Director of STEM & Innovation

The Director of STEM & Innovation will create, lead, and implement the STEM & innovation Strategy for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA). The Director will develop goals and strategies for the STEM & Innovation programs across the organization. The Director will be held accountable to the highest standards, work in partnership with Site Directors, Director of Clubhouses & Programs, VP of Operations, have direct access to the CEO, and serve alongside key members of the executive operations and programs teams. They will directly impact long-term sustainable organization growth, be responsible for strengthening the regional and local brand and enhancing the membership experience. A key focus of this role is the development, growth, and execution of the STEM Education and literacy programs; this role will directly oversee the team responsible for program delivery and manage quality control and communication of impact to key stakeholders, principals, and district officials.

The Director of STEM & Innovation will be committed to the success of our kids and families, a strategic thinker, seek to be challenged, actively pursue professional development and growth opportunities, and thrives in a high-paced environment. This role will be responsible for building on the BGCMLA’s program model to drive program enrollment growth, foster an environment of curiosity and discovery, and enhance the personal connection of parents, kids, and teens to the Club.

Responsible for creating and implementing the BGCMLA STEM & Innovation Strategy, introducing visionary programs and events to support and promote STEM & Innovation, and ensuring all goals and objectives are met on a daily basis.

Develop and implement all aspects of the program strategy to ensure timely development of content, budgeting of supplies and materials for the fiscal year, and execution of programs to ensure cohesiveness across all sites.

Responsible for mentoring and training staff, managing quality control, and reporting outcomes and impact of programs to the executive team and senior management.

Directly responsible for developing and executing strategy for continuous research and development of the program model, content development, and systems of communication for feedback from all key stakeholders.

Manages all material, equipment, technology, and supply purchases and supports specific site purchases throughout the year. Monitors and report variances in revenues and expenditures.

Research, study, and regularly evaluate best practices and strategies to improve quality of programming of STEM & Innovation. This includes regularly participating in professional development opportunities such as webinars, visiting other Clubs, and attending workshops and trainings.

Facilitates connections with other STEM communities and external organization that promote program participation and provide collaborative opportunities (i.e., Maker Fairs, Esports, etc.)

Communicate effectively with executive team, CEO, Board of Directors, families, community partners, and key donors.

Coordinate programs, facility usage, equipment usage and staffing with Site Director(s) related to implementation of STEM & Innovation Programs.

Compile regular reports reflecting all activities, participation and outcomes.

Work with Volunteer Coordinator to recruit, manage and provide guidance to volunteers, partner agencies and interns.

Provide key data, program descriptions, tours, success stories, program highlights, partner updates and photos to Resource Development department as requested.

Develop and manage collaborative partnerships with BGCMLA Sites, members, parents and stakeholders.

Seek, develop, manage and maintain relationships with relevant community partners.

Engage and support community events, community partners, neighborhood associations, parent groups, committees and groups that will raise awareness of the BGCMLA, enhance programs or support the mission.

Develop and maintain public relations to increase the visibility of programs, services and activities within the Club and the community.

Supports Finance, Resource Development, and CEO as needed through collaboration and other forms of communication or reporting as requested.

Implement daily program/activities at designated Clubhouse.

Be a role model and advocate for the kids we serve.

Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY and SKILLS

Knowledge of the mission, objectives, policies, and programs of the Boys & Girls Clubs; principles and practices of supervision and management; principles and practices of project management; principles and practices of youth development and quality programs.

Innovative thinker, takes initiative with a clear business purpose in mind, continually seeks to improvement operations process; anticipates client’s needs and make suggestions for improvement; acts with integrity and expresses self in a clear and organized way, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to supervise, train, motivate and coach staff, assesses challenges; builds trust and respect among fellow team members; values the input and know-how of other team members; organizes and prioritizes time well and focuses on completing assigned tasks with minimal supervision; Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and takes pride in the quality of work performed.

WORKING CONDITIONS and DRIVING

Travel between Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles sites and schools and various field trip sites as well as in the community is required. Must meet the insurance standards of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles.

Work is primarily performed in the Club and local community

Evening or weekend hours required on an as needed basis.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The position involves lifting; bending; reaching with hands and arms; climbing or balancing; stooping, kneeling, standing, walking, crouching, or crawling; frequent interruptions via in-person contact, phone calls, and email are expected. Will be subject to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions based on activity location. Required to work around youth and adults where noise levels may be moderate to high during activities. Physical exertion may be required to lift supplies and equipment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. Nothing in this job description restricts the right of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles Management to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job or change this job description at any time.

COVID VACCINE REQUIREMENT

We have a responsibility to provide working conditions that mitigate any direct threat to the health and safety of our employees and others affiliated with BGCMLA and the broader community. BGCMLA employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not able to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may seek approval for accommodation.