Job Description

Join Wakeman Boys & Girls Club as Our Chief Operating Officer – Make a Lasting Impact on Youth!

Are you a passionate leader ready to shape the future of young people? Wakeman Boys & Girls Club (WBGC), a premier nonprofit youth development organization in Fairfield County, is looking for a dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive excellence in our programs and operations of growing organization that is deepening impact on community.

As COO, you’ll lead high-quality youth programming, oversee out-of-school operations, and ensure our club locations are safe, engaging spaces where kids and teens thrive. You’ll have the opportunity to build impactful community partnerships, mentor future leaders, and make a real difference in the lives of thousands of young people.

If you're a logistical expert with a heart for youth development and a talent for operational excellence, we want to hear from you!

Join us in empowering the next generation to become FUTURE READY—apply today!

Key Responsibilities

Oversee Youth Programming & Out of School Time Operations

• Ensure best practices in program development, implementation, and evaluation across all WBGC locations.
• Maintain compliance with all local, state, and national regulations and licensing requirements.
• Work with staff to enhance curriculum structure, and engagement in afterschool, summer camp, and other youth development programs.
• Support the integration of social-emotional learning, mentoring, and workforce readiness initiatives.

Leadership & Strategy

• Supervise executive directors to ensure operational excellence at all 5 club locations.
• Identify and address systemic challenges in youth programming and out of school time operations, implementing sustainable solutions.
• Work closely with the CEO and community stakeholders to align WBGC’s offerings with evolving community needs.
• Foster an organizational culture of a supportive, equitable environment and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team.

Financial & Operational Growth

• In collaboration with CEO, CFO & Unit Executives, oversee programmatic budgetary planning, ensuring financial sustainability and responsible expense management.
• Expand WBGC’s impact through membership growth, new site development, program expansion, and strategic partnerships.
• Explore opportunities for mergers and acquisitions to enhance WBGC’s reach and resources.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure safety and risk management best practices are upheld in collaboration with the CEO and Director of Safety & Leadership Development.
• Working alongside the Director of Safety & Leadership Development ensure adherence to childcare licensing, health regulations, BGCA Membership & Safety requirements and WBGC policies to maintain a safe environment for youth, volunteers, and staff.

Collaboration & Community Engagement

• In collaboration with the CEO & ED’s, develop and strengthen partnerships with schools, local organizations, and government agencies to enhance youth programming and childcare services.
• Represent WBGC in the community and advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit children and families.

The ideal Candidate will have the following:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in recreation, human services, education, business management, or related field.
• 8+ years of professional experience in youth development, childcare operations, or nonprofit management, with at least 5 years in senior leadership.
• Strong knowledge of childcare & safety regulations, youth programming best practices, and operational management.

Leadership & Management Skills:

• Proven ability to develop, lead, and scale youth programs and childcare operations.
• Experience managing senior level teams- including executive directors, program managers, and frontline staff with proven measures of success.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address organizational challenges and community needs.

Passion for Youth Development:

• A deep commitment to creating safe, engaging, and impactful programs for children and teens.
• The ability to build authentic relationships with youth, families, staff, and community partners.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Bilingual skills are a plus.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods, operate office equipment, and lift light objects (<20 lbs.).
• Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Comfortable engaging with diverse communities and working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Why Join WBGC?

• Make a lasting impact on youth and families in the community.
• Be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team.
• Enjoy professional growth opportunities in a leading youth development organization.

How to Apply

Please submit resume to: HR Coordinator: bhernandez@wakemanclub.org or apply on LinkedIn

ATTN: COO Search

Salary Range: 

Competitive base salary range based on experience $100,000 - $120,000

Benefits: 

We offer the full range of benefits including 100% employer paid medical, dental, vision; long-term disability, life insurance, 10% retirement contribution after eligibility period is met, generous PTO (paid time off) plan, 11 paid holidays, and discounts on programs.

Target Dates for the Search Process:

Resumes accepted through: April 11 th  

Preliminary interviews scheduled: April 14 th -25 th

Final interviews: April 28 th -May 9 th

Selection made: mid May

Anticipated start: On or around July 7 th

Wakeman Boys & Girls Club is an equal opportunity employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment.

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