Senior Program Manager at After School Matters in Chicago, IL

The primary function of the Senior Program Manager position is to facilitate and monitor After School Matters programs within one of After School Matters buildings (and in the surrounding area) after school, during the day, on weekends and during school breaks. The Senior Program Manager will implement high quality programs in collaboration with independent instructors, community-based agencies, and educational and cultural institutions. The Senior Program Manager will work closely with the Program Director on all programmatic special projects and liaise with other departments on programmatic projects/initiatives.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain a high quality program portfolio that includes after school, daytime, weekend and school break programs
• Continuously assess program portfolio and lead team efforts to develop, expand or redesign programs to align with organizational goals and optimize building use to benefit teens
• Effectively manage partner relationships
• Oversee recruitment and enrollment efforts including outreach to neighborhood schools, participation in citywide events, facilitation of teen interview days, etc.
• Develop systems to ensure a safe, respectful, and teen centered environment
• Communicate building updates to a range of audiences including senior staff, donors, and community members
• Host donor tours and program experiences
• Supervise, support and coach the program team including Program Specialists, College Interns and Administrative Assistants
• Conduct regular site visits, observations and Youth Program Quality Assessments
• Manage advanced level programs to ensure that they meet After School Matters program quality expectations for instruction and final product
• Analyze data (observations, evaluations, attendance) and make quality improvement recommendations
• Oversee and analyze program site visits and completion of program observations, impact statements, career readiness scoring, instructor reports, instructor surveys and teen surveys and make appropriate adjustments based upon data
• Communicate clear expectations and support team to meet all compliance measures
• Act as team lead for generating solutions that promote programmatic efficiency
• Collaborate with internal departments (i.e. Communications, Advancement, Finance) to optimize opportunities for teens such as preparing teens for interviews, providing tours for potential donors, etc.
• Develop and maintain relationships with program partners and instructors
• Mange the recruitment, hire and training all instructors and program providers to implement high level programming options.
• Ensure that all programs are equipped with necessary materials and supplies to implement high quality programming
• Create and refine program budgets in collaboration with the Finance department
• Working with the Communications department, implement and monitor recruitment strategies;
• Work closely with specialists to assist providers with effective recruitment and retention strategies
• Collaborate with independent instructors and community based organizations to monitor quality and logistics so that programs run smoothly
• Stay abreast of trends in teen interests and best practices for out of school time programming
• Assist in the hiring of program staff
• Provide leadership for branch when Program Director is not available
• Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Program Specialists (2-4)
• College Intern

Physical Demands:

The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not exposed to weather conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Must be available some weekends
• Flexible work hours required consistent with out of school time programming (including Saturdays)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Skilled in developing and facilitating collaborative relationships
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams
• Excellent organizational skills and problem solving abilities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent Microsoft Office including proficiency in Excel; ability to collect and maintain information as needed
• Demonstrate experience in project management
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
• Ability to thrive in fast paced, high energy environment
• Respect for all levels of the organization and outside partners
• Energetic team player who works well in collaborative situations
• Strong orientation to customer service

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree (Master’s degree preferred)
• 4+ years management and youth programming experience
• Valid Driver’s License, insured transportation, and driving record that satisfies our Motor Vehicle Policy required [1]
• Cook County residency required
• Availability on evenings and Saturdays