Unit/Branch Director

Are you ready to be the person who changes everything for a teenager?

At the Teen Woodlands Impact Center — part of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs — we believe the right mentor at the right moment can alter the entire trajectory of a young person's life. We're looking for a seasoned, mature professional ready to lead a 40,000 square foot facility, build and inspire a high-performing team, and deliver life-changing programming for over 550 middle and high school youth every day.

This is more than a director role — it's a calling. The lessons you pass on, the confidence you help young people build, the doors you help them open — that impact doesn't end when they leave our doors. It follows them for life.

Position Summary

The Woodlands Teen Impact Center Unit Director is responsible for the overall operations, programming, and staff management for the facility. This individual oversees facility operations, curating and managing enrichment and mentorship programming, directing all facility scheduling and space utilization, and leading a diverse team of frontline staff and program instructors.

As a strategic programmatic leader, this position also provides oversight of all program experiences delivered within the Impact Center — including STEM, Arts, Media & Podcasting, Workforce Development, Health & Wellness, Technology, Academic Support, and Career Readiness — ensuring alignment with the organization's mission, strategic priorities, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Facility & Operations Management

• Set and enforce building hours; develop and adjust operational schedules to meet program and community needs
• Manage the scheduling and booking of all rentable and shared spaces, including coordination with external organizations and community partners
• Oversee program resources, equipment, and specialized learning environments

Strategic Program Leadership

• Provide strategic vision for all Impact Center programming and member experiences serving middle and high school youth
• Design, implement, and continuously improve enrichment, mentorship, academic support, and career readiness programming aligned with BGCA standards and organizational outcomes
• Develop and implement annual program goals, priorities, performance measures, and outcome objectives
• Identify emerging trends and innovations that enhance the Impact Center experience and increase youth outcomes
• Ensure all program areas support academic success, workforce readiness, leadership development, healthy lifestyles, and social-emotional growth

Staff Management & Development

• Directly supervise and develop all teen program staff, including Program Specialists, Experience Coaches, enrichment instructors, front desk/reception personnel, and building monitors
• Establish clear performance expectations, accountability systems, and professional development plans for all team members
• Develop staff schedules that ensure appropriate coverage across all building hours and programming times
• Conduct regular coaching conversations, performance evaluations, and leadership development activities
• Foster a culture of professionalism, youth development best practice, excellence, and continuous improvement
• Manage disciplinary processes in collaboration with HR as needed; address staff performance concerns promptly and constructively
• Support succession planning and create leadership development opportunities for emerging leaders

Program Quality & Outcomes Management

• Establish and monitor program quality standards across all Impact Center program areas
• Conduct regular program observations, assessments, and reviews to ensure consistency and excellence
• Analyze participation data, outcome measurements, and program effectiveness indicators to drive decision-making
• Track and report program participation, outcomes data, and member progress to leadership and funders
• Monitor member engagement, retention, attendance, and progression toward established outcomes
• Ensure experiences are engaging, age-appropriate, culturally responsive, and aligned with youth development best practices

Front Desk & Member Experience

• Oversee the front desk and reception team to ensure a consistent, high-quality experience for all members, families, and guests
• Set service standards for member check-in, visitor management, phone and walk-in inquiries, and daily communications
• Ensure front desk operations support accurate daily attendance tracking, membership management, and data integrity

Community Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with schools, colleges, businesses, community organizations, volunteers, and industry professionals
• Expand opportunities for members through partnerships that support career exploration, workforce development, internships, mentorships, and experiential learning
• Represent the organization professionally within the community and serve as an ambassador for the Impact Center
• Collaborate with families and community stakeholders to strengthen member engagement and support youth success
• Manage rental agreements, community partnerships, or earned revenue programming as applicable

Financial & Resource Management

• Manage the teen division's annual operating budget with fiscal discipline and accountability
• Monitor monthly expenditures against budget; identify and address variances proactively
• Participate in the annual budget planning process; provide data-informed projections for staffing, programming, supplies, and facility needs
• Support grant reporting and implementation; ensure programmatic deliverables and expenditure requirements are achieved
• Identify cost efficiencies without compromising program quality

Organizational Leadership

• Contribute to organizational planning, strategic initiatives, and cross-functional projects
• Support organization-wide events, initiatives, and special projects
• Promote a culture that reflects the organization's mission, values, and commitment to youth development excellence
• Champion innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Youth Development, Social Work, Education, Nonprofit Management, or a closely related field (equivalent combination of education and experience considered)
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in youth-serving programs, with at least 3 years in a management or director-level role
• Demonstrated experience overseeing a multi-use facility or comparable physical plant (30,000+ sq ft preferred)
• Proven ability to hire, develop, supervise, and hold accountable a team of 10 or more staff
• Experience managing an organizational or departmental budget of at least $500,000 annually
• Strong organizational and scheduling skills with ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build trust with youth, families, staff, and community partners
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Boys & Girls Club movement and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs
• Must pass a comprehensive background check, required training, and have a valid driver's license

Preferred

• Experience working specifically with adolescents (ages 10–18) in an out-of-school-time or community-based setting
• Familiarity with Boys & Girls Club of America standards, Youth Program Quality Assessment (YPQA), or similar quality improvement frameworks
• Experience managing rental agreements, community partnerships, or earned revenue programming
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Team Development — inspires, coaches, and holds staff to a high standard

• Operational Excellence — thinks systematically about facility flow, scheduling, and process improvement

• Youth-Centered Mindset — keeps teens' safety, growth, and belonging at the center of every decision

• Financial Acumen — comfortable reading budget reports, monitoring spend, and making data-informed decisions

• Accountability & Follow-Through — sets expectations clearly and follows up consistently

• Adaptability — thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment with grace and maturity

• Community & Relationship Building — skilled at cultivating partnerships that expand opportunities for youth

Working Conditions

This position requires regular movement throughout the facility, including standing for extended periods, navigating multi-floor spaces, and occasionally lifting up to 30 lbs. The Director will work a schedule that reflects the needs of the teen membership, which may include late afternoons, evenings, and periodic weekends. Some local travel for partner meetings, professional development, or off-site events may be required.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; professional development opportunities; and a mission-driven workplace culture dedicated to giving young people a great future.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.