Talent.com
Manager of Program Initiatives
Manager of Program InitiativesAfter School Matters • Chicago, IL, US
Manager of Program Initiatives

Manager of Program Initiatives

After School Matters • Chicago, IL, US
[job_card.1_day_ago]
[job_preview.job_type]
  • [job_card.full_time]
[job_card.job_description]

Job Description

Job Description

Summary of Position :  Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Manager of Program Initiatives leads a team responsible for delivering high-profile programs, projects, and events across Chicago. This role oversees :

  • Program & Event Execution – Design, implement, and scale funded and pilot programs for Chicago teens; plan and execute funder and showcase events incorporating teen participation.
  • Operations & Logistics – Coordinate with internal departments to ensure seamless planning, execution, and monitoring of initiatives.
  • Community Engagement – Build partnerships with donors, community organizations, schools, city agencies, and other stakeholders to expand program reach.

The Manager collaborates with diverse stakeholders, balancing large-scale initiatives with targeted projects, and demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing opportunities for Chicago’s teens. Candidate will assume increasing responsibilities over time, including managing and strengthening relationships with key partners to support the transition and ownership of strategic partnerships.

Major Duties and Responsibilities :

  • Lead and Manage High-Profile Programs and Events – Oversee planning and execution of key teen program initiatives (e.g., Next Builders, ComEd Youth Ambassadors, teen participation in Gala), including project plans, stakeholder engagement, instructor recruitment, site selection, training, showcases, and site visits.  Supervise seasonal and branch program specialists and assistant.

    • Develop, lead, and implement programs that reflect teen interests, voices, and evolving needs, fostering ownership and leadership.

  • Facilitate inclusive, strengths-based activities and workshops that promote personal growth, skill-building, and community engagement while ensuring programs are responsive to diverse youth perspectives.
  • Manage teens in new spaces and ensure they are prepared for programs and events by communicating with, preparing, and building enthusiasm around opportunities.
  • Negotiate on behalf of teens and their program needs.
  • Coaching instructors on continuous program improvement through program observations and assessing program data.
  • Engage External Stakeholders – Build and maintain relationships with community partners, funders, aldermanic offices, and other stakeholders to achieve program outcomes and identify new opportunities. Represent ASM at meetings and events.
  • Build and manage strong relationships with key partners, gradually taking on greater responsibility in overseeing and transitioning partnership management.
  • Design and Deliver Events – Develop and oversee showcases, funder visits, and special events highlighting teen work in collaboration with the Executive Office, Communications, Development, and community partners. Prepare teens and instructors for public presentations.
  • Strategic Program Development – Create and scale pilot programs, address participation gaps across neighborhoods and content areas, and implement specialized recruitment strategies in partnership with Programs.
  • Budget and Reporting – Develop, manage, and monitor program and event budgets, compile reports on program budget, performance, resources, and partnerships.
  • Team Leadership – Supervise, coach, and develop the Events and Initiatives team; identify professional development needs and opportunities.
  • Cross-Departmental Collaboration – Work with ASM staff on organization-wide projects and initiatives, providing leadership on development-related efforts, including donor engagement and site tours.
  • Coordinate with Internal and External Teams – Partner with departments such as Programs, Marketing, Finance, Warehouse, and Legal to ensure operational success, quality control, and timely completion of projects.  Ability to work with different groups of people.
  • Other Duties as Assigned – Support additional projects and initiatives aligned with ASM’s mission.

    • Supervisory Responsibilities :

  • Program Specialist
  • Instructors

    • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

  • Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities with a commitment to quality and process excellence.
  • Proven project management expertise with strong systems thinking.
  • Solid understanding of instructional best practices.
  • Skilled in building and facilitating collaborative relationships across diverse audiences, from emerging artists to international dignitaries.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with flexibility and responsiveness.
  • Strong customer service orientation toward a wide range of stakeholders, including staff, youth, executives, and community leaders.
  • Meticulous attention to detail with a track record of meeting deadlines.
  • Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with Cityspan, Google Workspace, Canva, and Zoom preferred.

    • Qualifications :

  • Bachelor’s degree required or in progress
  • 3+ years management experience and / or teaching and / or youth programming experience, and / or project planning experience
  • Valid Driver’s License, insured transportation, and driving record that satisfies our Motor Vehicle Policy required[1]
  • Evenings and weekends may be required
  • Ability to adapt to a non-traditional work schedule of 11am-7pm for a portion of the year.
  • Cook County residency required

    • [1] After School Matters will provide reasonable accommodation to a person who does not have a driver’s license because of a disability.

    Compensation :  $66,000 - $75,000 salary, depending on applicable experience and education

    About Us :   After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond.

    ASM has engaged more than 400,000 Chicago teens and is the nation’s largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens.

    ASM offers paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

    Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including three ASM buildings : downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park. Currently, After School Matters’ annual operating budget is approximately $48M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization.

    EEO :   After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.

    Powered by JazzHR

    ySqOER638i

    [job_alerts.create_a_job]

    Program Manager • Chicago, IL, US

    [internal_linking.similar_jobs]
    Associate Director, Program Success

    Associate Director, Program Success

    Braven • Chicago, IL, US
    [job_card.part_time]
    Associate Director, Program Success.Braven is a national nonprofit that prepares promising college students to secure a strong first opportunity after college graduation through a career-accelerati...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_1_day] • [promoted]
    Director of Program Operations

    Director of Program Operations

    NEW LIFE CENTERS OF CHICAGOLAND NFP • Chicago, IL, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    The Director of Program Operations position is full-time, 40 hours per week (exempt, benefits available).The Director of Program Operations will report to the Chief Restorative Justice Officer and ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Program Manager / Training Lead

    Program Manager / Training Lead

    Contact Government Services, LLC • Chicago, IL, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Department : Project Management.Here at CGS, we are seeking a Program Manger / Training Lead to assist with the design, development, and delivery of training for internal and external audiences for a ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Technical Program Manager, SLED, Public Sector

    Technical Program Manager, SLED, Public Sector

    Google • Chicago, IL, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Technical Program Manager, SLED, Public Sector.Experience driving progress, solving problems, and mentoring more junior team members. deeper expertise and applied knowledge within relevant area.The...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_1_day] • [promoted]
    Manager of Program Initiatives

    Manager of Program Initiatives

    After School Matters • Chicago, IL, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    [filters_job_card.quick_apply]
    Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Manager of Program Initiatives leads a team responsible for delivering high-profile programs, projects, and events across Chicago.Program & ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days]
    Program Manager

    Program Manager

    Heartland Human Care Services • Chicago, IL, US
    [job_card.full_time] +2
    On-site, Tuesday to Saturday (8 : 00am-4 : 30pm).The Program Manager YRS is based on-site at a residential facility for youth and will provide supervision to staff, direct service to participants, and ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Program Manager - Behavioral Health

    Program Manager - Behavioral Health

    Skyway Behavioral Health • Skokie, IL, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Skyway Behavioral Health is an innovative center that goes beyond the treatment of mood, anxiety, and eating disorders to address underlying traumatic stress. Our belief is that maladaptive coping s...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Program Manager - Chicago, IL

    Program Manager - Chicago, IL

    Staffing • Chicago, IL, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Project Description : Our client needs a Program Manager with Corporate Credit Card background.Should have experience managing Corporate Credit Card Programs in and out.[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Principal Technical Program Manager (API Development)- Remote

    Principal Technical Program Manager (API Development)- Remote

    Veradigm • Chicago, IL, US
    [filters.remote]
    [job_card.full_time]
    Welcome to Veradigm, where our Mission is transforming health, insightfully.Join the Veradigm team and help solve many of today's healthcare challenges being addressed by biopharma, health plan...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Program Monitor (Principal Consultant #1371)

    Program Monitor (Principal Consultant #1371)

    Illinois State Board of Education • Chicago, IL, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    Position : Program Monitor (Principal Consultant #1371).Location : Springfield or Chicago.Department : Wellness & Student Care. Anticipated Starting Salary Range : $62,449 - $78,917.Full Salary Range : $...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Pathways to Success Clinical Program Manager

    Pathways to Success Clinical Program Manager

    Community Counseling Centers of Chicago Inc • Chicago, IL, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Title : Pathways to Success Clinical Program Manager.Directs and oversees the structure, development, delivery, and administration of services in assigned Direct Service Area(s) for the Pathways to ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Program Manager

    Program Manager

    Team Behavioral Health • Chicago, IL, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    If you are looking for a positive career move where you are meeting the challenges of life and striving to make a positive difference, then this is the place for you. We are looking for people with ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Hybrid Program Director – Transformation & Platform Modernization

    Hybrid Program Director – Transformation & Platform Modernization

    Independence Pet Group • Chicago, IL, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    A leading pet care organization in Chicago is looking for a Program Director to lead a high-impact transformation initiative. The role will focus on optimizing business processes and modernizing cor...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Program Director

    Program Director

    Healogics • Chicago, IL, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Program Director / Program Manager.The rewards at Healogics are immense, starting with the important work we do to change patients' lives. We also understand that meaningful work is hard work, and we ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Program Director

    Program Director

    Healogics, Inc. • Chicago, IL, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    The rewards at Healogics are immense, starting with the important work we do to change patients’ lives.We also understand that meaningful work is hard work, and we are committed to supporting and c...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Program Director

    Program Director

    The University Of Chicago • Chicago, IL, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    Department • •PSD Computer Science : MSCAPP Staff Leadership • •About the Department • •The M.Computational Analysis and Public Policy (MS-CAPP) program at the University of Chicago is seeking a Program D...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Program Manager

    Program Manager

    Barrow Wise Consulting • Chicago, IL, USA
    [job_card.full_time]
    [filters_job_card.quick_apply]
    Enjoy problem-solving, need a venue to display your creativity, and emerging technologies pique your interest; if so, Barrow Wise Consulting, LLC is for you. As a multi-disciplined leader, you under...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30]
    Program Manager

    Program Manager

    Street Samaritans • Chicago, Illinois, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    [filters_job_card.quick_apply]
    Street Samaritans is a grassroots nonprofit organization committed to advancing human dignity, equity, and justice by walking alongside people experiencing homelessness in Chicago.We provide a rang...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days]