Program Specialist, Site-Based

Nashville, TN

Position Description / Responsibilities

JOB TITLE: Site-Based Program Specialist

REPORTS TO: Manager of Site-Based Programs

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: No

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt, salary

LOCATION: Hybrid with in-office requirement in Nashville, TN

BIGGER AND BETTER TOGETHER

About Us

For over 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee has served young people in the Middle TN region. Our work supports our belief that every child has the ability to succeed and thrive in life. Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (Bigs) and youth (Littles). Through our commitment to quality, innovation, and the passion we have for our work, we develop and sustain positive, life-changing relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of our youth and the adults who mentor them.

Our Mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. As noted by our Vision, we are driven by a future in which all youth achieve their full potential.

WE ARE AN AGENCY THAT CELEBRATES DIFFERENCES

We show each other dignity through our partnerships, decisions, and language. We intentionally engage, represent, and partner with our diverse communities. We demonstrate our values by learning together with staff, board, volunteers, youth, families, and investors to think and act with sensitivity and intentionality. Driven by the voice of our stakeholders, our agency develops responsive and respectful programming and builds strategic and thoughtful alliances. We want people of all backgrounds to see themselves represented and included in our work, so we actively seek to diversify our team and bring more voices to the table.

WE PRIORITIZE THE WELL-BEING AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH OF OUR TEAM

We know that teams perform at their highest when they feel supported and that they belong. Each of our team members brings unique perspectives and skills, and we are committed to building a culture where voices are heard, differences are celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to do meaningful work. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN, you will be inspired by talented, passionate colleagues who will motivate you to do and be your best. We have built an environment focused on meaningful and supportive relationships. We see our team as more than just employees – we know and respect them as people.

We are honored to have been selected as one of the Nonprofit Time’s Best Nonprofits To Work For in 2024 and 2025 as well as being named a 2024 Inclusive Workplace by the Best Companies Group and COLOR Magazine. We are bigger and better together!

About the Role

Each employee at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee helps extend the agency’s mission in particular ways, as outlined in the position description. The essential functions of the position include but are not limited to the following:

Join our growing Site-Based team and help ignite the power and promise of youth through mentoring. As a Program Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in connecting young people with caring mentors and supporting them through every step of their journey—from initial interest to successful match. You’ll also be a key driver of our High School Bigs program, helping to recruit, train, and energize high school students to become impactful mentors.

This role is ideal for someone who is outgoing, enthusiastic, and a natural galvanizer—someone who thrives on building relationships, inspiring others, and creating momentum around a shared mission.

Day to day:

Recruitment & Engagement

  • Attend school and community events to engage youth and volunteers in our mentoring programs.
  • Serve as a visible and enthusiastic ambassador for mentoring, bringing energy and innovation to outreach efforts.
  • Assist with the planning and delivery of volunteer mentor info sessions, especially for our High School Bigs program.

 

High School Bigs Program Facilitation

  • Help lead and facilitate the High School Bigs program at participating schools.
  • Present engaging, age-appropriate trainings and workshops for high school mentors.
  • Build strong relationships with school staff, students, and families to ensure program success.

 

Enrollment & Assessment

  • Assess volunteers and children for appropriate program participation by conducting initial and update interviews, orientations, and training. Obtain collateral material needed for assessment purposes, including criminal background checks and references.
  • Complete timely and comprehensive written assessments and recommendations for participation in the program based upon assessments of each individual.

 

Matching & Onboarding

  • Make thoughtful, informed match decisions that foster strong, lasting mentoring relationships.
  • Conduct orientations and match presentations as needed.

 

Documentation & Compliance

  • Maintain up-to-date, accurate and detailed documentation and database records according to Big Brothers Big Sisters standards.
  • Ensure all enrollment and match documentation is completed thoroughly and on time.

 

Support & Training

  • Provide solution-focused strategies, resources, and training to support match participants.
  • Manage a small caseload of matches, offering ongoing support and guidance.
  • Participate in professional development opportunities provided by the agency and national office.
  • Assist with agency priorities centered on resource development (relationships, resources, tools)
  • Support and attend agency functions, both advancement-specific and broader agency events

Position Requirements

About You

This Job May Be For You…

  • Are an extroverted, high-energy communicator who loves connecting with people and rallying them around a cause.
  • Have experience working with youth, especially from communities of color or marginalized backgrounds.
  • Are passionate about youth development and believe in the power of mentoring relationships.
  • Understand the systemic barriers that impact underserved youth and are committed to equity and inclusion.
  • Can adapt your communication style to connect authentically with people from a wide range of backgrounds—from very urban to very rural communities—and make everyone feel seen and respected.
  • Thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and can manage shifting priorities with grace.
  • Are an excellent communicator with strong presentation, writing, and interpersonal skills.
  • Are tech-savvy and comfortable using digital tools and databases.
  • Have strong time management and organizational skills, and can work independently and collaboratively.

 

Additionally, we’d love…

  • Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred.
  • Experience with case management, youth programming, or volunteer coordination is a plus.

 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

 

Additional Information

Work Environment & Requirements:

  • Hybrid work model with a minimum of 3 days per week on-site.
  • Frequent travel within our 8-county service area (valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required).
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs for outreach and event materials.
  • Early morning and regular evening availability is required to meet the needs of volunteers and youth.

 

Benefits

Because we hire the best people and value our staff, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN works hard to provide competitive benefits to our team. Our comprehensive benefits package, which helps to support a healthy work/life balance, includes:

  • 20 days of paid time off
  • 16 paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Years
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision) – a generous portion is paid by BBBSMT
  • Company Paid Text Care Concierge Medicine, providing our team and family members free 24/7 text communication and care with medical providers
  • Domestic Partner Benefits
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Short and Long Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Immediate enrollment in our 403B – We match 50% of employee contributions up to 6% and staff are vested after 12 months of employment
  • Training & development programs
  • Opportunities for advancement- we promote from within!
  • Monthly cell phone stipend
  • Flexible work schedule with a hybrid work environment with 3 days on-site (schools, community, office, external meeting space)
  • Professional resume, LinkedIn profile, and headshot

 

Americans with Disabilities Act

  • Employee must be able to perform all essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations

 

Job Responsibilities

  • The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities, and competencies necessary to perform the job’s essential duties and responsibilities. They should not be regarded as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. BBBSMT may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the organization’s needs.

Application Instructions

To see more of the impact we are making: http://www.mentorakid.org

If this sounds like the position and organization for you, please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@mentorakid.org with “Your Name SB Program Specialist” in the subject line.

No phone calls, please. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

BBBSMT values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages all genders, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. BBBSMT is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.