Spark Lab Leader

                                                                                   Position Description

Job Title: New Hanover Spark Lab Leader
Department: Operations
Reports To: Assistant Regional Director of Operations

Status: Part-Time Non-exempt hourly (20 -25 hours per week)

The regular schedule for this position consists of 4-hour shifts, Monday through Friday, typically between 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. during the school year, and varied 4-hour shifts, Monday through Friday, during summer camp. The SPARK Leader must also attend trainings and meetings, which may occasionally require schedule adjustments. This position is allotted a maximum of 30 hours per week. Any hours exceeding 30 must receive prior approval through the budget review process. 

Organizational Overview

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern North Carolina (BGCSENC) is a youth development organization committed to enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Serving children and teens throughout southeastern North Carolina, BGCSENC provides safe, inclusive, and engaging environments that foster academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character and citizenship, and workforce readiness. Through high-quality programming, dedicated staff, and strong community partnerships, BGCSENC empowers youth to become successful leaders in their schools, communities, and future careers.

Job Summary

The New Hanover County BGCSENC SparkLab Leader will lead innovative educational programs that enhance students' exposure to high-tech careers. Support learners as they progress through various in-person, blended, and virtual SparkNC learning experiences. The SparkLab Leader will collaborate with other SparkLab Leaders, the SparkNC team, and business community partners to bring cutting-edge learning experiences to life in high-tech fields. 

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Major Responsibilities:

1. Curriculum Development

• Develop and implement a structured daily program schedule aligned with SPARK NC curriculum requirements. 
• Promote participation in innovative learning experiences in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Software Development, UX/UI Design, Game Development, and related high-tech fields.
• Establish clear learning objectives and measurable growth indicators tied to SPARK NC outcome areas such as STEM interest, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

2. Program Development

• Ensure the SPARK Lab is open and fully staffed Monday–Friday from 3:30–6:30 p.m. during the school year and a minimum of four (4) hours per day during Summer Camp sessions.
• Recruit and enroll a minimum of 100 youth (members and other youth served combined) annually in Spark NC Stacking Learning Experiences (On-Demand).
• Schedule and host at least two (2) guest speakers per quarter aligned to high-tech career pathways and facilitate at least one (1) career-aligned field trip per quarter.
• Establish and maintain a minimum of four (4) active business or industry partnerships to support volunteer engagement and co-designed learning opportunities (Live Interdistrict)

3. Program Monitoring & Evaluation

• Collect pre- and post-assessment data for at least 90% of participating youth in alignment with SPARK NC requirements.
• Demonstrate measurable student growth in at least one SPARK NC outcome area annually.
• Accurately track and submit 100% of required attendance, participation, and outcome data by established reporting deadlines.

4. Communication & Community Engagement

• Maintain communication with parents, community partners, Spark NC representatives, and BGCSENC leadership regarding program updates and student progress.
• Promote Spark Lab successes through presentations, partnership engagement, and stakeholder reporting.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovation-driven environment for youth, volunteers, and partners.

5. Program Management & Professional Accountability

• Complete 100% of mandated training and certifications by required deadlines.
• Manage volunteers, peer leaders, and part-time staff to ensure high-quality program implementation.
• Oversee care, maintenance, and organization of Spark Lab equipment, supplies, and technology.
• Ensure full compliance with BGCSENC policies and operational standards.

Additional Responsibilities:

1.  Attend required staff meetings, supervision check-ins, and professional development trainings.
2. Complete all required BGCA and BGCSENC safety trainings.
3. May manage special programs and/or events and/or participate in the implementation of other Club organization activities as requested.  
4. May be required to drive the Club minibus periodically
5. Other duties as assigned.

Relationships

Internal: Maintains close contact with club staff (professional and volunteer) and to receive/provide information, discuss issues, explain or interpret guidelines/instruction, instruct, and advise/counsel.

External: Maintains contact as needed with external community groups, schools, members’ parents and others to assist in resolving problems.

Skills/Knowledge Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree  

• 3+ years of experience in program facilitation, education, or youth development.
• Experience in STEAM education, literacy initiatives, and curriculum development.
• Strong program facilitation skills.
• Ability to engage diverse youth populations and adapt programs to various learning styles.
• Familiarity with technology integration in education, including project-based learning and digital tools.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with youth, parents, and community partners. 
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed. 
• Must possess the ability to operate a personal vehicle. 
• Be willing to travel for training and other events and be able to maintain strict confidentiality

Preferred:

• Passion for reimagining traditional education systems and creating learner-centered experiences.
• Experience working with or within the Boys & Girls Clubs movement.
• Familiarity with the Southeastern North Carolina community and its demographics.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly must talk and listen. This role requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and stooping. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Travel to club sites is required, as well as some outdoor activity. Mileage reimbursement is provided for travel outside assigned counties.

DISCLAIMER:

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern North Carolina is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.