Sports & Rec Youth Development Specialist

Boys & Girls Clubs of America; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Employee Assistance Plan

Life Insurance

401(k) with employer contributions

Professional Development

Inclusive workplace culture

Job summary

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago seeks a Sports & Recreation Instructor to deliver diverse sports and fitness activities for youths aged 5–18, aligning with youth development outcomes.

Responsibilities include planning programs, supervising volunteers, and ensuring safety and quality. The role emphasizes fair play, teamwork, and community engagement within our club environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; associate degree preferred.
• 1–2 years of youth development experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to motivate youth and manage behavioral problems.
• Ability to interact with the general public.
• Ability to plan and implement quality learning programs for youth.
• Ability to organize and supervise members in a safe environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a broad range of sports and fitness programs for youth ages 5–18.
• Prepare weekly and monthly program plans.
• Supervise and train volunteers and program assistants.
• Monitor safety and ensure quality of programs and activities.
• Track attendance and participation, maintaining records.
• Foster a positive environment emphasizing fair play and teamwork.

Skills

Youth development

Communication skills

Public interaction

Behavior management

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate’s Degree preferred

Job description

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future.Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO policy, including paid holidays, to help you recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.Employee Assistance Plan: Our EAP offers access to counseling services, resources, and referrals, ensuring you have the tools you need to thrive in all areas of life.Life Insurance: Life insurance coverage to provide peace of mind. (min 20 hours per week)Retirement plan: The 401(k) plan including employer contributions after 1 year of service.Professional Development: Take advantage of ongoing professional growth opportunities through workshops, training programs, and other learning initiatives.Workplace Culture: We foster a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level of the organization.PRIMARY FUNCTION:The Sports & Recreation Instructor is responsible for delivering a broad range of sports and fitness programs, including planning, implementing, supervising and ongoing evaluation of quality programs for youth ages 5–18; while supporting our priority outcome areas of Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Good Character and Citizenship.KEY ROLES (Essential Job Responsibilities):Prepare youth for successCreates an environment that facilitates the achievement of Youth Development Outcomes.Promotes and stimulates daily learning as well as participation in designated national and special event programs.Orients new members to Club programs, special events, and opportunities as well as Club safety, program and disciplinary rules.Provides guidance and role modeling to members.ProgramImplements, monitors and evaluates programs, services and activities for members.Develops and posts weekly and monthly program plans.Monitors and evaluates programs, services and activities to ensure safety of members and quality in programs.Recognizes Club members for program participation and achievement.Maintains records to track attendance and participation.Instruct, coach and direct varied sports and recreational activities, emphasizing fair play and friendship.Maintains department equipment and storage room; manage/inventory/replace equipment with approval.Ensures that members are respectful of each other and the equipment.Monitor and evaluate programs, services and activities to ensure Club and child safety, quality programs and good appearance of the Club at all times. Track and assess outcomes through periodic activity reports.Prepares daily, weekly and monthly program plans.SupervisionMaintains order and discipline of Club members.Supervises and trains volunteers and program assistants.Ensures a productive work environment by participating in weekly Club Leader meetings.SuppliesMonitors supply needs and orders required supplies through approved vendors and within budget.Keeps supply room neat and orderly.FacilityEnsures program area is attractive, neat and clean and bulletin boards and notices are current.Makes and/or recommends needed repairs to facility and/or equipment.Other ResponsibilitiesParticipates as part of a team to run quality programs by helping out where needed or directed, which may include driving the Club van.Participates in training/educational opportunities to expand knowledge and skills.QUALIFICATIONSHigh School Diploma/GED required; Associate’s Degree preferred.One to Two years’ Youth Development experience.Excellent communication/inter-personal skills.Ability to motivate youth and manage behavioral problems.Ability to interact with general public.Ability to plan and implement quality learning programs for youth.Ability to organize and supervise members in a safe environment.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:Ability to continuously stand, walk or sit. Ability to function for more than two hours on your feet. Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs and lift frequently. Will be working in a Club environment with children. Ability to be outdoors during all seasons occasionally. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.