Future Readiness Program Specialist

Primary Function

The Future Readiness Program Specialist is responsible for driving program development, innovation, strategic partnerships, and high-quality implementation across Academic Success, Life & Workforce Readiness, and creative expression programming. This position serves as the Program Services team's innovation engine by researching emerging practices, developing meaningful partnerships, expanding member opportunities, and strengthening the quality of Club experiences. The Program Specialist works closely with Club staff, community partners, and internal departments to develop sustainable programming, support continuous quality improvement, and create pathways that prepare youth for success in school, career, and life while supporting the successful administration of assigned grants and initiatives.

Essential Responsibilities

Program Development & Innovation

• Develop, expand, and strengthen Club-based Academic Success, Life & Workforce Readiness, and creative expression programming that aligns with BGCA priorities and the strategic goals of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.
• Research emerging trends, evidence-informed practices, BGCA resources, and innovative youth development strategies to identify opportunities that strengthen program quality and expand member experiences.
• Lead the planning, coordination, implementation, and continuous improvement of the organization's Summer Enrichment Program, including curriculum coordination, lesson planning, staff training, program resources, and evaluation.
• Design, implement, and evaluate systemwide collaborative initiatives that increase youth engagement, encourage cross-Club participation, and create meaningful learning experiences in Academic Success, Life & Workforce Readiness, and creative programming.

Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Identify, recruit, cultivate, contract, and manage contracted instructors and, community partners who expand high-quality Academic Success, Life & Workforce Readiness, and creative expression opportunities for Club members.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with schools, colleges, businesses, nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, government agencies, and community organizations to expand programming and increase member access to high-quality experiences.
• Cultivate collaborative relationships across BGCTNV Program Services Team, and  other organizational departments (including Pipeline, TRIO, and YouthForce), to remain informed of emerging opportunities and leverage organizational partnerships, resources, and expertise to expand opportunities for Club members.
• Develop intentional pathways that connect Club members to expanded learning opportunities, community partnerships, BGCA resources, leadership experiences, and age-appropriate life and workforce readiness opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to promote programs, partnerships, member achievements, youth showcases, performances, and success stories that highlight the impact of Academic Success, Life & Workforce Readiness, and creative expression programming.
• Develop and expand volunteer and community engagement opportunities that strengthen Academic Success, Life & Workforce Readiness, and creative expression programming initiatives.

Club Support & Program Quality

• Develop a thorough understanding of Club needs by engaging Club leadership, gathering feedback, reviewing program quality data, and identifying opportunities to strengthen programming across assigned focus areas.
• Provide implementation planning, coaching, technical assistance, professional development, and ongoing support that equips Club staff to successfully deliver high-quality Academic Success, Life & Workforce Readiness, and creative programming.
• Conduct Youth Program Quality Assessment (YPQA) observations, provide coaching and technical assistance, and partner with Club leadership to develop continuous quality improvement strategies that strengthen program implementation and member experiences.
• Support Clubs in identifying appropriate program resources, scheduling community partnerships, and implementing innovative programming that aligns with organizational priorities.

Grant Administration & Organizational Collaboration

• Manage assigned Life & Workforce Readiness, visual arts, and music program budgets, including purchasing, spending approvals, financial requests, financial reconciliation, and compliance with funding requirements.
• Support the implementation, administration, monitoring, and reporting of assigned grants and initiatives, ensuring program objectives, deliverables, and outcomes are achieved.
• Collaborate with grant writers to identify funding opportunities, develop program concepts, and provide subject matter expertise that strengthens grant proposals and long-term program sustainability.
• Collaborate with the Resource Development team to cultivate strategic partnerships, identify unrestricted funding opportunities, and align community investments with organizational priorities.
• Maintain accurate program records, outcome data, reports, and supporting documentation while using data to evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Represent Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley at meetings, trainings, conferences, community events, and partnership opportunities while serving as an ambassador for high-quality youth development programming.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Skills & Knowledge Required

• Passion for serving youth and families, with a commitment to creating high-quality experiences that prepare young people for success in school, career, and life.
• Bachelor's degree preferred. Candidates with a background in education, youth development, program development, program management, nonprofit leadership, or a related field are encouraged to apply. An equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience will be considered.
• Two or more years of experience in youth development leadership, education, program development, nonprofit leadership, partnership development, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience developing and managing community partnerships, coordinating collaborative initiatives, or leading multi-site programs is preferred.
• Experience working with grant-funded programs, program implementation, grant administration, or program evaluation is preferred.
• Strong technology skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and the ability to learn and effectively utilize organizational databases, reporting platforms, and program management systems
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive working relationships
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend effective solutions.
• Creative, innovative, and solution-oriented mindset with the ability to research emerging trends, develop new ideas, and continuously improve programming
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively across departments and with diverse internal and external partners.
• Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable navigating changing priorities while maintaining a high level of professionalism and accountability.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in program planning, reporting, budgeting, and documentation. 
• Commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and the mission, vision, and values of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley