Title/Position: Keystone Club Advisor, Josiah Quincy Upper School
Position Summary:
In partnership with BGCB's VP of Community Affairs, the JQUS Keystone Advisor will drive the recruitment, support and guidance of teen members of the Keystone Club at the Josiah Quincy Upper School, a satellite of BGCB's Main Office site. Keystone is a leadership development program for youth ages 14–18 within the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and focuses on empowering teens through leadership, community service, academic success, career preparation, and outreach. The Keystone Advisor facilitates this by providing mentorship, ensuring safety, and promoting an inclusive, engaging environment.
Core Responsibilities
Member recruitment
o Work with JQUS faculty and staff to identify interested teens.
o Distribute information about Keystone and BGCB to staff, teens and families
o Hold Q&A sessions in partnership with BGCB staff
o Collect student information in compliance with BPS protocol.
Safety and Supervision
- Prioritize the physical and emotional safety of all members by following BGCA guidelines.
- Maintain a "rule of threes" to prevent isolated contact and ensure transparency.
- Address and report incidents or concerns related to health, safety, or behavioral issues.
Leadership and Mentorship
- Support Keystoners in exploring their leadership strengths, with a focus on self-awareness, collaboration, and community engagement.
- Partner with teens in a mentor-mentee relationship, providing guidance while encouraging independence.
- Help Keystoners identify passions and align them with actionable goals.
Program Development and Facilitation
- Oversee recruitment, orientation, and team-building efforts for the Keystone Club.
- Guide members in planning, facilitating, and evaluating meetings and projects.
- Assist in setting goals, creating annual plans, and managing budgets.
- Encourage participation in national Keystone initiatives and conferences.
Inclusive Environment
- Foster a safe and welcoming space that supports teens of all backgrounds and abilities.
- Monitor for inclusion, ensuring equitable access to resources and meaningful participation.
Project Guidance
- Support teens in planning and executing community service and leadership projects.
- Provide tools for researching community needs, marketing initiatives, and evaluating project outcomes.
Key Activities and Tools
- Meeting Facilitation: Advisors collaborate with teen officers to create structured agendas and facilitate discussions. Keystone meetings incorporate team-building, focused discussions, and reflection.
- Project Oversight: Advisors guide members in designing and implementing projects using tools like the Passion + Problem = Project framework and action plans.
- Charter Management: Advisors ensure the club meets national charter requirements and submit necessary reports/documentation.
Professional Development Opportunities
Keystone Advisors benefit from access to training, resources, and a supportive network:
- Online tools such as the Keystone Zone, webinars, and regional advisory councils.
- Opportunities to connect with peers and experts for advice and best practices.
Keystone Advisor's Impact
By fostering leadership and empowering teens to engage with their communities, Keystone Advisors contribute to members' personal growth and the success of their clubs. They play a pivotal role in helping youth discover their potential while addressing community needs.
Position Requirements:
- 5-7 years of experience in education and youth development.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
- Strong interpersonal/communication skills, with ability to interact with a variety of audiences
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Willingness and flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for club and member events.
- Ability to commute throughout the Metro-Boston area as needed for Club visits, events, and meetings.
Work Schedule:
- Hours: 3 hours per week
- Day: Wednesdays (Exact schedule TBD)
Pay Range based on experience & internal equity: $35–$40 per hour