Jelani Simpson
Esmont,VA
Summary
Strategic leader with extensive experience in managing club operations and staff development. Committed to improving program quality and community relations through innovative outreach initiatives. Proficient in budget management and facilitating effective communication between stakeholders to achieve organizational objectives.
Overview
1
1
Certification
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Director
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia
07.2024 - Current
- Oversaw Charlottesville/Albemarle Clubs and staff to align operations with organization's mission, vision, and values. As Area Director, I work to achieve objectives, raise standards, and enrich the lives of the young people we serve. Managed club operations with emphasis on facilities and fleet management to enhance overall service delivery. Ensured club safety, managed budgets and facilities, and liaised with board committees for safety and facilities oversight. I report to the Chief Operating Officer (COO).
- Oversaw program development for youth engagement and community outreach initiatives.
- Collaborated with staff to enhance educational programming and recreational activities.
- Developed strategic partnerships with local organizations to support club initiatives.
Unit Director
The Boys & Girls Club James River
03.2017 - 07.2024
- Managed daily operations of youth programs and activities at community center.
- Oversaw staff recruitment, training, and development for program effectiveness.
- Coordinated partnerships with local organizations to enhance program offerings.
- Coordinated with Lead Program Coordinator to develop programs and plan special events, enhancing community engagement.
Acting Unit Director
The Boys & Girls Club Cherry Avenue
09.2023 - 04.2024
- Managed operations of organization, prioritizing daily program oversight and staff mentoring to enhance service delivery. Collaborated with Lead Program Coordinator for successful program establishment and event planning. Led staff relations initiatives, implementing effective membership management strategies to improve member engagement. Resolved staff and member concerns using established guidance and discipline frameworks. Held role of unit director at James River Boys and Girls Club alongside Cherry Avenue location. Enhanced team performance through targeted coaching strategies, promoting professional growth. Initiated outreach programs to strengthen community ties and align activities with organizational goals.
- Created initiatives aimed at enhancing youth involvement in club activities. to enhance youth engagement and participation.
- Conducted training sessions for staff to enhance service quality and teamwork. sessions to improve service quality and teamwork.
- Led efforts to connect with the community and promote club programs and events. efforts to promote club initiatives and activities.
Co-Unit Director
The Boys & Girls Club Jack Jouett
10.2016 - 03.2017
- Managed daily operations of club, focusing on programs, staff supervision and training, facilities management, community relations, and membership administration. Collaborated with staff on special events to implement programs across all departments. Exercised authority in member-related issues, applying guidance and discipline plan effectively.
- Coordinated staff training and development to enhance program delivery and effectiveness.
- Oversaw daily operations for youth programs and activities at community center.
- Engaged with families to promote club initiatives and address member needs.
Program Coordinator
The Boys & Girls Club Jack Jouett
08.2015 - 10.2016
- Managed program operations by planning, executing, and assessing quality of youth programs for effective delivery.
- Coordinated program schedules for youth activities and events.
- Developed engaging curriculum for after-school programs and workshops.
- Managed volunteer recruitment and training for community service initiatives.
Teacher Assistant
Albemarle County Schools Jack Jouett Middle School
08.2012 - 10.2016
- Supported students on academic probation in completing missing assignments to enhance learning outcomes. Assisted teacher in supporting English as a second language students to improve language proficiency. Coordinated daily activities by executing principal's tasks to ensure smooth operation of classroom environment.
- Assisted teachers in classroom management and student engagement strategies.
- Supported students with special needs through personalized learning activities.
- Prepared instructional materials for lessons and activities as directed by teachers.
Basketball Coach/Gym Supervisor
Albemarle County Parks and Recreation
08.2012 - 10.2016
- Basketball coach for middle school boys and track coach for middle school boys and girls, both for Jack Jouett Middle School. Coach Boys Basketball team to three consecutive championships. Supervised youth during practices and games, ensuring skill development and sportsmanship. Provide instructional direction to youth. Coordinated gym facility access for community members during winter months, promoting local engagement and healthy activities. Instructed community members on responsible gym equipment use, safeguarding school property and enhancing equipment longevity.
- Developed training programs for youth basketball players of various skill levels.
- Coordinated practice schedules and game logistics for multiple teams.
- Mentored assistant coaches to enhance their skills and coaching techniques.
Summer Camp Group Leader
Boys and Girls Club of Charlottesville
07.2012 - 08.2016
- Supervised elementary children and teens in group activities during summer camp, ensuring a safe and engaging environment. Coordinated weekly field trips and activities while driving club bus, enhancing camper experiences and participation. Earned Employee of the Month recognition, June 2015, for outstanding leadership and dedication.
- Managed camp staff to ensure safety and engagement for all campers. to ensure a safe and engaging environment for participants.
- Facilitated daily group activities to foster teamwork and cooperation among youth. to promote teamwork and cooperation among youth.
- Developed and implemented creative programming tailored to diverse age groups.
EDEP Teacher
Albemarle County Schools B.F. Yancey Elementary Club Yancey
08.2010 - 06.2012
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse student needs.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment to encourage student participation.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance curriculum and teaching strategies.
- Ensured safe environment for Extended Day Enrichment Program (Club Yancey) while leading groups through clear verbal and written instructions. Organize and execute quality student activities, including physical fitness activities. Coordinated with staff to plan and execute school functions and projects. Encouraged students to practice positive behavior and build self-confidence.
Education
Master of Science - Leadership
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN01-2020
B.S. - Human Services, Leadership & Administration
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN01-2018
Liberal Arts
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Charlottesville, VA01-2013
High School Diploma -
Albemarle County High School
Charlottesville, VA01-1998
Skills
- Program evaluation
- Project management
- Community outreach
- Service implementation
- Team leadership
- Staff development
- Supervising employees
- Employee Relations
- Organizational development
- Talent management
- Problem-solving creativity
- Team leadership
Certification
Certified External Assessor Reliability Trainer-Boys and Girls Clubs of America
Community Involvement
- B.F. Yancey Community Food Pantry, Volunteer, Volunteer at the B.F. Yancey Community Food Pantry
- Esmont Community Committee, Youth Activities Coordinator, Member of Esmont Community Committee Youth Activities Coordinator.
- Southern Albemarle Family Practice Advisory Council, Member, Member of Southern Albemarle Family Practice Advisory Council
- Scottsville Region Rural Health Initiative Project, Member, Member of the Scottsville Region Rural Health Initiative Project
- Job Connector Network2Work Program, Member, Job Connector Network2Work Program
- Portrait of a Graduate by Battelle for Kids Team, Member, Member of a Portrait of a Graduate by Battelle for Kids Team
Timeline
Area Director
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia
07.2024 - Current
Acting Unit Director
The Boys & Girls Club Cherry Avenue
09.2023 - 04.2024
Unit Director
The Boys & Girls Club James River
03.2017 - 07.2024
Co-Unit Director
The Boys & Girls Club Jack Jouett
10.2016 - 03.2017
Program Coordinator
The Boys & Girls Club Jack Jouett
08.2015 - 10.2016
Teacher Assistant
Albemarle County Schools Jack Jouett Middle School
08.2012 - 10.2016
Basketball Coach/Gym Supervisor
Albemarle County Parks and Recreation
08.2012 - 10.2016
Summer Camp Group Leader
Boys and Girls Club of Charlottesville
07.2012 - 08.2016
EDEP Teacher
Albemarle County Schools B.F. Yancey Elementary Club Yancey
08.2010 - 06.2012
Master of Science - Leadership
Walden University
B.S. - Human Services, Leadership & Administration
Walden University
Liberal Arts
Piedmont Virginia Community College
High School Diploma -
Albemarle County High School