1. Introduction to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) stands as the largest and most experienced one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the organization has been a pillar of the nonprofit and education sectors for over a century, creating structured mentoring relationships that ignite the potential of children facing adversity. As a nationally recognized leader in youth development, BBBSA operates through a network of nearly 230 local agencies across all 50 states, serving more than 200,000 at-risk youth annually. Its reputation for evidence-based outcomes, robust volunteer engagement, and deep community partnerships makes it a preferred partner for schools, corporations, and government entities seeking to close the opportunity gap.

In the education landscape, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is not merely a charity—it is an integral part of the support system that bolsters academic achievement, social-emotional learning, and career readiness. The organization’s programs are designed to complement formal education by providing consistent, caring adult role models who help children navigate challenges, build confidence, and stay in school. According to independent longitudinal studies, youth matched with a BBBSA mentor are more likely to enroll in college, avoid risky behaviors, and develop stronger interpersonal skills. This proven impact places BBBSA at the forefront of the education and youth development industry, drawing attention from foundations, federal agencies, and top-tier corporate partners like Coca‑Cola, AT&T, and Bank of America.

The scale and sophistication of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s operations require a dedicated team of education professionals who can design, implement, and evaluate high-quality mentoring curricula. As the organization continues to expand its digital reach—especially through virtual mentoring and hybrid program models—the need for visionary leaders in education programming has never been greater. This job listing reflects BBBSA’s commitment to attracting top talent who can drive systemic change and ensure every child has the resources to thrive.

2. Company History and Business Evolution

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America traces its roots to 1904, when a young New York City court clerk named Ernest Coulter recognized that many children appearing in court would benefit from the guidance of a caring adult. He rallied volunteers, forming the first “Big Brother” program. Just a few years later, a similar movement for girls emerged, creating the “Big Sister” program. In 1977, these two independent movements merged to form Big Brothers Big Sisters of America as a unified national organization. The merger marked the beginning of a new era, enabling standardized training, shared resources, and a consistent brand that could attract national attention.

Throughout the 20th century, BBBSA expanded rapidly, opening local agencies in cities large and small. By the 1980s, the organization had become the most recognized youth mentoring brand in the United States, thanks in part to public service campaigns featuring celebrities like Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan. In 1993, the landmark “Big Brothers Big Sisters School-Based Mentoring” initiative was launched, placing mentors directly in schools to support academic and social development. This innovation strengthened the link between mentoring and education, and it remains a core offering today.

The 21st century brought digital transformation. In 2018, BBBSA launched “Beyond School Walls,” a workplace mentoring program that connects students with employees in corporate settings. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to virtual mentoring, and BBBSA quickly adapted with digital training platforms and video-based match activities. In 2021, the organization announced a $20 million investment in technology to support hybrid mentoring models, ensuring continuity for vulnerable youth. Today, BBBSA continues to evolve by investing in data analytics, artificial intelligence for match optimization, and equity-focused program design. Its history of innovation—combined with a steadfast mission—makes it a trusted institution in both the nonprofit and education sectors.

3. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America at a Glance

• Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• Founded: 1904 (Big Brother); 1977 (formal merger)
• CEO: Artis Stevens (as of current data)
• Revenue: Approximately $380 million (consolidated national + affiliate revenue)
• Employees: 5,000+ (including local agency staff) and 250 at national headquarters
• Volunteers: Over 200,000 active mentors
• Youth Served: 200,000+ annually across all programs
• Local Agencies: Nearly 230 across 50 states
• Programs: Community-Based, School-Based, Beyond School Walls (Workplace), Virtual Mentoring, Specialty Programs (e.g., Military Families, LGBTQ+)
• Accreditations: BBB Wise Giving Alliance Accredited, GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency
• Industry: Nonprofit, Education, Youth Development, Social Services
• Key Partnerships: AT&T, Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Toyota, Google.org
• Impact Metric: 87% of mentored youth report improved academic attitudes
• Research: Independent studies from Harvard, University of Virginia, and Public/Private Ventures
• Annual Events: National Mentoring Summit, Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Big Brother/Big Sister of the Year Awards
• Online Presence: bbbs.org, active LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, YouTube
• NAICS Code: 624110 (Child and Youth Services)
• EIN: 23-7219960
• Mission: Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
• Vision: All youth achieve their full potential.

4. Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s mission is clear: “Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.” This mission drives every decision, from program design to fund development. The organization envisions a world where all youth—regardless of background—achieve their full potential. To operationalize this vision, BBBSA adheres to core values that include Commitment (to children, volunteers, and communities), Integrity (transparency in operations and outcomes), Respect (for diversity, equity, and inclusion), Collaboration (with families, schools, and partners), and Excellence (in service delivery and evidence-based practices). These values are not merely slogans; they are embedded in employee performance reviews, volunteer training modules, and annual agency accreditation standards.

In recent years, BBBSA has made explicit its commitment to equity and social justice. The organization launched the “Equity and Anti‑Racism Initiative” in 2020, which includes mandatory training for all staff, bias‑interruption protocols in volunteer screening, and targeted recruitment of mentors from underrepresented communities. This value-driven approach ensures that the organization remains relevant and responsive to the changing needs of the youth it serves. For education professionals joining BBBSA, understanding these values is critical, as they shape curriculum content, match support strategies, and outcome measurement frameworks.

5. Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s strategic plan focuses on four pillars: Growth, Impact, Innovation, and Sustainability. Growth entails expanding reach into underserved rural and urban areas, leveraging virtual mentoring to overcome geographic barriers. Impact is measured through rigorous program evaluation, with the goal of increasing the percentage of youth who demonstrate academic improvement, social‑emotional competence, and avoidance of risky behaviors. Innovation centers on technology: BBBSA is developing a digital match platform that uses matching algorithms to pair mentors and mentees based on interests, goals, and location, thereby improving match longevity. Sustainability involves diversifying revenue streams beyond traditional grants—social enterprise initiatives, fee‑for‑service training for corporations, and advocacy for public funding.

The roadmap for 2024‑2027 includes launching a national “Mentoring in Schools” campaign to embed mentoring in school improvement plans, expanding partnerships with community colleges and trade schools, and creating a micro‑credentialing program for mentors. Education professionals at BBBSA will play a key role in developing these new initiatives, aligning them with state educational standards, and training local agency staff. The organization also plans to invest in artificial intelligence to automate administrative tasks, freeing up staff to focus on high‑quality support for volunteers and youth.

6. Products, Technologies, and Services

While Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is not a traditional product company, it offers a suite of programs and services that function as its core products:

• Community-Based Mentoring: Traditional one-to-one matches encouraged to meet in the community for ongoing activities.
• School-Based Mentoring: Structured meetings at school during lunch, after-school, or during designated periods, linked to academic goals.
• Beyond School Walls (Workplace Mentoring): Youth visit corporate workplaces to meet with employee volunteers, often with career exploration components.
• Virtual Mentoring: Secure online platform providing video-based interaction. Includes digital activity guides and real-time support.
• Specialty Programs: Targeted initiatives for military families, LGBTQ+ youth, youth in foster care, and those with incarcerated parents.
• Training and Certification: Online courses for volunteers, staff, and partner organizations (e.g., trauma-informed mentoring, DEI training).
• Agency Infrastructure: Custom CRM (Mentoring Management System), mobile apps for log activity tracking, and dashboards for outcome reporting.
• Research and Data: Annual Impact Report, program evaluations available to schools and funders.

These services are supported by technologies such as Salesforce, Drupal-based website, and a proprietary matching algorithm. The organization is currently piloting a chatbot for volunteer support and exploring virtual reality for empathy training. For an education-focused hire, understanding these products is essential to ensure program alignment with pedagogical best practices and to create curriculum that maximizes youth engagement and learning.

7. Industries and Markets Served

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America primarily serves the education, social services, and youth development industries. However, its reach extends to corporate human resources (through workplace mentoring), public health (through positive youth development and mental health benefits), and criminal justice (by diverting at-risk youth from delinquency). The main markets are K‑12 schools (public, charter, private), community centers, faith‑based organizations, and local government agencies (e.g., departments of juvenile justice, child welfare).

Within the education sector, BBBSA partners with school districts to design mentoring programs that complement academic interventions like tutoring and social‑emotional learning curricula. For example, the “Big Futures” program aligns with college readiness standards, and “Mentoring for STEM” introduces youth to science and engineering mentors. The organization also serves as a subcontractor for federal grants such as 21st Century Community Learning Centers. As schools increasingly seek wraparound supports, BBBSA’s services become even more relevant, making this an ideal time for education professionals to join the national team.

8. Leadership and Management Philosophy

The leadership team at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is headed by CEO Artis Stevens, who assumed the role in 2020 after serving as President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Chicago. Stevens is known for his focus on equity, innovation, and youth voice. Under his leadership, the management philosophy emphasizes servant leadership, data-driven decision making, and agile teamwork. The national office operates with a flat organizational structure to encourage cross‑departmental collaboration. The education division reports up to the Chief Program Officer, who oversees all programmatic and evaluation functions.

Managers are expected to mentor their own staff—mirroring the organization’s core activity. This creates a culture of continuous learning where feedback is bidirectional. Monthly “all‑staff” town halls, quarterly retreats, and annual learning conferences reinforce shared goals. For an education director, this means direct access to senior leadership and the autonomy to pilot new curricular models while receiving support from a research team. The organization also prioritizes work‑life balance, offering flexible schedules and remote work options, recognizing that sustainability applies to employees as well as programs.

9. Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America hosts several signature events that foster community and professional development:

• National Mentoring Summit: Annual event bringing together staff, volunteers, researchers, and partners to share best practices and celebrate success.
• Bowl for Kids’ Sake: Nationwide fundraising campaign involving local bowling events.
• Big Brother/Big Sister of the Year Awards: Recognizes outstanding mentor‑mentee pairs from each state.
• Youth Leadership Conference: For youth in the program to develop advocacy skills.
• Annual National Conference: For agency staff covering topics like trauma‑informed care, technology, and program innovation.

Community engagement is at the heart of BBBSA. Local agencies regularly volunteer at school career fairs, host “mentoring information sessions” at libraries, and collaborate with civic groups like Rotary and Kiwanis. The national office also participates in industry conferences such as Grantmakers for Education, SXSW EDU, and the National Youth‑At‑Risk Conference. Employees are encouraged to present and attend to build professional networks and bring back insights.

10. Employees and Workplace Culture

Working at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America means being part of a mission‑driven team that values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. The national office employs around 250 staff in Philadelphia, with many more in remote roles across the country. The culture is described as “passionate yet professional,” with a strong emphasis on empathy and resilience. Annual employee surveys consistently score above the nonprofit sector average in engagement and satisfaction.

BBBSA offers competitive compensation and benefits: health/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with match, generous paid time off (including volunteer days), parental leave, and professional development stipends. The workplace is open‑plan with flexible seating; hybrid schedules (3 days in office, 2 remote) are standard. There are employee resource groups for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and caregivers. The leadership prioritizes internal promotion, and many senior leaders started as local agency caseworkers. For an education professional, this environment offers the chance to see the direct impact of their work through youth stories and matched outcomes.

11. Job Details & Requirements for this Posting

Position Title: National Director of Education and Mentoring Programs
Department: Program Strategy & Innovation
Reports To: Chief Program Officer
Location: Philadelphia, PA (Remote candidates considered with periodic travel)
Job Type: Full‑time, Exempt
Salary Range: $85,000 – $115,000 (commensurate with experience)

Role Summary

The National Director of Education and Mentoring Programs will lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of BBBSA’s education‑focused mentoring curricula. This includes aligning program content with academic standards, social‑emotional learning frameworks, and career readiness competencies. The director will collaborate with internal research teams, external education partners, and local agency staff to ensure that every match has the tools to support academic growth. This role is critical to BBBSA’s strategic goal of deepening its impact in schools and expanding evidence‑based practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and update national education program models (e.g., School-Based, Beyond School Walls) to reflect current pedagogical research and state standards.
• Create training modules and activity guides for volunteers and youth that incorporate literacy, math, critical thinking, and college/career exploration.
• Lead the Education Program Work Group, comprising local agency education coordinators, to share best practices and ensure fidelity of implementation.
• Monitor program outcomes through data dashboards and coordinate with the evaluation team to produce annual impact reports focused on academic metrics.
• Build relationships with school district leaders, state departments of education, and national education organizations to secure partnerships and funding.
• Supervise a team of two Education Program Managers and one Instructional Designer.
• Represent BBBSA at education‑focused conferences and webinars.
• Ensure all education materials are culturally responsive and accessible (e.g., Spanish translations, low‑literacy versions).
• Manage budget for educational resources and pilot projects.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Social Work, or related field (PhD preferred).
• 7+ years of progressive experience in education program design, preferably within a nonprofit or school district.
• Deep knowledge of K‑12 education systems, particularly social‑emotional learning (SEL) frameworks and college/career readiness.
• Demonstrated ability to translate evidence into actionable program components.
• Proven leadership and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Experience with data analysis tools (Excel, SPSS, or Tableau).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present to diverse audiences.
• Passion for mentoring and youth development.
• Willingness to travel 20‑30% to local agencies and partner sites.

Why Candidates Should Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Joining BBBSA means contributing to a legacy of positive youth outcomes while working alongside dedicated professionals. The organization offers a supportive culture, a commitment to equity, and the chance to shape educational strategies that affect thousands of children. Employees often cite the “ripple effect” as the most rewarding aspect—seeing a child’s improved school attendance or increased career aspirations directly tied to the programs they build. Additionally, BBBSA provides robust professional development, tuition reimbursement, and the satisfaction of being part of a nationally recognized brand.

12. Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America enjoys a strong overall reputation, though reviews vary by platform. Below is a comprehensive analysis based on publicly available feedback.

GLASSDOOR

On Glassdoor, BBBSA has a 3.8 out of 5 star rating based on over 500 reviews (as of 2025). Current and former employees praise the mission and the supportive nature of colleagues, but note that compensation is slightly below market for comparable nonprofit roles. Many reviews highlight the flexibility and work‑life balance. The CEO has a strong approval rating (85%) and employees feel leadership is transparent, especially around equity initiatives. Some criticism centers on limited promotional opportunities at the national office due to flat structure. The overall culture score is 4.0/5, indicating a positive internal environment.

INDEED

Indeed reviews give BBBSA a 4.1 out of 5, with particular praise for the meaningful work and supportive teams. Staff frequently mention that the organization lives its values, and that diversity is taken seriously. Negative comments often cite high caseloads at the local agency level, which can lead to burnout. However, for national roles like this Education Director, the feedback indicates a robust support system and clear expectations. Many reviewers recommend BBBSA as an employer for those seeking purpose-driven careers.

GARTNER PEER INSIGHTS

Gartner Peer Insights predominantly covers technology vendors, but BBBSA is occasionally mentioned in the context of nonprofit CRM comparatives. Ratings are not formally collected; however, in forums, nonprofit IT directors have rated BBBSA’s technology support as “above average” for a nonprofit of its size. The organization’s use of Salesforce and custom tools receives positive mentions for enabling match reporting.

TRUSTPILOT

Trustpilot reviews for BBBSA are mixed (3.6 out of 5). Most positive reviews come from volunteers and parents who express gratitude for the program’s impact. Negative reviews often involve administrative delays in the matching process or communication with local agencies. BBBSA actively responds to complaints, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement. The organization has a verified account and uses the platform to collect feedback.

G2

As a nonprofit not selling a traditional product, BBBSA does not have a G2 product page. However, its training and volunteer management software has been reviewed on G2 by partner organizations, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 for ease of use and content quality.

GOOGLE REVIEWS

Google reviews for individual BBBSA agency locations vary from 3.7 to 4.5 stars. The national office gets 4.3 stars. Clients (volunteers, parents) appreciate the support they receive from staff. Recurring themes include efficient onboarding processes and dedicated match specialists. Some 1‑star reviews mention difficulties re-matching after a mentor moves away, which points to natural attrition challenges in mentoring.

LINKEDIN REPUTATION

On LinkedIn, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has over 120,000 followers and a strong employer brand. Alumni of the organization often endorse the culture and leadership. The page regularly shares impact stories and job postings, receiving high engagement. Employee recommendations highlight the networking opportunities and the ability to influence national policy.

Overall, BBBSA’s reputation is solid: it is respected for its mission, data‑backed outcomes, and commitment to equity. Negative feedback is typical for a large nonprofit with decentralized operations, but the organization actively addresses concerns. For education professionals, the reputation across platforms affirms that BBBSA is a credible and impactful place to work.

13. Why Organizations Choose Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

School districts, corporations, and foundations partner with BBBSA because of its proven model, scalability, and deep expertise. The organization offers a turnkey mentoring solution that includes volunteer screening, training, ongoing support, and outcome measurement. For schools, this means less administrative burden and guaranteed alignment with educational goals. For corporations, workplace mentoring through Beyond School Walls boosts employee engagement and demonstrates community investment. The evidence base—backed by studies from Harvard and Public/Private Ventures—provides assurance that partnerships yield measurable results. Furthermore, BBBSA’s focus on equity ensures that programs reach the youth who need them most. Organizations also benefit from national brand recognition, which enhances their own reputational capital when they associate with BBBSA.

14. Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America using the following contact details:

Address: 1225 N. 3rd Street, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Contact Number: (215) 567-7000
Support Number: 1-800-HUG-A-KID (1-800-484-2543)
Helpdesk Number: (215) 567-7000 ext. 3
Website: www.bbbs.org

15. Official Social Media Presence

Follow Big Brothers Big Sisters of America on these platforms for updates on our work, job openings, and community stories:

• LinkedIn: /company/big-brothers-big-sisters-of-america
• Twitter/X: @BBBSAmerica
• Facebook: @BBBSAmerica
• Instagram: @bbbsamerica
• YouTube: @BigBrothersBigSistersAmerica
• Blog: bbbs.org/blog

16. SEO FAQ Section

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) is the nation’s largest one‑to‑one youth mentoring organization, founded in 1904, dedicated to creating positive relationships that empower children facing adversity.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with local agencies in all 50 states.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America provides school‑based, workplace, and community mentoring programs that improve academic attitudes, attendance, and college readiness among at‑risk youth.

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one‑to‑one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

The CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is Artis Stevens, who has led the organization since 2020.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America serves more than 200,000 youth every year through its network of nearly 230 local agencies.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America holds core values of Commitment, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Excellence.

Yes, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America launched a secure virtual mentoring platform that allows matches to interact remotely, ensuring continuity even when in‑person meetings are not possible.

To become a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, visit bbbs.org, fill out an inquiry form, and complete a screening process including background checks and training.

Yes, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization accredited by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

Beyond School Walls is a workplace mentoring program by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America where youth visit corporate offices to engage with employee volunteers, focusing on career exploration and skill‑building.

Yes, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America offers comprehensive online and in‑person training covering child safety, trauma‑informed practices, and effective mentoring strategies.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America receives funding from individual donations, corporate partnerships (e.g., AT&T, Coca‑Cola), foundation grants, and government contracts.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America primarily serves youth ages 6 through 18, with some specialty programs extending to young adults up to age 21.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has been operating for over 120 years, with roots dating back to 1904.

Yes, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has an internal Research & Evaluation team that conducts studies and partners with universities to measure program outcomes.

Independent studies show that youth mentored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America are 52% more likely to earn a four‑year college degree and 75% more likely to complete a community college program.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America follows strict safety protocols including comprehensive background checks, mandatory reporter training, and regular match support visits.

Absolutely. School districts can partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to implement School‑Based Mentoring programs that align with their academic and SEL goals.

Donations can be made online at bbbs.org/donate, by mail, or through workplace giving campaigns. Every dollar supports mentoring matches across the country.

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