Elementary Experience Coordinator

Description

Job Summary

The Elementary Experience Coordinator is responsible for implementing an engaging, high-quality elementary Club experience by coordinating daily programming, recruiting community partners, and ensuring every Club space offers meaningful opportunities for youth.

Working under the direction of the Operations Manager and in collaboration with the Teen Services Coordinator and Program Specialist team, this position brings the elementary programming vision to life. The Elementary Experience Coordinator executes daily programming plans, helps to recruit community experts, specialty instructors, volunteers, and enrichment partners, and coordinates the logistics necessary to deliver exceptional daily experiences for elementary members.

This is a highly collaborative, action-oriented role for someone who enjoys building relationships, organizing details, and making things happen. Success comes from initiative, follow-through, and the ability to transform ideas into memorable experiences for Club members. The ideal candidate is proactive, resourceful, and unafraid to ask for support, pursue new opportunities, or advocate for the resources needed to create outstanding programming.

Key Responsibilities

Experience Implementation

• Coordinate and maintain the elementary programming schedule in alignment with the operational vision established by the Operations Manager. 
• Execute engaging daily programming that maximizes every Club space and provides meaningful experiences for elementary members. 
• Coordinate specialty activities that provide a balanced mix of academics, STEM, arts, recreation, leadership, wellness, and social-emotional development. 
• Ensure scheduled activities are organized, prepared, and implemented with excellence. 
• Help create an atmosphere where every afternoon is intentional, energetic, and member-centered. 

Partnership & Community Recruitment

• Recruit community experts, local businesses, organizations, volunteers, and specialty instructors to provide enriching experiences for members. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners to expand programming opportunities. 
• Coordinate schedules, communication, logistics, and onboarding for all guest instructors and partners. 
• Continuously seek new partnerships that strengthen the Club experience throughout the year. 
• Represent Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois professionally within the community and actively promote opportunities for collaboration. 

Member Recruitment & Engagement

• Recruit members into specialty programs, clubs, and enrichment opportunities. 
• Generate enthusiasm and excitement around daily programming. 
• Encourage participation from members with diverse interests and abilities. 
• Monitor attendance and participation trends and share recommendations for future programming. 
• Help every member discover new interests, talents, and connections within the Club. 

Operational Coordination

• Coordinate daily schedules, room assignments, programming logistics, and communication. 
• Collaborate with the Operations Manager, Teen Services Coordinator, and Program Specialist team to ensure programming is effectively implemented. 
• Maintain organized calendars, documentation, and program records. 
• Support Club-wide events, seasonal programming, and organizational initiatives. 
• Assist with maintaining safe, organized, and welcoming program environments. 

Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate program quality and identify opportunities to improve member experiences. 
• Gather feedback from youth, families, staff, and community partners. 
• Recommend new programs, partnerships, and innovative experiences to Club leadership. 
• Stay informed on current youth development trends and best practices. 
• Contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

Requirements

Key Competencies

The successful Elementary Experience Coordinator demonstrates:

• Leadership through influence 

• Exceptional organization and planning 

• Initiative and ownership 

• Relationship building and networking 

• Creative thinking and innovation 

• Strong verbal and written communication 

• Project and event coordination 

• Time management and prioritization 

• Adaptability and flexibility 

• Problem-solving and resourcefulness 

• Collaboration and teamwork 

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong organizational and project management skills. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Ability to build authentic relationships with youth, families, staff, volunteers, businesses, and community leaders. 

• Comfortable recruiting new community partners through networking, outreach, and relationship building. 

• Ability to confidently advocate for programming needs and pursue opportunities that benefit Club members. 

• Strong attention to detail while managing multiple priorities simultaneously. 

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team. 

• Creative mindset with a passion for developing engaging youth experiences. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other scheduling or organizational software. 

• Alignment with the mission and values of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois. 

• Valid driver's license required. 

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Education, Recreation, Youth Development, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred. 

• Experience working with youth required. 

• Experience coordinating programs, events, volunteers, or community partnerships preferred. 

• Experience in youth development, education, recreation, nonprofit organizations, or after-school programming preferred. 

Mental / Emotional Requirements

• Ability to remain calm, organized, and solution-focused in a fast-paced environment. 

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and schedules. 

• Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative and service-oriented approach. 

• Demonstrates professionalism, resilience, and emotional intelligence. 

• Trauma-informed approach that promotes safety, equity, inclusion, and belonging. 

• Commitment to building positive relationships with youth, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners. 

Success Measures

The Elementary Experience Coordinator is successful when:

• Every elementary Club space has engaging, well-coordinated programming each afternoon. 

• Community partnerships continue to grow and provide diverse, high-quality enrichment opportunities. 

• Specialty programs consistently recruit and retain participants. 

• Programming plans are executed smoothly with organized logistics and minimal disruptions. 

• Members have meaningful choices and remain actively engaged throughout Club hours. 

• Families recognize the Club as a place where something exciting is happening every day. 

• New partnerships, innovative programs, and engaging experiences are consistently introduced throughout the year. 

• Program Specialists and Club leadership receive timely communication, organized schedules, and dependable follow-through. 

• Programming reflects the quality standards, mission, and values of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois. 

What Makes Someone Exceptional in This Role

This position is for someone who sees opportunities where others see obstacles.

The ideal candidate is naturally curious, outgoing, and driven to make things happen. They are comfortable introducing themselves to community leaders, asking local businesses to partner with the Club, recruiting volunteers, and pursuing opportunities that enrich the lives of young people. They don't wait for someone else to solve problems—they take ownership, find solutions, and follow through.

They are equally comfortable coordinating multiple moving parts, building community relationships, and creating memorable experiences that keep members excited to come back every day.

They are a connector, a recruiter, and an implementer. They understand that outstanding programming doesn't happen by chance—it happens because someone intentionally builds relationships, coordinates the details, and follows through. They are energized by bringing people together, creating opportunities for youth, and making every afternoon at the Club an experience worth remembering.