Site Guide

about big thought:

reports to:sr. Program manager
department:programs
position type: part-time/non-exempt
days: mon-fri
hours: 11am-6pm
supervision:no

big thought equips youth to imagine and create their best lives and world. The secret that makes our work uniquely effective is the powerful combination of our social and emotional focus, experiential learning, community-centered partnerships, with a future focus.

throughout our 30+ year history of innovation, big thought has become a national model in arts education, out of school time systems, summer learning and juvenile justice intervention. Now, we’re one of six community partnerships in the u.s helping scale national best practices in social and emotional learning (sel). We take direct-to-youth programs and resources to communities with the greatest needs and share our evidence-based best practices with other nonprofits and organizations through a suite of consultation services including professional development, curriculum design and technical assistance.

#big thought way:

big thought brings relentless optimism, innovation, and imagination to everything we do. We emphasize the need to center youth and use a collaborative, all hands-on deck approach to ensure that they are served well.

the site guide plays a vital role in creating a safe, engaging, and enriching environment where youth can learn, grow, and thrive. Working under the direction of the site specialist, the site guide facilitates daily activities, builds positive relationships with students, and supports high-quality programming that promotes academic success, creativity, social-emotional learning, and positive youth development.

the site guide serves as a trusted mentor and role model, helping students develop confidence, responsibility, and a lifelong love of learning.

about the ideal candidate:

our ideal candidate is energetic, dependable, and passionate about working with children and youth. They enjoy building meaningful relationships, thrive in collaborative environments, and bring creativity, patience, and enthusiasm to every interaction.

successful candidates will demonstrate:

• a genuine passion for youth development.
• strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• positive classroom or group management skills.
• creativity and enthusiasm when leading activities.
• reliability, professionalism, and adaptability.
• a commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for every student.

what the role entails:

student engagement

• build positive, supportive relationships with students that foster trust, belonging, and engagement.
• supervise and actively engage youth during educational, recreational, and enrichment activities.
• create a safe, caring, and inclusive environment where all students feel respected and supported.
• encourage positive behavior and model appropriate social and emotional skills.
• use teachable moments to reinforce respect, responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• help students develop confidence, self-esteem, and a positive sense of self.

program delivery

• plan and facilitate age-appropriate lessons, activities, games, and enrichment experiences aligned with big thought's creator archetype and program model.
• support academic enrichment, creative learning, physical activity, and social-emotional development.
• assist with special events, performances, field trips, family engagement opportunities, and holiday celebrations.
• prepare materials and maintain organized learning environments.

safety & supervision

• assist the site specialist in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all participants.
• supervise students during program activities, transitions, arrival, and dismissal.
• conduct and maintain accurate student headcounts following big thought protocols.
• inspect program spaces and equipment, reporting safety concerns promptly.
• follow all organizational policies, emergency procedures, and child safety protocols.

collaboration & communication

• communicate professionally and respectfully with students, families, colleagues, school personnel, and supervisors.
• work collaboratively with site specialists and fellow site guides to deliver high-quality programming.
• participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• support other program activities and responsibilities as assigned by the site specialist.

minimum qualifications:

• high school diploma or equivalent required.
• college coursework or an associate degree in education, recreation, child development, youth development, or a related field preferred.
• experience working with children or youth in an educational, recreational, nonprofit, childcare, or camp setting preferred.
• ability to build positive relationships with students from diverse backgrounds.
• strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
• commitment to implementing big thought instructional strategies and participating in ongoing professional development.
• bilingual (english/spanish)…