Teen Leadership Academy Director

Team Up Mentoring | Monroe, GA
Reports to: Executive Director
Position Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Location: Walton County, Georgia
Travel: Local travel as needed

Mission

Create an environment that fosters generational change for trauma survivors.

About Team Up Mentoring

Team Up Mentoring is a nonprofit organization based in Monroe, Georgia, serving youth and families in Walton, Barrow and Oconee Counties. We work with families who have experienced trauma and adversity, providing mentorship, leadership development, and family support that help them build resilience and long-term success.

Through programs like the Teen Leadership Academy, youth gain opportunities to develop leadership skills, build healthy relationships, and connect with caring adults who invest in their future. Our work focuses on strengthening the entire support system around each child so that lasting, generational change can occur.

At Team Up Mentoring, we believe that when youth are surrounded by consistent relationships, practical resources, and opportunities to lead, they can overcome challenges and create a stronger future for themselves and their families.

Position Overview

The Teen Leadership Academy (TLA) Director leads the design, implementation, and growth of Team Up Mentoring's Teen Leadership Academy, a program serving middle and high school students who have experienced trauma.

This role oversees youth programming, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships that empower teens to develop leadership skills, build resilience, and create positive change in their lives and communities. The Director works closely with youth, families, volunteers, and community partners to ensure programs are impactful, trauma-informed, and aligned with the mission of Team Up Mentoring.

This position is ideal for a relational leader who is organized, mission-driven, and passionate about investing in youth and families.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Teen Leadership Academy programming.
• Facilitate leadership and life-skills programming for middle and high school students during the school year.
• Plan and lead a 6-week summer leadership program.
• Coordinate four annual family engagement events.
• Lead the Youth Action Team (Y.A.T.), including monthly meetings and youth-led service projects.
• Serve as Adult Advisor for the Georgia Teen Institute (G.T.I.) leadership camp.
• Implement and manage a positive behavior and participation system that encourages leadership and accountability among students.
• Track and evaluate program outcomes and maintain accurate participant records.

Youth & Family Engagement

• Build supportive, trauma-informed relationships with program participants and their families.
• Track student participation and progress via TraxSolutions.
• Connect families with community resources and referrals when appropriate.

Volunteer + Staff Leadership

• Recruit, train, and support volunteers + seasonal employees who assist with Teen Leadership Academy programming.
• Provide leadership and guidance to volunteers + seasonal staff to ensure a positive and impactful experience.
• Foster a culture of appreciation and engagement among volunteers + seasonal staff.

Community Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, community organizations, and service providers.
• Represent Team Up Mentoring through community meetings, partnerships, and presentations.

Organizational Support & Development

• Support fundraising and community engagement initiatives in partnership with leadership.
• Assist with grant reporting and program data collection.
• Participate in organizational events and fundraising activities.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience working with youth or youth development programs.
• Experience with trauma-informed care or at-risk youth strongly preferred.

Skills

• Strong leadership, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.
• Ability to work effectively with youth, families, volunteers, and community partners.
• Knowledge of community resources and youth support systems preferred.

Other Requirements

• Valid driver's license
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed for programming and events.

Work Environment

This position includes a combination of youth programming, community engagement, volunteer coordination, and administrative work. The role requires flexibility, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a trauma-informed approach to serving youth and families.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.

Success in the First 12 Months

In the first year, the Teen Leadership Academy Director will:

Build strong relationships with youth and families

• Develop trusting, trauma-informed relationships with program participants and their caregivers.
• Ensure youth feel supported, valued, and engaged in Teen Leadership Academy programming.

Strengthen Teen Leadership Academy programming

• Successfully lead weekly programming for middle and high school participants.
• Plan and execute an impactful 6-week summer leadership program.
• Facilitate Youth Action Team meetings and guide youth-led service initiatives.

Develop a strong volunteer team

• Recruit, train, and support volunteers who contribute meaningfully to Teen Leadership Academy programming.
• Create a positive and engaging volunteer experience that encourages long-term involvement.

Enhance community partnerships

• Build strong working relationships with schools, community partners, and service organizations.
• Ensure families have access to relevant resources and support.

Demonstrate measurable program impact

• Track participation and outcomes for youth served through the Teen Leadership Academy.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting that demonstrate program effectiveness.

Support organizational growth

• Contribute to fundraising efforts and community engagement events.
• Represent Team Up Mentoring professionally in the community.

Who Thrives in This Role

The Teen Leadership Academy Director will thrive at Team Up Mentoring if they are:

Mission-driven.

You are deeply motivated by helping youth and families overcome trauma and build stronger futures.

Relational and empathetic.

You build trust easily with teens, families, volunteers, and community partners, and you understand the importance of consistent, caring relationships.

A natural mentor and leader.

You enjoy guiding young people, helping them grow in confidence, leadership, and personal responsibility.

Organized and proactive.

You are comfortable managing multiple responsibilities-from program planning and volunteer coordination to tracking outcomes and building partnerships.

Adaptable and solutions-focused.

Working with youth and families requires flexibility, patience, and creativity. You remain calm under pressure and focus on solutions.

Collaborative.

You work well with leadership, volunteers, schools, and community partners to create meaningful opportunities for youth.

Committed to trauma-informed care.

You understand that many youth and families we serve have experienced significant adversity, and you approach your work with compassion, patience, and respect.