Overview

The Head of Program Quality & Ops serves as the senior executive responsible for setting the vision and strategy to define and advance the BGC Academy’s core program model, the integrated learning and enrichment framework that anchors the Academy’s impact and brand.

 

This leader translates Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s proven youth development approach into a market-ready, fee-based model that combines academic enrichment, STEM, arts, social-emotional learning, and life skills within a consistent, evidence-based K–5 experience ensuring positive youth outcomes and parent satisfaction

 

Reporting to the Principal Officer and serving on the Academy’s executive team, the Head of Program Quality & Ops sets the strategic direction for curriculum architecture, youth outcomes, and instructional design. The role ensures that program quality, training, and measurement systems are cohesive and scalable, working in close partnership with the executive team.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Program Model Leadership & Design• Define, design and continuously evolve the Academy’s program model and curriculum framework to deliver engaging, outcome-driven experiences for youth.• Lead the development of a comprehensive 180-day curriculum architecture and modular lesson library integrating academics, enrichment, and social-emotional learning.• Partner with BGCA subject-matter experts and external curriculum providers to design turnkey, scalable program products and implementation resources.• Establish a multi-year innovation roadmap for specialized Academies (e.g., STEM, Arts, Sports) that generate additional revenue and reach in support of the Academies goals

 

Implementation Strategy & Market Readiness• Ensure program and curriculum design is operationally feasible and embedded into site readiness criteria and launch plans.• Develop and oversee program toolkits, playbooks, and “Academy-in-a-Box” materials to support replication and fidelity across markets. This includes sourcing and developing supply chain logistics to ensure ease for Clubs.• Provide direction and coaching to pilot markets to ensure program fidelity and achievement of early success metrics.

 

Training, Talent, and Learning Alignment• Advise and inform the design of staff training, certification, and recertification systems led by the Head of Talent and BGCA’s National Training Initiative (NTI).• Serve as the “face” of the Academy in delivering program specific training both virtually and in person leveraging technology to ensure efficiency. • Collaborate on defining staff competencies, learning outcomes, and instructional standards that connect talent development to program quality.• Influence the integration of continuous learning and professional growth as core cultural elements across all Academy roles.

 

Quality Alignment & Impact Measurement• Partner with BGCA’s Quality Assurance and Evaluation teams to inform program quality metrics, evaluation tools, and fidelity measures.• Use data insights to drive continuous program improvement and innovation.• Serve as a key strategic partner (not owner) in ensuring that quality standards and measurement systems are embedded in program design.

 

Innovation & Thought Leadership• Lead structured research and development to test new content areas, delivery models, and digital enhancements.• Represent the Academy nationally as a thought leader in afterschool innovation and program excellence.

 

Executive Leadership & Collaboration• Serve as a core member of the Academy’s executive team, contributing to organizational strategy, resource planning, and financial sustainability.• Build and lead a high-performing program design and implementation team that drives innovation and alignment across markets as the Academy scales. • Foster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and evidence-based improvement across all Academy functions.

 

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES• Ensure success of BGCA’s national growth framework and processes including doubling the footprint and impact.• Model BGCA’s I•CARE values (Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Excellence).• Represent BGCA at conferences, regional meetings, and community engagements to promote national growth and alignment.

Qualifications

Education and Experience• Master’s degree in Education, Youth Development, Curriculum Design, or related field required.• 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in youth development, education, or program strategy, including 5+ years in senior or executive roles.• Demonstrated success designing and scaling evidence-based program models across multi-site systems.• Proven track record in translating research, evaluation, and user feedback into actionable program design.• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing partnerships that integrate program, operations, and talent functions.

 

Knowledge & Competencies• Deep expertise in positive youth development and learning science.• Strategic and business acumen to position program models within sustainable growth and revenue frameworks.• Exceptional communication, influence, and relationship-building skills across diverse audiences.• Entrepreneurial, adaptive leader comfortable operating in a start-up, fast-growth environment.• Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and excellence in youth experiences.

 

Travel: Up to 40% to pilot markets and partner sites.