Youth Program Coordinator

Union-League-Boys-; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Boys & Girls Clubs is seeking a Youth Program Coordinator to lead day-to-day operations for a specified age group, ensuring high-quality program delivery through staff coordination and coaching. You will reinforce organizational standards, monitor program quality, and maintain a safe, engaging environment for members.

The role partners with the Program Director to implement goals, support staff development, and ensure consistency across staff, with emphasis on accountability and program outcomes.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; some college preferred.
• 1–2 years' experience in youth development; Boys & Girls Clubs experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and youth development skills.
• Ability to coach, supervise, and develop frontline staff while fostering a positive team culture.
• Strong verbal and written communication; knowledge of safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare Youth for Success: Deliver high-quality youth programs aligned with outcomes; encourage participation; model positive behavior; support program quality standards; create an inclusive, safe environment.
• Leadership & Operational Coordination: Act as the primary on-the-floor leader; ensure materials, lesson plans, and space readiness; coach staff during programs; identify training needs with the Program Director; communicate updates promptly.
• Attendance, Data Support & Accountability: Ensure accurate attendance; support documentation for reporting; collaborate to maintain data integrity; review rosters and logs to ensure accuracy.
• Program Coordination & Operational Leadership: Coordinate daily programming and staff assignments; ensure lesson plans and resources; monitor implementation and provide coaching.
• Staff Leadership & Accountability: Provide day-to-day supervision; set performance expectations; conduct coaching conversations; address issues and escalate when needed.
• Safety, Environment, & Space Readiness: Ensure spaces are clean and safe; assist with incidents and safety checks; manage transitions and equipment maintenance.
• Additional Responsibilities: Support events, family engagement, and field trips; attend meetings and trainings; participate in weekly leadership meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Youth development

Communication skills

Team supervision

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Description

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Youth Program Coordinator provides day-to-day leadership and operational supervision for an assigned age group or program area. This position supports high-quality program delivery by coordinating staff, monitoring program quality, coaching Youth

Development Professionals, reinforcing organizational expectations, and ensuring a safe, engaging environment for members.

The Coordinator serves as the primary operational leader for assigned frontline staff while partnering with the Program Director to implement Club goals, strengthen accountability, and maintain consistent program quality. The Coordinator is responsible for creating consistency across assigned staff, ensuring organizational expectations are implemented with fidelity, and serving as the first level of leadership support for Youth Development Professionals.

Key Roles (Essential Job Responsibilities)

Prepare Youth for Success

• Deliver high-quality youth programs aligned with Youth Development Outcomes.
• Encourage youth to participate in diverse activities and provide constructive feedback to help build skills.
• Model positive behavior, build strong relationships with youth, and reinforce Club expectations.
• Support program quality standards, including the 5 Key Elements for Positive Youth Development.
• Create an inclusive, supportive, and safe environment where members feel valued and engaged.

Leadership & Operational Coordination

• Serve as the primary on-the-floor operational leader for assigned staff and program areas supporting the daily implementation of schedules, transitions, staffing, and program operations.
• Ensure YDPs are prepared for daily activities, including program materials, lesson plans, and room readiness.
• Monitor program rooms throughout the day to ensure quality, safety, and adherence to Club standards. Provide real-time support to YDPs during programs, offering direction, coaching, and assistance as needed.
• Partner with the Program Director by identifying training needs, strengths, improvement areas, and notable accomplishments of frontline staff.
• Communicate program needs, material shortages, space concerns, and operational updates to the Program Director promptly.
• Assist with the development and posting of daily program schedules and activity calendars.

Attendance, Data Support & Accountability (Shared)

• Ensure accurate and timely attendance documentation by assigned staff while reinforcing accountability for Club, grant, and CCAP reporting expectations.
• Support YDPs with attendance procedures and follow-up to reduce missing, incomplete, or inaccurate records.
• Collaborate with the Data Compliance Coordinator to maintain strong data integrity across daily program areas.
• Review rosters and activity logs to ensure alignment with program delivery and address recurring accuracy concerns through coaching.

Program Coordination & Operational Leadership

• Coordinate daily programming and staff assignments to ensure high-quality, engaging experiences for members.
• Ensure assigned Youth Development Professionals are prepared with lesson plans, materials, schedules, and resources needed for successful program delivery.
• Monitor program implementation throughout the day and provide coaching and support to maintain program quality and consistency.
• Support implementation of Boys & Girls Clubs priority outcomes, organizational initiatives, grant-funded programming, and special projects within assigned areas.
• Collaborate with other Coordinators and Program Director to ensure seamless transitions, balanced staffing, and consistent member experiences across the Club.
• Identify opportunities to improve programming, member engagement, and operational efficiency, and communicate recommendations to the Program Director.

Staff Leadership & Accountability

• Provide day-to-day operational supervision for assigned Youth Development Professionals.
• Establish clear performance expectations and reinforce organizational standards.
• Conduct regular coaching and developmental conversations.
• Observe staff performance and provide timely feedback, recognition, and corrective coaching.
• Address day-to-day operational concerns and resolve routine issues within established guidelines, escalating significant personnel or operational matters to the Program Director.
• Partner with the Program Director regarding staff development, training needs, and performance improvement.

Safety, Environment, & Space Readiness

• Ensure program spaces are clean, safe, and prepared daily.
• Assist with incident reporting and daily safety checks.
• Support hallway flow, transitions, and multi-space movement.
• Maintain equipment and communicate supply needs.
• Support implementation of Club-wide initiatives, leadership priorities, and organizational improvement efforts.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support special events, family engagement, and field trips.
• Assist during arrival, mealtimes, transitions, and dismissal.
• Attend required meetings and trainings.
• Participate in weekly leadership meetings and support implementation of organizational priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Club leadership.

Requirements

• Skills/Knowledge Required
• High School diploma or GED required; some college preferred.
• 1-2 years’ experience in youth development; Boys & Girls Clubs experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and youth development skills.
• Ability to coach, supervise, and develop frontline staff while fostering a positive team culture.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of youth behavior management and safety practices.
• Reliable, organized, flexible, and able to problem-solve.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and lead frontline staff.
• Ability to make sound operational decisions in a fast-paced youth development environment.