Site Specialist (Program Manager)

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 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

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.