Assistant Unit Director - Bentonville Teen

Job Summary:

The Assistant Unit Director supports the Unit Director in overseeing the daily operations, staff leadership, and program implementation of the Teen Club. This role is responsible for ensuring high-quality, trauma-informed programming while helping manage site operations, staff development, and teen engagement strategies.

This position blends direct youth engagement with leadership responsibilities, serving as a key support in creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where teens feel a strong sense of belonging, voice, and purpose. The Assistant Unit Director helps drive program quality, operational excellence, and relationship-building with youth, families, and community partners.

Responsibilities:

BGCBC Culture

• Model 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 Development

• Model 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.

Teen Leadership & Youth Development

• Support the development of a safe, structured, and engaging teen environment.
• Promote youth leadership through programs such as Keystone Club, Youth of the Year, and peer-led initiatives.
• Work closely with the Director of Teen Growth to create and implement new programs.  
• Encourage teen voice, autonomy, and identity development through meaningful programming.
• Provide direct mentorship and guidance to teens, supporting emotional regulation, goal setting, and personal growth.

Program Development & Implementation

• Facilitate and oversee teen-specific programming, including at least two programs per semester.
• Implement and support core programs (e.g., SMART Moves, Healthy Habits, workforce readiness, leadership development) and teen specific programing (e.g.; Keystone, Torch Club, Youth of the Year, and Workforce Readiness).
• Design interest-based programming based on teen feedback and participation trends.
• Monitor program quality through attendance, outcomes, and youth feedback.

Operations & Site Support

• Collaborate 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.
• Support Unit Director in day-to-day operations.

Staff & Volunteer Leadership

• Assist the Unit Director in daily Club operations, including scheduling, coverage, and workflow.
• Step into leadership during staff absences or high-need times to ensure consistent supervision.
• Uphold and model all policies related to safety, conduct, transportation, and operations.
• Support facility oversight to ensure clean, safe, and welcoming spaces.
• Assist with summer programming operations and transitions.

Club Operations & Administration

• Support the Unit Director in meeting programmatic, relational, and operational goals.
• Maintain accurate records including attendance, participation, and program outcomes.
• Assist with implementing policies and procedures with a balance of structure and empathy.
• Support purchasing and organization of program materials and supplies.
• Assist in overseeing Teen Development Coordinators in day-to-day functions.
• Transport teen members from school and on field trips.

Data, Evaluation & Grants

• Collect 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 Engagement

• Build 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 & Promotion

• Increase program visibility through flyers, family communication, digital platforms and attending school functions or community events.
• Share success stories and youth achievements in ways that are empowering, strengths-based, and culturally respectful.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with special events and programs (e.g., Youth of the Year, Keystone, teen nights).
• Drive Club van as needed for programming and field trips.
• Perform light housekeeping and facility support.
• Other duties as assigned to support Club success.

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 impact
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written), with an emphasis on active listening, de-escalation, and strengths-based language
• Understanding of group dynamics, youth behavior, and inclusive activity planning
• Ability to lead staff and volunteers with compassion, consistency, and accountability
• Experience with grant implementation, program evaluation, and outcome measurement
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a 15-passenger van
• Willingness to travel and participate in occasional multi-day trips
• CPR 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 supportive
• Must 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 spaces

Disclaimer:

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.