Director of Life & Workforce Readiness
$60,000 - $70,000 USD yearly
Since 1944, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida has provided children and teens, ages 6 to 18, with a safe place to learn and grow during non-school hours. Today, more than 15,000 young people call our 39 Clubs across five Central Florida counties home. The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring adults. Every day after school and all summer long, our members walk through the blue doors at little or no cost to their families and find academic support, enrichment, and caring adult role models who believe in what they can become.
How we do it matters as much as what we do. Our Clubs deliver quality programming grounded in evidence across six core pillars of focus: education and career development; character and leadership development; sports, fitness, and recreation; health and life skills; the arts; and mental health. That work is reinforced by practices informed by trauma research, mental and emotional wellness support, and an unwavering commitment to safety. The results show up in graduation rates, college and vocational school enrollment, grades, and young people who tell us they feel emotionally safe at their Club. As part of the national Future Ready movement, we are growing bigger, better, and bolder, and we know none of it happens without exceptional people. That is why we invest in our team through comprehensive training, leader development, competitive compensation and benefits, and a workplace culture built on excellence, belonging, and accountability. If you want your work to change the trajectory of a child's life, there is a place for you here. Great futures start here, and they start with you.
TITLE: Director of Life & Workforce Readiness
PERFORMANCE PROFILE SOURCE: Individual Contributor
DEPARTMENT: Club Operations
REPORTS TO: Regional Director of Program Excellence
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
WORKER CATEGORY: Full-Time
EMPLOYMENT FUNCTION: Professional
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Life and Workforce Readiness leads the development and expansion of life skills, workforce readiness, and college and career programming for teens at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida’s traditional Clubs. This position helps teens explore their interests, build practical skills, and connect with education, training, and employment opportunities that support their goals beyond high school.
Reporting to the Regional Director of Program Excellence, the Director develops programming, builds partnerships, and equips Club staff to deliver meaningful experiences. The position also coordinates Youth of the Year, Jr. Youth of the Year, and other teen programs and grants as assigned. The role has no direct reports and achieves results through collaboration, staff training, and consistent follow-through, with occasional direct program delivery as needed.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Development and Growth
- Develop and implement a coordinated plan to grow life and workforce readiness programming across traditional Clubs, with clear priorities, timelines, participation goals, and intended outcomes.
- Develop a progression of age-appropriate experiences for middle and high school youth, connecting career exploration with skill development, postsecondary planning, and workforce entry.
- Build employability and life skills, including resume writing, interviewing, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, financial literacy, professionalism, and responsible decision-making.
- Guide implementation of relevant BGCA and locally developed programs, including Career Launch and Diplomas to Degrees, to support college, technical education, credentials, and employment pathways.
- Develop program resources and calendars with Club teams; use teen interests and feedback to create engaging experiences and improve access across Clubs.
Partnerships and Teen Opportunities
- Build and maintain partnerships with employers, colleges, technical schools, workforce organizations, and community partners to expand opportunities for teens.
- Coordinate career speakers, college and workplace visits, mentoring, career fairs, job shadowing, and access to internships, pre-apprenticeships, and employment opportunities.
- Develop partner commitments and coordinate onboarding and logistics through BGCCF procedures; maintain contact to assess experience quality and youth progress.
- Connect teens and families with college and technical school applications, scholarships, financial aid resources, and training or credential opportunities; coordinate support for barriers such as transportation.
Staff Training and Program Support
- Train and mentor Club staff in program delivery, teen engagement, youth development, trauma-informed practices, and documentation; model quality facilitation as needed.
- Collaborate with Regional Director of Program Excellence, Regional Directors of Club Operations, Club leadership, and program colleagues to coordinate implementation, address challenges, and strengthen program quality.
- Visit Clubs to observe programs, coach staff, and follow up on improvements. Collaborate on teen outreach and recruitment strategies that strengthen participation and retention.
- Deliver programs, workshops, or special experiences directly to teens on occasion when needed to support implementation or assigned initiatives.
Youth Leadership and Assigned Teen Programs
- Coordinate Youth of the Year and Jr. Youth of the Year, including planning, staff guidance, participant preparation, required materials, and program timelines.
- Support Club staff in helping youth develop leadership, public speaking, and personal storytelling skills while ensuring their own voices and experiences remain central.
- Lead other teen programs and initiatives as assigned, with clear plans, communication, and accountability for completion.
Grant Management and Program Accountability
- Manage implementation of assigned teen program grants, translating requirements into work plans, Club responsibilities, milestones, and reporting schedules.
- Monitor participation, program delivery, outcomes, and required documentation; identify gaps early and coordinate corrective steps with appropriate staff.
- Maintain accurate program records and prepare timely reports in collaboration with the Grants team and other departments.
- Coordinate assigned program budgets and grant spending with the supervisor, Finance, and Grants teams to align resources with approved activities and requirements.
- Evaluate programs against participation and outcome goals; prepare an annual written analysis of teen needs and interests and recommend improvements with BGCCF leadership.
- Support funding proposals and partner updates by providing program plans, outcome information, and participant stories with appropriate consent.
General Accountabilities
- Safeguard confidential member, family, and personnel information.
- Maintain and update job knowledge by participating in required training and professional development opportunities.
- Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the role and aligned with the mission and values of BGCCF.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (Knowledge, Education, Experience & Skills)
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Youth Development, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Workforce Development, Career and Technical Education, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience:
- Two to three years of experience coordinating programs across multiple locations.
- Two to three years of experience working with teens and supporting youth development, workforce readiness, college and career preparation, or related programming.
- Experience with grant implementation, program compliance, budgets, and reporting.
- Experience with Boys & Girls Club programming, Youth of the Year, Jr. Youth of the Year, or comparable youth leadership initiatives a plus.
Certifications and Licenses:
- CPR, AED, and First Aid certification required within 90 days of hire and maintained throughout employment.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for regular travel to Club and partner sites required.
Skills:
- Ability to build partnerships with employers, education providers, and community organizations.
- Ability to train staff, facilitate groups, and guide implementation without direct supervisory authority.
- Strong planning and coordination skills; ability to manage multiple programs, deadlines, and follow-up with limited supervision.
- Strong communication skills and ability to build respectful relationships with teens, families, staff, and partners from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to maintain accurate records, evaluate outcomes, and improve programs.
- Proficiency with office software and ability to learn program reporting systems.
KEY ROLE COMPETENCIES:
Drives results
- Grows teen participation, program quality, and outcomes across traditional Clubs, setting clear goals and following through until commitments are met.
- Uses participation, outcome, and feedback data to adjust plans and strengthen life and workforce readiness programming.
Builds networks
- Develops and sustains partnerships with employers, colleges, technical schools, workforce organizations, and community partners that expand opportunities for teens.
- Maintains regular contact with partners to assess experience quality, youth progress, and new opportunities.
Develops talent
- Trains, mentors, and coaches Club staff to deliver engaging, trauma-informed teen programming with consistency and quality.
- Models effective facilitation and provides practical feedback during Club visits and follow-up.
Plans and aligns
- Translates program and grant requirements into clear work plans, calendars, milestones, and reporting schedules across multiple Clubs.
- Balances multiple programs, deadlines, and assigned initiatives, including Youth of the Year and Jr. Youth of the Year, with limited supervision.
Ensures accountability
- Maintains accurate program records, required documentation, and timely reports that meet grant and organizational standards.
- Identifies gaps early and coordinates corrective steps with appropriate staff to keep programs and grants on track.
ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
Supervisory Responsibilities
- None. Provides program guidance, training, and coaching to Club staff delivering life and workforce readiness programming, in coordination with Club leadership.
Child Safety and Abuse Risk Management
- Adhere to all BGCCF policies related to appropriate boundaries with Club members and program participants.
- Complete all required child safety and abuse risk management training within required timelines and maintain currency throughout employment.
- Follow established procedures for supervising participants and managing higher-risk activities, including transitions, restrooms, arrival and dismissal, transportation, and off-site experiences such as college and workplace visits.
- Report suspicious or inappropriate behavior and policy violations promptly and comply with all mandated reporting requirements.
Relationships
- Internal: Maintains close, daily contact with Club staff (professional and volunteer), Club members, and supervisor to receive/provide information, discuss issues, explain guidelines/instructions; instruct; and advise/counsel.
- External: Maintains contact with members, families, alumni, community leaders, youth-serving professionals, other Clubs, media contacts, vendors, consultants, organizations, and others to achieve program goals and objectives, manage costs, share information, and resolve problems.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
- The position requires working in both indoor and outdoor environments of an office or club setting, which may involve exposure to varying weather conditions.
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and policy manuals.
- Required to operate a motor vehicle.
- Must be able to perform CPR or first aid if needed.
- Work in environments frequented by children and families, requiring adherence to safety and conduct standards that ensure a child-friendly and family-oriented atmosphere.
- Must be adaptable to a dynamic work schedule, including evenings to support club activities and events.
- Weekly travel to Clubs, partner sites, meetings, and events within the Orlando Metro area.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Physically capable of performing programming activities and club duties on-site, including lifting up to 30 pounds, standing, sitting, or walking for extended periods, bending, reaching and grasping.
- Operates a computer and other office productivity equipment such as a copy machine, phone, printer, and tablet frequently. Requires the ability to work on a computer for extended periods (8+ hours), including performing tasks that involve repetitive motion, visual focus, and fine motor skills.
- Visual and auditory acuity to monitor the environment and ensure safety standards are maintained.
- Mental resilience and the ability to stay focused and effective in a busy, sometimes noisy environment.
- Capacity to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
- Strong interpersonal skills to interact positively with children, family members, and other staff.
- Exposure to outdoor weather conditions (occasionally).
Pre-Employment and Ongoing Compliance Requirements:
- Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Continued employment is contingent upon passing randomized drug screenings as part of our commitment to maintaining a drug-free work environment.
- Continued employment is also contingent on the Florida State Department of Children and Families' employment designation of "eligible for employment" as a state-licensed youth-serving organization.
- Candidates assigned to school-based Club sites must obtain and maintain a valid OCPS Vendor Badge or equivalent school district clearance as applicable.
- Must maintain all required certifications, screenings, and training throughout employment.
- Department of Children and Families Level II Background Check - Please see the link below to the new Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website. This site was implemented under the directive of House Bill 531 (2025).
- https://info.flclearinghouse.com
Full-Time Employee Benefits:
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Complimentary Headspace Care and Talk Space subscriptions.
- Retirement Plan: Safe Harbor retirement plan 401(k) with up to 5% employer matching and 7% employer non-elective contribution.
- Life & LTD Insurance: Basic life insurance coverage and long-term disability insurance provided at no employee cost.
- Disability Insurance: Short-term disability insurance options.
- Paid Time Off: Vacation, Sick, Floating Holiday, 11 Paid Holidays, Bereavement Time
- Legal Shield and ID Shield
- Pet Insurance
Disclaimer: The information presented in this job description is intended to illustrate the nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. Job responsibilities and requirements are subject to change based on the direction of the organization & CEO.
Notice to Applicants: Please note that submission of an application does not create an obligation for BGCCF to provide individual status updates. Our hiring managers carefully review all applications received, and only candidates selected to move forward will be contacted regarding next steps.
Due to the high volume of applications, BGCCF is unable to respond to emails or calls requesting updates on application status. Applicants who repeatedly contact BGCCF HR or BGCCF staff to request status updates, or who email staff members with whom they do not have an existing professional relationship solely to announce that they have applied, may be removed from consideration and have their application archived.
If you have an existing professional connection with BGCCF, you are welcome to reach out to that contact directly for networking purposes. However, all candidates must still follow the formal application and selection process outlined in this posting.