Academy Director

Job Description

TITLE: Academy Director

REPORTS TO: Unit Director

CLASSIFICATION: Full Time, Exempt

LOCATION: Stewart Elementary School, 208 W. 21st St., Yankton, SD 57078

BONUS: $3,000 Sign-On bonus paid in two installments

PAY RANGE: $55,000–$65,000 based on experience

BENEFITS: In addition to a competitive wage, BGCNP offers a $1500 hiring bonus in first paycheck, a $1500 retention bonus at 6 months, and discounted childcare for employee children ages 5+ enrolled in BGCNP programs.

MISSION: To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Job Summary

As the Academy Director at a Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains (BGCNP) licensed site, the role involves overseeing the daily operations and managing budget and programming to ensure high-quality, age-appropriate activities for our members. Responsible for engaging with parents and Club members to address concerns regarding youth behaviors, Club events, and other related matters. Additionally, oversee the recruitment and onboarding process for new academy staff. Uphold the mission of the Boys & Girls Club and ensure that all employees do the same.

Hours of Operation

Our program operates Monday – Friday, year-round:

• Summer: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM

• School Year: 5:45 AM – 8:00 AM (before school) and after school until 6:00 PM

The Academy Director is not expected to work all hours of program operation. Your schedule will be structured to lead effectively during your assigned hours, with program staffing designed to cover the full span of operation. Occasional evenings or weekends may be needed for special events, trainings, or family engagement activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with licensing requirements, including ratios, documentation, programming, etc.

• Lead discipline and guidance for youth with behavioral challenges and assist with creating and implementing youth success plans.

• Create and implement membership outreach strategies.

• Ensure proper staffing and oversight of the morning (5:30 AM – the start of school) and afternoon program (after school – 6:00 PM).

• Ensure Unit staff implement the 5 Key Elements for Positive Youth Development.

• Exhibit the Club Values of excellence, impact-driven, teamwork, and good character.

• Continually evaluate Academy programs, report results according to established deadlines, and address the needs of Academy members.

• Ensure Academy policies of behavior, special needs, youth success plans, and safety are created and followed per Club policies and procedures.

• Build relationships with parents of the organization through parent orientation, phone calls, e-mails, daily communication, etc.

• Interview, hire, supervise, evaluate, and discipline Academy employees as assigned.

• Execute special programming events.

• Manage Academy budget and make fiscally responsible purchases. Assist with budget tracking in the priority outcomes of Academic Success, Good Character and Leadership, and Healthy Lifestyles.

• Implement and track grant programs as assigned.

• Facilitate and attend mandatory Academy training, including the monthly all-staff meetings.

• Collaborate with community groups to enhance services.

• Understand, implement, and demonstrate behavior management principles and other youth treatment modalities, per the Club training and values of fun, supportive relationships, recognition, opportunities and expectations, and safety. Must be able to provide leadership, on-the-spot and reflective feedback, and supervision to assigned employees to do the same.

• Other duties as assigned. BGCNP reserves the right to change responsibilities and tasks as needed.

Employment Qualifications

To meet South Dakota Child Care Licensing qualifications, as a Program Administrator, candidates must meet at least one of the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Human Development

• Two-year degree in Early Childhood Education

• Valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or similar recognized credential

• Certification in a specific child-learning philosophy (e.g., Montessori) plus at least one year of experience in a licensed childcare setting

• Child Development Technician diploma

• Four years of verifiable experience in a licensed childcare center or school-age childcare program

Candidates will also bring:

• Experience working with youth of ages Preschool through 12th Grade

• Management/Supervisory Experience

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Positive attitude

• Strong communication skills with families, staff, school administration, and community partners

• Comfort working in a school-hosted, offsite environment and collaborating with school leadership

• Experience with state childcare licensing

Physical Requirements

• Must be of the mental and physical capacity to observe, interact, and communicate with youth, staff, volunteers, parents, etc., at the Club to ensure the safety of the space and others, and provide guidance and reflection per the Club priority outcomes and goals.

• Ability to stand/sit for long periods throughout a shift.

• Ability to operate various types of general office equipment including PC, telephone, copier, etc.

• This position is considered to be safety-sensitive.

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain nor be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, non-job-related disability, or any other protected class.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees in compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application/hiring process should contact Human Resources to communicate their request for accommodation at View phone number on kelolandemployment.com.