Academic Specialist - WDW, JRL, UO - Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida

Boys & Girls Clubs Location:

Walt Disney World: 5211 Hernandes Drive, Orlando, FL. 32808

Joe R Lee: 400b Ruffel Street, Eatonville, FL. 32751

Universal: 5055 West Raleigh Street, Orlando, FL. 32811

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Academic Specialist at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida (BGCCF) plays a crucial role in providing intensive literacy, STEM, mathematics, and other academic support for Club members aged 6 to 18. This position is dedicated to fostering the academic growth and development of children, aligning with BGCCF's mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Academic Specialist will monitor academic performance, develop high-yield and project-based educational initiatives, and offer group instruction as needed. Key responsibilities include creating tailored educational programs, fostering a supportive learning environment, and collaborating with local schools and community organizations to enhance the academic success and personal growth of BGCCF members.

KEY ROLES (Essential Job Responsibilities):

Program Development and Implementation:

• Lead educational programs and activities with a primary focus on improving the literacy skills of Club members aged 6 to 18.
• Develop project-based learning and high-yield learning activities to support the academic success of Club members, particularly in literacy.
• Establish and maintain program settings that ensure the health and safety of members, ensuring that program areas are safe, well-ventilated, and well-lit.
• Order, maintain, and ensure the proper storage of equipment and supplies for program areas.

Youth Development:

• Foster a positive climate for youth development based on the mission and goals of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
• Ensure that members actively participate in a variety of programs and activities, seek advice and guidance from staff, and receive care, respect, and recognition for their efforts.

Program Administration:

• Plan and oversee the administration of programs and activities that support the Boys & Girls Club Movements and Youth Development Strategy, establishing objectives consistent with organizational goals and mission.
• Report progress to the Director of Academic Success and Service Director.

Daily Program Activities:

• Coordinate intervention support schedules with Director of Academic Success and Service Director to ensure efficient academic success support for members.
• Implement and direct daily programs and activities in one or more program areas, focusing on literacy improvement.
• Ensure that members are encouraged to participate in a variety of program areas and activities, receiving instruction and constructive feedback to develop skills in program areas.
• Demonstrate leadership to assure the conduct, safety, and development of members.

Academic Monitoring and Assessment:

• Monitor the academic performance of Club members, with a specific focus on literacy skills.
• Administer diagnostic and assessment progress monitoring tools at least two to three times a year.
• Analyze assessment data to report progress on academic performance, particularly in literacy.

Individual Academic Support:

• Develop Club members' academic learning plans, focusing on literacy, and maintain individual case files as needed.
• Oversee literacy programming in 2-3 clubs within the assigned region.
• Ensure that members receive constructive guidance to assist them in making appropriate choices in their educational, personal, physical, social, emotional, and vocational needs.

Professional Development:

• Successfully complete Academic Success Leadership Training throughout the year.

Administration and Reporting:

• Manage administrative functions of program areas and assigned resources.
• Ensure proper record-keeping and reporting, including activities and events conducted, breakdowns of daily participation figures, notable achievements, and any problems or issues.
• Oversee programs within established budgetary guidelines.

Program Marketing and Communication:

• Promote and market academic programs, particularly literacy initiatives, to members via posting daily schedules, making announcements of upcoming events, and disseminating timely information to develop advertising and promotion through mailings, fliers, and media.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in education, literacy, or a related field or a combination of education and relevant work experience.
• A minimum of three years of work experience in an educational setting, with a focus on literacy programs and academic support activities.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present educational programs and build relationships with students, staff, and parents.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with diverse groups, including children, educators, and community partners.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Club staff, Board members, community groups, and other related agencies.
• Experience in developing and implementing project-based learning and high-yield educational activities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and progress monitoring to assess academic performance and adapt programs as needed.
• Experience working with databases and CRM systems to manage student information and track academic progress.
• Ability to produce progress reports and metrics to demonstrate the impact of academic programs.
• Commitment to continuous professional development, including completing Academic Success Leadership Training.

KEY ROLES & COMPETENCIES

• Develop talent: This competency focuses on developing people to meet both their career goals and the organization's goals. The Academic Specialist will train and mentor staff members, develop learning plans for Club members, and foster a supportive learning environment.
• Drives Engagement: Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives. The Academic Specialist must ensure that members actively participate in programs and activities and are engaged in their academic development.
• Cultivates Innovation: Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful. The role involves developing project-based learning and high-yield educational activities, which requires creativity and innovative thinking.
• Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals. The Academic Specialist needs to plan and oversee program administration, evaluate programs, and ensure they are aligned with the goals and mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs.
• Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments. This competency is crucial for monitoring academic performance, reporting progress, and ensuring proper record-keeping and administration of programs.

ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Relationships

• Internal: Maintains close, daily contact with Club staff, Support Office personnel, volunteers, Club members, and supervisors to exchange information, address issues, and provide or clarify guidelines and instructions.
• External: Cultivates long-term relationships with community partners, schools, and other organizations to create a sustainable pipeline of volunteers and group volunteer partners. Engages with these external groups to build collaborative efforts and ensure a steady flow of volunteer support for Club activities and programs. Maintain oral, written, and personal contact with external organizations and community groups, serving as a resource for volunteer recruitment and selection.

Other

ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The position requires working in both indoor and outdoor environments of an office or facility 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 and weekends, to support volunteer activities and events.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physically capable of performing activities and duties on-site, including lifting up to 50 pounds, standing, sitting, or walking for extended periods, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to maintain a high energy level when necessary.
• 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.
• Operates a computer and other office productivity equipment such as a copy machine, phone, printer, tablet, and typing on a keyboard (frequently).
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact positively with volunteers, youth members, community 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 and background check.
• Continued employment is contingent upon passing randomized drug screenings as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.

Disclaimer:

The information presented in this job description is intended to illustrate the general 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 needs of the club and the direction of the Club Director and Chief Executive Officer.

We kindly request that applicants refrain from contacting us regarding the status of their application. Our team will diligently review all submissions and will reach out to candidates who best match our requirements.