Youth Program Coordinator

pii; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Boys & Girls Clubs seeks a Youth Program Coordinator to lead daily operations for an assigned youth program area, supervise staff, and ensure engaging, safe experiences for members.

You will coach Youth Development Professionals, monitor program quality, and collaborate with the Program Director to meet outcomes and organizational standards.

This role emphasizes equity, inclusive environments, and adherence to safety protocols while delivering high-quality youth programming.

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 skills.
• Knowledge of youth behavior management and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily program operations and staff scheduling.
• Coach Youth Development Professionals and monitor quality.
• Ensure safety and compliance with club standards.
• Maintain attendance and data accuracy across programs.
• Coordinate lesson plans and materials for activities.

Skills

Youth development

Leadership

Coaching

Communication

Staff supervision

Program coordination

Safety awareness

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job 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.

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.

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.