Manager of Program Initiatives - Chicago - After School Matters

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:

1. Program & Event Execution – Design, implement, and scale funded and pilot programs for Chicago teens; plan and execute funder and showcase events incorporating teen participation.
2. Operations & Logistics – Coordinate with internal departments to ensure seamless planning, execution, and monitoring of initiatives.
3. 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 take 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

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.

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.