Director of Education & School Age Youth Programs

JOB TITLE: Director of Education & School Age Youth Programs

REPORTS TO: President & Chief Executive Officer

LOCATION: 100 North 11th Street (Central Office)

Grounding the Role: Why This Position Matters

Springfield, Illinois is facing a critical moment in education. Chronic absenteeism now affects over 40 percent of students across the area, a rate far higher than the state average of 26 percent. Literacy proficiency continues to fall below 30 percent, with persistent gaps for underrepresented youth, and the demand for after-school tutoring and enrichment programs far exceeds what is currently available. As one of the city’s leading civil rights and community-based organization, the Springfield Urban League (SUL) is committed to changing this story. The Director of Education and School Age Youth Programs will play a pivotal role in advancing innovative, equity-focused solutions that directly tackle these challenges. Through mentoring programs, academic supports, and youth engagement strategies, this leader will ensure measurable improvements in student attendance, literacy rates, graduation outcomes, and college and career readiness. The role calls for someone who can combine vision with action, turning data-driven insights into programs that transform the future for Springfield’s youth.

Position Summary

The Director of Education & School Age Youth Programs serves as SUL’s strategic leader for all youth education initiatives. This role aligns programming with equity, literacy, and workforce readiness priorities, oversees multiple school and community partnerships, secures funding, drives professional development for staff, and ensures data-informed program improvement to achieve measurable student outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Alignment

• Align all education and youth programs with SUL’s strategic priorities in literacy, equity, and college/career readiness.
• Serve as SUL’s representative in local, state, and national coalitions advocating for educational equity and youth empowerment.
• Design long-term strategies for funding diversification, program growth, and partnership expansion.

Primary Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

• Set a clear vision for education and youth programming that expands access, equity, and academic success.
• Grow Springfield Urban League’s education portfolio by adding new programs, partnerships, and funding sources.
• Represent the organization in education networks, coalitions, and policy discussions to raise its profile and influence.

Program Management

• Oversee current youth and education initiatives, serving students ages 5-18, including Project Ready, CDF Freedom Schools, STEAM programs, and after-school tutoring partnerships.
• Ensure programs meet outcome goals, remain compliant with funding and reporting requirements, and stay culturally relevant to student needs.
• Lead program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts using data and best practices.

Staff and Program Oversight

• Provide direct oversight for education program staff, site coordinators, program leaders, volunteers, and mentors, serving students across the K-12 spectrum, ensuring high-quality program delivery.
• Recruit, train, and support staff and volunteers, setting clear expectations and offering professional development in culturally responsive practices and youth engagement.
• Manage administrative processes such as purchase orders, recordkeeping, and preparation for internal and external audits to ensure compliance and accountability.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and excellence across all education initiatives while monitoring staffing structures as programs expand.

Policy & Advocacy

• Serve as a public voice on education equity, access, and funding issues affecting local youth.
• Monitor and respond to state and local education policy changes.
• Collaborate with schools, higher education institutions, and policymakers to advance equitable education opportunities.

Funding & Budget Management

• Manage purchase order processes and coordinate with finance staff to ensure timely ordering and accurate expense tracking.
• Prepare for and participate in internal and external program audits to ensure compliance with funding, operational, and organizational standards.
• Identify and secure grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic partnerships to sustain and expand education programming.
• Lead grant proposal development and ensure proper compliance for awarded funds.
• Manage program budgets responsibly, ensuring effective and transparent use of resources.

Community & Partnerships

• Build strong partnerships with school districts, colleges, community organizations, and businesses.
• Represent Springfield Urban League in key education groups such as the Afterschool Alliance and similar organizations.
• Promote Springfield Urban League’s education work through public speaking, community events, and media outreach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Youth Development, Public Policy, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in education leadership, youth program management, or nonprofit administration.
• Proven success in grant writing, program growth, and compliance.
• Strong background in education advocacy, partnership development, and community engagement.
• Experience leading data-driven program evaluation and reporting to funders and stakeholders.

Skills & Competencies

• Visionary leader with the ability to grow and scale education programs.
• Strong skills in grant writing, fundraising, and partnership cultivation.
• Knowledge of youth development, literacy strategies, and culturally responsive practices.
• Proficiency in data tracking, analysis, and performance measurement tools.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and public speaking skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.