After School Activity Leader

The After School Activities Leader is a front-line program staff member at a Blue Door Academy school-based site. Working up to 25 hours per week, the After School Activities Leader reviews, facilitates, and delivers structured afterschool enrichment programming for youth in grades K-8 under the direct supervision of the Branch Director. This role is grounded in the principles of Positive After School Activities Leader and requires a consistent, caring adult presence that creates safe, high-quality learning environments every day.

Blue Door Academy After School Activities Leader are expected to arrive prepared, execute programming with fidelity, and contribute to a site culture that young people and families trust. This is not a babysitting role - it is a professional position with meaningful accountability for youth outcomes.

What This Role Requires: The Blue Door Academy Staff Standard

Every After School Activities Leader is expected to hold three commitments in every shift:

You Show Up for Youth

For a After School Activities Leader, presence is everything. Young people thrive when they can count on a caring, consistent adult who knows their name, notices when they are struggling, and celebrates when they succeed. Every session, every interaction, and every activity is an opportunity to build the kind of trust that changes a young person's trajectory.

You Deliver the Program

Blue Door Academy is defined by the quality of what happens in the room. After School Activities Leader are responsible for reviewing, planning and facilitating structured, engaging activities aligned to Blue Door Academy's enrichment model. High-quality program delivery is not optional - it is the core of this role and the standard youth and families expect.

You Hold the Standard

Academy sites operate with consistency, structure, and intention. After School Activities Leader are expected to know the expectations, follow the routines, and contribute to a culture of excellence. The experience a young person has at a Blue Door Academy site reflects the professionalism and commitment of every staff member on the team.

Key Responsibilities

Program Planning & Delivery

• Plan and facilitate structured, engaging activities and enrichment sessions aligned to Blue Door Academy's program model and BGCA's core program areas.
• Deliver programming that incorporates the Five Key Elements of Positive Youth Development: safe environment, fun and belonging, supportive relationships, opportunities and expectations, and recognition.
• Follow the daily program schedule established by the Branch Director; arrive on time and prepared for each session.
• Use Club Programs, BGCA resources, and Blue Door Academy-approved curricula to plan and document sessions in advance.
• Adapt activities to meet the developmental needs and interests of youth in grades K-8.

Youth Engagement & Relationship Building

• Build authentic, consistent relationships with youth grounded in trust, respect, and high expectations.
• Greet youth by name; maintain a warm, encouraging presence throughout each session.
• Recognize and respond to behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs; escalate concerns to the Branch Director as appropriate.
• Model positive behavior, conflict resolution, and inclusive communication in all interactions.

Site Operations & Safety

• Maintain supervision of youth at all times in accordance with required staff-to-member ratios.
• Implement all safety protocols, emergency procedures, and organizational policies.
• Keep program spaces clean, organized, and safe; report facility or supply issues promptly.
• Take accurate daily attendance and submit required documentation on schedule.

Professional Standards & Continuous Learning

• Complete a mandatory 10-hour Blue Door Academy onboarding prior to working directly with youth at any Academy site.
• Complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuous professional learning throughout the school year, including BGCA Spillett Leadership University (SLU) coursework and site-level training.
• Attend all required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions.
• Receive and apply feedback from the Branch Director; demonstrate consistent growth in program quality.
• Maintain professional conduct, confidentiality, and compliance with all organizational policies.