Manager of Future Readiness

The Big Futures Team designs and delivers programs that expand opportunity, elevate youth voice, and strengthen mentoring relationships beyond the traditional match. Through career exploration, group mentoring, scholarships, and youth engagement experiences, we aim to build social capital, strengthen belonging, and prepare young people for postsecondary success.

The Future Readiness Manager leads the day-to-day strategy and execution of BBBSTC’s Future Readiness programming portfolio, including HOPE (small group mentoring), scholarships (including the Big Futures Fund), and cross-collaboration on Explore Events. This role is responsible for curating and strengthening what “future readiness” means at BBBSTC—enhancing existing programs, integrating the 4Es (Employment, Enrollment, Enlistment, Entrepreneurship), deepening culturally responsive practices, and expanding caregiver engagement to strengthen the broader match ecosystem.

Reporting to the Director of Big Futures, the Manager oversees two coordinators and partners cross-functionally to strengthen program design, data alignment, and community impact. This role balances hands-on team leadership with systems-level thinking—ensuring youth programming is culturally responsive, strategically focused, and operationally strong. Success in this role requires strong people leadership, systems thinking, operational clarity, and the ability to translate big-picture direction into consistent, high-quality youth experiences.

Job Details

Start Date: As soon as possible

Location: Hybrid with in-office requirement on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Hiring Salary Range: $52,000-62,000 Starting salary will depend on your skills and demonstrated readiness for the role.

Hours/Day: Monday-Friday, 40+ hours a week – including evenings, and weekends when necessary.

 Job Type:  Full-time, Exempt

Supervisor: Director of Big Futures

Candidate Profile

The Manager of Future Readiness is a key leadership role within Big Futures as we refine and define what Future Readiness programming looks like at BBBSTC. We are seeking a leader who can strengthen and elevate our existing programs while building a cohesive, culturally responsive framework that integrates group mentoring, scholarships, youth voice, and career exploration into a clear and sustainable strategy.

Initial Priority Focus:

• Curate and define BBBSTC’s Future Readiness programming model, clarifying how HOPE, scholarships, and Explore Events align within a unified framework.
• Strengthen group mentoring quality by implementing BBBSA standards and defining clear expectations for facilitation, retention, and youth engagement.
• Integrate the 4Es (Employment, Enrollment, Enlistment, Entrepreneurship) framework into programming in ways that are culturally relevant and youth-centered.
• Enhance caregiver engagement as part of the match ecosystem to strengthen youth outcomes.
• Partner with the Director of Big Futures and Impact & Accountability to define measurable outputs and outcomes aligned with the Theory of Action.
• Support the rollout of an enhanced programmatic framework, ensuring staff are equipped and aligned through strong change management.
• Establish consistent documentation, data practices, and quality indicators across the Future Readiness team.
• Clarify team roles, workflows, and expectations to support sustainability as the portfolio grows.
• Strengthen cross-team integration so Future Readiness programming supports match retention and overall agency impact.

Essential Job Functions

Program Strategy and Oversight

• Lead the implementation and ongoing refinement of group mentoring models, ensuring alignment with BBBSA Small Group Mentoring Standards and high-quality facilitation practices.
• Guide the development and execution of youth pathway strategies that align with BBBSTC’s Theory of Action, ensuring programming advances measurable youth outcomes and long-term impact.
• Oversee and steward the HOPE partnership, including program implementation, communication cadence, and strategic growth opportunities, while managing comparable external partnerships that support Future Readiness programming.
• Oversee the development and implementation of youth pathways, ensuring consistent retention strategies and youth-centered programming.
• Support integration of youth voice and feedback loops into all program design and delivery, including survey strategy and other interpersonal feedback efforts.
• Develop and monitor annual and quarterly goals for the mentorship expansion and youth discovery portfolio.
• Lead and/or support the development of biannual alumni and group mentoring communications, including newsletters or targeted updates, ensuring content highlights youth voice, program impact, and upcoming engagement opportunities while aligning with agency messaging and strategic priorities.
• Track program data, outcomes, and trends; ensure staff are documenting and analyzing information accurately in Salesforce. Partner with Impact & Accountability to track key outputs and outcomes.
• Collaborate with Grants & Accountability staff to produce reports, dashboards, and impact stories for internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay up to date and in compliance in accordance with BBBSTC standards and BBBS of America requirements.
• Partner with Site-Based, Community-Based, to intentionally align Future Readiness programming with match support strategies, ensuring youth pathways are connected, cohesive, and retention-focused for Alumni support.
• Manage the Big Futures Fund strategy, including staffing support/structure and program delivery, including: scholarship processes, application criteria, timelines, and documentation of outcomes.
• Ensure sustainability of annual scholarship opportunities through collaboration with Finance and external partners.
• Share and circulate best practices across the agency to strengthen consistency and alignment in youth engagement.

Team Leadership and Supervision

• Provide Direct supervision to a team of future readiness coordinators with various functions within group mentoring, scholarships, and cohort programming.
• Collaborate with the Manager of Program Events to provide staffing support of all other events.
• Effectively perform all supervisory functions of hiring, coaching, training, disciplining, and terminating, according to BBBSTC policies.  
  • Hold staff accountable to achieve individual and team goals while complying with agency policies and national standards of practice.  
  • Ensure effective performance management through monthly one-on-ones, quality assurance checks, field observations, and performance evaluations.
  • Implement action plans and disciplinary procedures with employees as needed. 
• Ensure staff maintain high proficiency in child safety and risk management protocols. 
• Observe programming and provide actionable feedback to strengthen facilitation and participant outcomes.
• Oversee onboarding, training, and ongoing coaching to build staff capacity and confidence in facilitation, partnership management, and youth engagement.
• Provide effective feedback, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
• Foster a team culture that promotes collaboration, professionalism, and critical thinking.
• Coordinate with other program teams for smooth participant transitions and consistent service delivery.

BBBS Mission Alignment

• Maintain knowledge of community needs, resources, and networks.
• Communicate professionally with external constituents.
• Work collaboratively to achieve results as specified in the strategic plan.
• Promote teamwork by overseeing and participating in various teams, including work groups and interdepartmental meetings.
• Positively represent BBBS in the larger community.
• Support the Advancement Department in recruitment, fundraising, and communication efforts as needed.
• Support the Programs Department with agency-wide initiatives and events as needed.
• Contribute to the overall success of the agency in order to achieve the BBBS mission.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Youth Development, Education, Social Work, Human Services, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in program management, education, youth development, or mentoring.
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience, with demonstrated success in leading teams and fostering a positive, accountable culture.
• Experience managing partnerships with schools, corporations, or community organizations.
• Demonstrated success in program design, facilitation, and evaluation.
• Experience with data management systems (Salesforce or equivalent preferred) and using data to inform program decisions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build trust, set clear expectations, and hold staff accountable.
• Deep knowledge of youth development practices, adolescent engagement, and mentoring.
• Skilled in group facilitation and able to coach others to strengthen facilitation practices.
• Excellent relationship-building and partnership cultivation abilities.
• Strong planning, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to analyze data and translate findings into program improvements.
• Effective communication skills—verbal, written, and presentation.
• Flexibility to attend events during evenings or weekends as needed.

Physical Requirements

This position operates in a hybrid environment that includes office work and frequent presence in community and event settings. The role requires the ability to set up and break down outreach and tabling materials, including lifting, carrying, and transporting items up to approximately 40–50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

The position also requires extended periods of standing, walking, and engaging with the public at community events, as well as regular use of standard office equipment and technology such as computers, mobile devices, and phones. Reliable transportation is required to travel to community locations throughout the Twin Cities.

About BBBSTC

Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities has been creating and supporting youth mentoring relationships for over 100 years. Since our inception, we have partnered with more than half a million Twin Cities youth by:

Meeting with a committed caring adult mentor 2-4 x a month 

Accessing resources for Bigs, Littles, and families to keep matches going strong

Connecting with qualified professionals dedicated to youth development

Receiving guided support throughout their developmental years to achieve their full potential

Benefits

We care deeply about our employees and know holistic support is essential for our staff to carry out the BBBS mission. Our generous employment package includes BBBS-sponsored health & dental insurance, employer-paid long-term disability insurance, and life insurance, Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), paid time off accrual & 13 Paid Holidays, and 403(b) retirement plans with employer match.

We recognize the need for flexible scheduling and remote work. Employees are able to work with their supervisors to identify a schedule that works best for both them and the agency. 

Workplace Culture

BBBSTC is an mission-centered, inclusive workplace that strives to create a space where our 60+ employee's unique talents, learning styles and lived experiences are valued. We pride ourselves on our flexible scheduling and hybrid workspace. Creating an engaging work environment is an essential part of our culture. We uphold this commitment through staff surveys, stay interviews, professional development, and quarterly trainings. In addition, we hold monthly all staff meetings and gatherings, and provide the opportunity to join affinity groups (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Mental Health), and agency committees (Values in Action, Engagement & Connection, Total Wellness, Building & Safety).

Our Hiring Process

Our People & Culture team is committed to a person-first centered approach to our hiring process. We believe in a respectful experience for all parties involved. Candidates can apply online via bigstwincities.org/careers. Include a cover letter and resume. For all positions, our hiring process includes a Zoom screen and in-person panel interviews, reference and background checks for final candidates. All staff are required to be fingerprinted through the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) within the first week of employment. 

Persons of color, women, members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources team at [email protected]. At this time, we are unable to provide company sponsored visas and are only considering candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. 

The above statements are not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of the position. Rather, they are intended to provide a general framework of the requirements of the position. Employees may be required to perform other functions not specifically addressed in this job description.

P.S. Please take the necessary steps to allow list the BBBSTC (@bigstwincities.org) and Paylocity (@paylocity.com) domains so that you receive all emails related to your application process. Also, please make sure to check your spam folder as emails from BBBSTC and/or Paylocity can be marked as spam.