Gary - STEM Youth Development Professional

Job Title: STEM Youth Development Professional
Location: John Will Anderson Gary Club – 2700 W. 19th Ave. Gary, IN 46404

Status: Part-Time up to 29 hours a week Monday though Friday (typical school year hours 1:00 pm to 6:30pm, summer hours vary the club is open from 6:30am to 6:00 pm)
Compensation: $26/hour

Position Overview

The STEM & Aviation Youth Development Professional is responsible for delivering high-quality, hands-on STEM and Aviation programming that engages PreK–12th grade youth in meaningful learning experiences. This role plays a critical part in implementing grant-funded initiatives, maintaining program quality, and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.

This position creates an engaging, structured, and supportive after-school environment where youth can build skills in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and aviation while developing confidence, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. The role will also support aviation career awareness, flight simulation experiences, and hands-on exploration of aviation-related pathways.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Implementation

• Design, implement, and supervise engaging STEM programs aligned with organizational goals and outcome measurements.
• Facilitate hands-on, project-based learning experiences that align with Common Core Math Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.
• Promote active participation and consistent engagement among members.
• Implement structured aviation learning components including:
  • Flight simulator programming
  • Aviation STEM challenges
  • Aircraft design activities
  • Airport operations simulations
  • Aviation technology exploration

Youth Development & Classroom Management

• Establish a positive, structured, and inclusive learning environment.
• Build strong relationships with youth through mentoring and role modeling.
• Effectively manage classroom behavior to ensure a safe and productive program space.
• Support members’ academic success, social-emotional growth, and leadership development.
• Provide individualized guidance to youth in setting and achieving personal goals.
• Follow BGCA's staff best practices and utilize the Elements of High-Quality Session in all sessions. 

Leadership & Partnership Development

• Supervise and provide direction to program assistants and college interns.
• Develop partnerships with local colleges, aviation organizations, and universities to recruit and engage interns.
• Lead by example in professionalism, accountability, and program excellence.

Grant Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of program activities, attendance, and outcomes.
• Ensure full compliance with grant requirements and reporting standards.
• Track data and contribute to evaluation and continuous improvement efforts.

Funder Engagement

• Collaborate directly with funding partners.
• Participate in quarterly deliverables, reporting, and check-ins.
• Demonstrate professionalism, responsiveness, and strong follow-through in all communications.
• Support aviation-focused grant initiatives and program enhancements.

Program Operations

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized program space.
• Manage inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Lead and supervise field trips and enrichment activities.
• Attend all required staff and organizational meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

This position was funded through a grant partnership and was contingent upon renewal of that funding. 

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or STEM field required
• At least 3 years of proven classroom or youth program management experience
• Experience with youth development organizations (Boys & Girls Clubs preferred)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong classroom management and youth engagement skills
• Ability to motivate and inspire youth while managing behavior effectively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Experience with data tracking, reporting, and documentation
• Ability to build relationships with youth, families, staff, and community partners
• Capacity to plan and deliver high-quality, structured programming
• Detail-oriented with a strong sense of accountability

Certifications

• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)

Additional Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

While performing the duties of this role, the employee may be required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

This position was funded through a grant partnership and was contingent upon renewal of that funding.