Site Specialist (Program Manager)

About Search Firm

This position is being facilitated by Pathway Talent Solutions Group , a specialized recruitment and talent advisory firm. We partner with organizations to identify, engage, and place exceptional talent. Candidates will be supported throughout the process with clear communication, guidance, and advocacy to ensure the best fit for both client and candidate.

 

Reports to:  Sr. Program Manager
Department:  Programs
Position Type: Part-Time/Non-Exempt
Days: Mon-Fri
Hours: 11 AM-6 PM
Supervision:  Yes

About Big Thought:

Big Thought equips youth to imagine and create their best lives and world. The secret that makes our work uniquely effective is the powerful combination of our social and emotional focus, experiential learning, community-centered partnerships, with a future focus.

Throughout our 30+ year history of innovation, Big Thought has become a national model in arts education, out of school time systems, summer learning and juvenile justice intervention. Now, we’re one of six community partnerships in the U.S helping scale national best practices in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). We take direct-to-youth programs and resources to communities with the greatest needs and share our evidence-based best practices with other nonprofits and organizations through a suite of consultation services including professional development, curriculum design and technical assistance.

#Big Thought Way:

Big Thought brings relentless optimism, innovation, and imagination to everything we do. We emphasize the need to center youth and use a collaborative, all hands-on deck approach to ensure that they are served well.

 

About the Role: 

The Site Specialist serves as the on-site leader responsible for the successful day-to-day operation of an assigned after-school program. This role ensures students experience a safe, engaging, and enriching environment while providing leadership to site staff, maintaining operational excellence, and fostering strong relationships with families, school personnel, and community partners.

The Site Specialist is responsible for creating a positive program culture where students can learn, grow, and thrive while ensuring all organizational policies, safety standards, and program expectations are consistently met.

About the Ideal Candidate: 

We're looking for a highly organized, dependable, and people-focused leader who enjoys working with youth and building strong teams. The ideal candidate is proactive, solutions-oriented, and thrives in a dynamic environment where every day is different.

Successful candidates demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills
• High emotional intelligence and professionalism
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, school staff, and colleagues
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and positive youth development

 

What the Role Entails: 

Site Operations

• Lead the day-to-day operations of an assigned after-school program site.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for all students.
• Oversee student arrival, dismissal, attendance, and daily headcounts.
• Coordinate daily schedules, enrichment activities, and site logistics.
• Assist with planning and implementing summer programming, as assigned.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, licensing requirements, and safety procedures.

Staff Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise, coach, and support on-site staff to ensure high-quality program delivery.
• Provide ongoing performance feedback and accountability.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and training staff in partnership with the People & Culture team.
• Maintain staff files, certifications, and required training records.
• Foster a collaborative, positive, and inclusive team culture.

Student & Family Engagement

• Build strong relationships with students, families, school administrators, and community partners.
• Address parent questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Connect youth and families with community resources when appropriate.
• Promote an inclusive environment where every student feels welcomed, respected, and supported.

Program Quality & Administration

• Monitor program quality and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Collect and maintain attendance, assessment, and program data.
• Track site expenditures and financial transactions in accordance with organizational procedures.
• Demonstrate sound judgment in responding to operational challenges and escalating concerns to the Senior Program Manager when appropriate.
• Complete required reports and administrative tasks accurately and on time.

Organizational Leadership

• Model professionalism, integrity, and emotional intelligence in all interactions.
• Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging throughout program operations.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and other mission-driven organizational initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of organizational goals.

 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience supervising staff, preferably within youth development, education, recreation, nonprofit, or after-school programming.
• Experience working with school-age youth in a structured program setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and other technology platforms.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Reliable transportation required.
• Ability to work afternoons, evenings, and occasional weekends as needed.
• Comfortable adapting to changing priorities and operational needs.
• Successful completion of all required background checks and mandatory trainings.
  
   

 

PHYSICAL WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Big Thought jobs are hands on and can be physically demanding. To perform the duties of these roles successfully, you may regularly be required to: sit, stand, or stare at computer screen for long periods of time; participate in external activities; use various office equipment, some manual; work in environment with loud sounds, multiple distractions, and interruptions; be exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures on occasion; maintain emotional control during stressful situations. 
 
EMPLOYMENT TERM:

Part-Time, Temporary — This position follows the academic school-year calendar, generally beginning near the start of the school year and concluding at the end of the school year. Summer employment opportunities may be available based on organizational needs.

 

Note:

WE VISUALIZE A WORKPLACE THAT PROVIDES AN EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE. WE BELIEVE A BASELINE REQUIREMENT TO ACHIEVE OUR VISION IS EVERYONE TREATED WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT –REGARDLESS THE ISSUE AT HAND. 

Employees of Big Thought are expected to participate in mission-driven activities, meetings, committees, etc. BT is based on a team environment and an openness to always “lend a hand” as appropriate to another employee.

All employees are required to adhere to BT policies and procedures. All employees may expect to perform duties as assigned. In addition, all employees may be assigned “other” duties in the spirit of teamwork.

This posting is not an employment agreement or contract. The CEO and/or designee has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.