Director of Mentoring
ABOUT BIGS
For more than fifty years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan (Bigs) has been driven by one simple belief: that lasting change happens through connection. Our mission isn’t just about matching mentors with children, it’s about building a community where every relationship is nurtured, valued, and supported. Over the decades, we’ve helped more than 16,500 young people across Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse and Kalkaska counties find someone who believes in them, and along the way, we’ve seen just how powerful those bonds can be.What really sets our work apart is our team. We’re a group of people who look out for each other just as much as we look out for the kids and mentors we serve. Encouragement, trust, and positivity aren’t just buzzwords here, they’re the way we show up every day. We lean on one another, celebrate each other’s wins, and make space for growth and new ideas. The impact we make in the community starts with the way we treat each other.
If you want to be part of a mission that’s bigger than any one person, and a team that’s as invested in your success as they are in the success of our Bigs and Littles, you’ll fit right in. Here, relationships come first—within our staff, with our volunteers, and with every child whose life we touch. If you believe that real change starts with connection, we can’t wait to meet you.
DIRECTOR OF MENTORING
Bigs is searching for people who get energized by growth and want to make a real difference in the lives of young people. As Director of Mentoring, you’ll set the vision and strategy for all our mentoring programs—both the ones we already run and the new ones we’re dreaming up. You’ll lead the team, oversee day-to-day operations, and make sure our programs stay true to our mission and meet all necessary standards. Based in Traverse City, you’ll lead our mentoring team across the five counties we serve, building relationships and raising awareness to reach even more kids and families in the community.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Guide, coach, and support the mentoring team, focusing on their strengths to drive excellence in daily operations, onboarding new team members, and hitting annual goals.
- Make sure our program meets all National Standards of Practice, including completing a thorough self-assessment each year.
- Regularly review and update policies, procedures, and processes—keeping the Program Manual current and practical.
- Keep the CEO in the loop on everything that matters, including program effectiveness, staff performance, emerging trends, youth outcomes, and child safety.
- Set and maintain strategies to reach yearly goals and manage program performance, including ensuring surveys are completed and data is collected accurately.
- Partner with the CEO to set caseload expectations and recommend ways to grow and improve efficiency.
- Utilizing Bigs’ Customer Relationship Management System, track and report on program outcomes for the CEO, overseeing Mentoring Specialists and using internal data to analyze results and impact.
- Act as the main point of contact for school superintendents, principals, and teachers in all School-Based programs in our service area.
- Watch waitlists closely, adjusting and implementing recruitment strategies for mentors and children as needed.
- Find and manage resources to best support the youth and families we serve.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year university in a human services field and prior experience with a youth-serving organization. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and database programs. Must have and maintain a valid US driver’s license along with an exemplary driving record. Employment is contingent upon the results of a comprehensive background check, reference checks, and driving record check.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
- You’re a natural leader who brings out the best in people. You know how to inspire, empower, and unite a diverse team—balancing compassion with clear direction, and always keeping morale high.
- You have hands-on experience working with youth, and you genuinely care about supporting kids and families. You’re all about building on strengths, not just fixing problems.
- Organization is your superpower. Whether it’s juggling projects, meeting deadlines, or keeping track of the details, you do it all with focus and follow-through.
- You approach challenges with a strategic mindset. You’re always on the lookout for fresh, innovative ways to make our programs even stronger.
- Critical thinking comes naturally to you. You’re comfortable coaching others, analyzing information, and making sound decisions on the fly.
- Communication is one of your standout skills. You can rally a room, present to a crowd, and advocate for our mission with real energy—both in person and in writing.
- You connect easily with people from all walks of life. You’re comfortable navigating different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and you know how to make everyone feel seen and heard.
- You understand how schools, social services, and child protection systems work, and you know the ins and outs of relevant laws and practices.
- You don’t shy away from tough conversations. You have top-notch conflict resolution and interpersonal skills, and you know how to handle sensitive social and emotional situations with confidence.
- You thrive in dynamic environments. Whether you’re working solo or as part of a team, you’re flexible, adaptable, and ready to take on whatever comes your way.
- You’re comfortable with data, reporting, and database management, and you know how to use information to drive better outcomes.
- You’re able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of our community and mission.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The salary for this role ranges from $65,000 to $75,000 per year. At Bigs, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and life insurance, a retirement plan, generous paid time off and holidays, mileage reimbursement, and a company-provided cell phone.
TO APPLY
If this sounds like the position and organization for you, please submit a cover letter and resume to Cecilia Chesney, CEO, at cecilia.chesney@bigsupnorth.orgwith “Director of Mentoring” in the subject line.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR IMPACT AT BIGSUPNORTH.ORG
