respected, and engaged.Program Development & ImplementationLead and oversee core Club programs (e.g., SMART Moves, Torch Club, Healthy Habits, Girls Who Code).Implement interest based programming based on members feedback.Design and deliver engaging, predictable, and inclusive programming tailored to youth interests and needs.Promote youth leadership through peer-led activities, voice in decision-making, and opportunities for self-expression.Monitor program quality and effectiveness using feedback, attendance, and outcome data.Facilitate weekly/monthly programming meetings for staff.Operations & Site SupportCollaborate with the Unit Director to maintain smooth daily operations, including program scheduling and coverage planning.Step in during high-volume times or staff absences to ensure safe, consistent supervision and leadership.Help enforce and model policies related to youth safety, conduct, health, and transportation.Support with facility upkeep and ensure spaces are clean, safe, and emotionally welcoming.Staff & Volunteer LeadershipProvide daily guidance and support to staff and volunteers in program areas.Coach and supervise staff to implement trauma-informed practices, positive behavior supports, and youth-centered engagement strategies.Support new hire onboarding and ongoing staff development through coaching, check-ins, and training facilitation.Data, Evaluation & GrantsCollect and report program data (e.g., attendance, outcomes) with confidentiality.Stay up-to-date with grant funded programing and ensure that all requirements are met in a timely manor.Ensure accurate tracking for grant-funded initiatives and assist with meeting reporting deadlines.Participate in outcome evaluation to inform program improvements and celebrate successes.Family & Community EngagementBuild trusting relationships with families and caregivers to support wraparound services for youth.Represent the Club in a professional, respectful, and collaborative manner at events and partnership meetings.Help cultivate and maintain community partnerships that enhance programming and reflect shared values.Marketing & PromotionIncrease program visibility through flyers, family communication, and digital platforms.Share success stories and youth achievements in ways that are empowering, strengths-based, and culturally respectful.Relationships:Internal: Maintain close, daily communication with staff, youth, and the Unit Director. Build a workplace culture grounded in trust, accountability, emotional safety, and continuous learning.External: Collaborate with community groups, schools, families, and partners in a professional and trauma-sensitive manner. Approach all relationships with a spirit of mutual respect, equity, and care.Skills/Knowledge Required:Bachelor’s degree in youth development, education, or related field (or equivalent experience)Minimum of 2 years of experience in youth-serving programs with demonstrated knowledge of trauma and its impactStrong communication skills (verbal and written), with an emphasis on active listening, de-escalation, and strengths-based languageUnderstanding of group dynamics, youth behavior, and inclusive activity planningAbility to lead staff and volunteers with compassion, consistency, and accountabilityExperience with grant implementation, program evaluation, and outcome measurementValid driver’s license and ability to operate a 15-passenger vanWillingness to travel and participate in occasional multi-day tripsCPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain)Physical Requirements/Work Environment:High energy and the ability to multi-task while remaining emotionally grounded and supportiveMust be able to lift up to 50 lbs and engage in high-energy outdoor or physical activities (e.g., hiking, canoeing, games)Employee must be able to get on and drive members on a 15-passenger van or bus.Comfortable working in both structured indoor environments and unpredictable, dynamic Club spacesDisclaimer:This job description is not intended to list every task or responsibility. Duties may evolve to meet the needs of youth, staff, and the organization. Flexibility, empathy, and a trauma-informed mindset are essential components of success in this role.