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Academy Director

Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains, Inc., Yankton, SD, United States


TITLE: Academy Director REPORTS TO: Executive Director CLASSIFIED: Full Time, Exempt LOCATION: Stewart Elementary School, 208 W 21st St., Yankton, SD 57078 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

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 partner

Comfort working with 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, 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.

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