Group Mentoring Coordinator

ABOUT BIGS                                              

For over 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan (Bigs) has developed and supported one-to-one mentoring relationships for more than 17,000 children, changing outcomes one child at a time. Through our commitment to quality and innovation, our team develops, nurtures, supervises, and sustains caring and supportive, life-changing relationships between adult mentors (Bigs) and youth (Littles).

GROUP MENTORING COODINATOR                                              

Bigs is searching for a part-time, independent contractor to help shape the next generation as our Group Mentoring Coordinator. In this role, you’ll guide small groups of youth through real conversations and interactive activities designed to build strong connections, boost life skills, and support positive mental health. If you’re passionate about making a difference, this is your chance to lead group mentoring sessions that really matter—after school, throughout the academic year. Join us and help create the kind of supportive, inspiring environment every young person deserves.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and lead meaningful conversations and hands-on activities that help students build resilience, strengthen their mental health, navigate relationships, and develop emotional skills—always keeping their interests and input at the center.
• Host weekly, 90-minute after-school sessions for middle school students, making each meeting a welcoming, supportive space.
• Focus on building real connections with students, acting as a trusted mentor and support system.
• Work closely with the Bigs team, school staff, and community organizations to make the program stronger.
• Bring in local leaders—whether from businesses, nonprofits, or first responder groups—as guest speakers to broaden students’ perspectives.
• Offer resources and practical, solution-focused strategies that support each student’s growth and development.
• Keep thorough records of attendance, activities, and students’ progress, and always follow agency guidelines for child safety.
• Immediately report any concerns or possible violations of child protection laws to your Bigs representative.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Passionate and deeply committed to working with youth and helping them realize their potential.
• Approachable and patient with excellent listening and communication skills.
• Skilled at leading groups, encouraging balanced participation, navigating group dynamics, and working through conflicts if they arise.
• Naturally organized and detail-oriented when it comes to planning.
• Motivated, independent self-starter comfortable taking initiative without oversight.
• Quickly adapt when things change, with the ability to find creative solutions on the fly.
• Prepared to adjust plans so the program stays on track and participants get exactly what they need.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPENSATION      

A minimum of two years’ relevant youth-serving experience. Technology and device self-sufficiency with access to reliable internet and cellular phone coverage. 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. Compensation is $22 per hour.

BIGS CULTURE: The Heart of Bigs

This is how we show up together and what it means to be part of our team. We’re committed to embodying these every day as we focus on our core purpose: helping people be better to each other.

IMPACT

We live our mission and own our impact. We approach challenges with a can-do attitude, turning obstacles into opportunities for creativity and innovation. We offer thoughtful, non-judgmental guidance, working alongside those we serve and empowering them through strength-based conversations. We pay attention to the details, meet our deadlines, commit to our appointments and follow up in a timely manner. We are never too big to do the little things. We value and acknowledge our path of progress, taking time to celebrate our successes. We are committed to pursuing improvements to consistently produce exceptional work.

PEOPLE FIRST

We seek to understand one another and look for the good in all. We genuinely care about our teammates, and take the time to see how each person is doing. We accept and trust the unique skill sets and differences among our team. We recognize that through collaboration, our diverse perspectives make us stronger. We value diversity and inclusion and how they empower us to best serve our community. We prioritize work-life balance, supporting everyone’s well-being. We laugh and cry together and inspire one another to thrive.

GROWTH WITH GRACE

We are approachable and have an open-door policy, allowing for vulnerability and empathy to ensure everyone is heard and valued without judgment. We employ courage and kindness when stepping outside our comfort zones. We listen toothers to seek understanding and always respond with kindness and compassion. When we have an issue with a teammate, we speak directly to them rather than about them. We use feedback as an opportunity for growth, turning conversations into stepping stones toward our collective success. We assume positive intent and never view feedback as a personal attack. We actively seek feedback while giving and receiving it gracefully. We take responsibility for our actions and how they impact others.