Spark Lab Leader

Position Description
Job Title: New Hanover Spark Lab Leader
Department: Operations
Reports To: Assistant Regional Director of Operations
Status: Full-Time Non-exempt hourly (30 hours per week)30 hours/week; flexible schedule including after-school, summer camp, occasional evenings/weekends)
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 SparkLab Leader plans, coordinates, implements, and evaluates innovative educational programs that introduce youth to high-tech careers and future workforce opportunities. Operating in partnership with SparkNC, the SparkLab Leader supports learners across in-person, blended, and virtual learning experiences in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, software development, UX/UI design, game development, and computer systems engineering.
This role combines direct youth engagement with curriculum design, program coordination, student recruitment, data collection, and industry partnership development. Reporting directly to the Assistant Regional Director of Operations, the SparkLab Leader collaborates with BGCSENC leadership, SparkNC representatives, schools, and community partners to create an engaging, inclusive environment that helps youth build technical skills and discover pathways to postsecondary education and tech careers.
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Key Responsibilities
Curriculum Design & Learning Experience Facilitation
Curriculum Facilitation: Develop and implement a structured daily program schedule in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, software development, UX/UI design, game development, and emerging technology fields aligned with SparkNC and BGCSENC standards.
Project-Based Learning: Integrate hands-on, project-based learning, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking into daily activities to foster transferable tech skills.
Targeted Objectives & Adaptation: Establish clear learning objectives and measurable growth indicators in STEM interest, adapting activities to accommodate different ages, abilities, and learning styles.
Instructional Preparation: Prepare lesson plans, instructional materials, technology, and equipment before scheduled programming, in collaboration with SparkNC representatives and industry partners.
Youth Engagement, Recruitment & Program Operations
Program Schedule & Staffing: Ensure the SparkLab is open and appropriately staffed Monday through Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. during the school year and a minimum of four hours per day during summer camp sessions.
Recruitment & Retention: Recruit, enroll, and retain at least 100 youth annually in SparkNC Stacking Learning Experiences (On-Demand).
Inclusive Environment: Create a safe, supportive, and structured environment; guide youth in setting learning goals, completing projects, and exploring career pathways.
Operational Logistics: Coordinate guest speakers, supplies, technology access, family communications, and community outreach during non-program planning hours.
Career Exploration & Partnership Development
Guest Speakers & Field Trips: Schedule and host at least two high-tech career guest speakers per quarter and facilitate at least one career-aligned field trip quarterly.
Industry Partnerships: Establish and maintain at least four active business or industry partnerships to support volunteer engagement, mentorship, and collaborative learning.
Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as primary liaison between BGCSENC and SparkNC, participating in regional meetings, professional learning opportunities, and joint initiatives.
Program Evaluation, Quality & Organizational Accountability
Assessment & Reporting: Collect pre- and post-assessment data for at least 90% of participating youth and submit 100% of required attendance, participation, and outcome data by established deadlines.
Outcome Measurement: Demonstrate measurable student growth in at least one SparkNC outcome area annually and maintain organized enrollment and assessment records.
Safety & Technology Management: Oversee the care, maintenance, inventory, security, and organization of SparkLab technology and equipment while strictly following BGCSENC safety policies, supervision rules, and required trainings.
Vehicle Operation & Additional Duties: Drive a Club minibus periodically as required, support organizational events and student showcases, and perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Competencies
Education & Experience: Bachelor's or Master's degree preferred (consistent with the SparkNC model); equivalent experience considered. At least three years of experience in program facilitation, education, youth development, or STEAM learning.
STEAM & Digital Facilitation: Strong program facilitation skills with hands-on experience in technology integration, digital learning tools, project-based learning, and multi-disciplinary curriculum implementation.
Partnership & Community Engagement: Proven ability to build productive relationships with youth, parents/caregivers, school personnel, employers, and community partners.
Systems, Data & Logistics: Strong organizational skills to track student assessments, manage technology inventory, maintain attendance records, and strictly execute program compliance.
Communication & Adaptability: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the flexibility to work non-standard hours (after-school, summer, occasional evenings/weekends) and travel locally using a personal vehicle.
Preferred Qualifications: Middle or high school teaching experience, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) or design thinking background, Boys & Girls Club movement experience, or familiarity with Southeastern NC communities.
Disclaimer & Equal Opportunity
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. Responsibilities may be adjusted as organizational and program needs evolve.
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.

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No