Academic Specialist

TITLE: Academic Specialist

PERFORMANCE PROFILE SOURCE: Individual Contributor

DEPARTMENT: Operations

REPORTS TO: Director of Academic Success

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

WORKER CATEGORY: Part-Time

EMPLOYMENT TERM: Grant-Funded position for the 2026-2027 School Year

EMPLOYMENT FUNCTION: Professional

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Academic Specialist helps youth Club members build the literacy foundation that shapes their entire academic future. In partnership with the REED Charitable Foundation (RCF), this role delivers intensive, evidence-based literacy and academic support to members in Kindergarten through second grade, the years when learning to read determines whether a child can later read to learn. Through group instruction, project-based and high-yield learning experiences, and individualized academic learning plans, the Academic Specialist meets each member exactly where they are and moves them forward. This position administers diagnostic and progress-monitoring assessments, analyzes the results to sharpen instruction, and reports measurable growth to BGCCF leadership, the Club site, and RCF. The Academic Specialist creates a learning environment where children feel safe taking academic risks, building the confidence, curiosity, and persistence that carry far beyond the Club. By partnering with local schools, families, and community organizations, the Academic Specialist helps close opportunity gaps and advances the shared mission of BGCCF and the REED Charitable Foundation: ensuring every child has the skills and support to reach their full potential.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Development and Implementation

• Lead educational programs and activities with a primary focus on improving the literacy skills of Club members in kindergarten, first and second grade.
• 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 Central Florida and the mission and goals of the REED Charitable Foundation.
• 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 Movement and Youth Development Strategy, establishing objectives consistent with organizational goals and the mission of BGCCF and RCF.
• Report progress to the BGCCF Director of Academic Success, Service Director, REED Charitable Foundation, and the Club Site.

Daily Program Activities

• Coordinate intervention support schedules with the Director of Academic Success, Service Director, and RCF Team 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.
• 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 REED2RISE Program Training.

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.
• Support data collection, documentation, and reporting required to demonstrate member impact and meet grant deliverables and funder reporting deadlines.

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.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (Knowledge, Education, Experience & Skills)

Education:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in education, literacy, or a related field, or a combination of education and relevant work experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of two years of work experience in an educational setting, with a focus on literacy programs and academic support activities.
• Experience in developing and implementing project-based learning and high-yield educational activities.
• Experience working with databases and CRM systems to manage student information and track academic progress.

Skills:

• 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.
• Proficiency in data analysis and progress monitoring to assess academic performance and adapt programs as needed.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

KEY ROLE COMPETENCIES:

Instructional and Literacy Expertise

• Applies evidence-based early literacy and academic intervention practices to deliver small-group and individual instruction for members in Kindergarten through second grade.
• Stays current on literacy curriculum, intervention strategies, and youth development practices, and applies them to daily programming.

Drives Engagement

• Creates a supportive, encouraging learning environment where members want to participate, take academic risks, and recognize their own progress.
• Provides instruction, constructive feedback, and recognition that keep members motivated across a variety of program areas and activities.

Plans and Aligns

• Coordinates intervention schedules, program calendars, materials, and supplies so that academic support is delivered consistently and without disrupting Club programming.
• Establishes program objectives that are consistent with BGCCF and REED Charitable Foundation goals, the Boys & Girls Club Movement, and the Youth Development Strategy.

Ensures Accountability

• Maintains accurate learning plans, case files, attendance and participation records, and progress reports, and submits them on time.
• Operates programs within established budgetary guidelines and follows through on commitments to supervisors, funding partners, families, and Club members.

Collaborates

• Partners with Club staff, school personnel, families, community organizations, and the REED Charitable Foundation team to align literacy supports and share member progress.
• Communicates member needs and progress clearly and professionally, and seeks input from supervisors and partners to strengthen academic outcomes.

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. Engages with these external groups to build collaborative efforts and ensure a steady flow of support for Club activities and programs. Maintains oral, written, and personal contact with external organizations and community groups.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The position requires working in both indoor and outdoor environments of an office or club 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 for on-site club assignments, events, or required meetings.
• Work in environments frequented by children and families, requiring adherence to safety and conduct standards that ensure a child-friendly and family-oriented atmosphere.
• This role will have a standard and predictable work schedule. However, all staff must be adaptable to a dynamic work schedule, including evenings and weekends, to support club activities and events.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physically capable of performing programming activities and club duties on-site and off-site, including participating in field trips, enrichment events, and supervision of members during community outings.
• Ability to stand, sit, walk, or move around for extended periods and to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Must be able to actively monitor and maintain a line of sight on groups of 15-20 youth members, following best practices to ensure safety and appropriate supervision in dynamic settings.
• Capacity to maneuver in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to varying weather conditions as needed.
• Strong voice projection and verbal presence to facilitate, instruct, and engage small and large groups in workshops, activities, and team settings.
• Operates computer and related office productivity equipment (e.g., copy machine, phone, printer, tablet) frequently, including tasks involving repetitive motion, visual focus, and fine motor skills.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to monitor youth behaviors, environmental conditions, and safety standards.
• Mental resilience and ability to stay focused, alert, and effective in busy, sometimes noisy environments.
• Demonstrated capacity to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize under pressure, and maintain composure in crisis or unexpected situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact positively with children, families, and staff in a variety of settings.
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions (occasionally).

Pre-Employment and Ongoing Compliance Requirements:

• Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Continued employment is contingent upon passing randomized drug screenings as part of our commitment to maintaining a drug-free work environment.
• Continued employment is also contingent on the Florida State Department of Children and Families' employment designation of "eligible for employment" as a state-licensed youth-serving organization.

Disclaimer:

The information presented in this job description is intended to illustrate the 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 direction of the organization & CEO.

Notice to Applicants:

Please note: Submission of an application does not create an obligation for BGCCF to provide individual status updates. Our hiring managers carefully review all applications received, and only candidates selected to move forward will be contacted regarding next steps.

Due to the high volume of applications, BGCCF is unable to respond to emails or calls requesting updates on application status. Applicants who repeatedly contact BGCCF HR or BGCCF staff to request status updates, or who email staff members with whom they do not have an existing professional relationship solely to announce that they have applied, may be removed from consideration and have their application archived.

If you have an existing professional connection with BGCCF, you are welcome to reach out to that contact directly for networking purposes. However, all candidates must still follow the formal application and selection process outlined in this posting.

Department of Children and Families Level II Background Check Notice:

Please see the link below to the new Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website. This site was implemented under the directive of House Bill 531 (2025).