Programs Manager – New York
About the role
The Programs Manager, New York is responsible for leading high-quality implementation of Guitars Over Guns (GOGO) programming in New York City. This role combines program management, mentor team leadership, site-level coordination, and direct program delivery.
Responsibilities
Direct Program Implementation and Site Leadership
Lead, plan, and directly implement GOGO programming in New York alongside mentors, ensuring in-school and after-school sessions are engaging, organized, safe, and aligned with GOGO’s program model and methodology.
Arrive on-site at least 30 minutes before each session to prepare the space, meet with the team, review the session plan, and address immediate needs before students arrive.
Prepare for each session using GOGO curricular resources, mentor input, student needs, performance goals, and personal creative resources that support strong program delivery.
Serve as the primary on-site program lead, supporting student engagement, program culture, behavior expectations, transitions, attendance, session flow, and real-time problem-solving.
Maintain a safe, clean, respectful learning environment and model strong professional judgment, confidentiality, personal conduct, and representation of the GOGO brand during sessions, events, and community-facing activities.
Mentor Team Leadership, Coaching, and Program Quality
Lead weekly meetings with New York mentors to review session plans, student needs, curriculum priorities, attendance, performances, team communication, data expectations, and follow-up items.
Build a strong, cohesive mentor team culture rooted in preparation, accountability, collaboration, student care, peer learning, and commitment to GOGO’s mission.
Provide regular coaching, feedback, and support to mentors, including pre-session planning, post-session debriefs, classroom management support, and guidance on student engagement and lesson delivery.
Ensure mentors understand and follow GOGO expectations related to preparation, punctuality, attendance tracking, reporting systems, student reports, communication, confidentiality, professional conduct, and participation in required meetings or professional development.
Support mentor participation in student performances, public showcases, feedback cycles, family engagement, school partner engagement, and community events connected to programming.
Program Operations, Partner Engagement, and New York Growth
Manage day-to-day program operations for GOGO’s New York region, including site communication, schedules, attendance systems, supplies, materials, documentation, student rosters, family communication, and coordination with school or community partners.
Track student attendance, program notes, student reports, mentor follow-up needs, site issues, scheduling conflicts, and program data in required GOGO systems by established deadlines.
Oversee communication around mentor absences, substitutes, session plans, partner updates, student concerns, family engagement, and other site-level needs.
Meet weekly with the VP of Regions to review program quality, mentor team dynamics, student engagement, attendance trends, site needs, partner updates, growth opportunities, risks, and upcoming priorities.
Support headquarters-led New York Region expansion efforts by hosting site visits, participating in select local meetings, sharing on-the-ground program insights, and helping external stakeholders understand GOGO’s impact and potential in New York.
Qualifications
3-5 years of professional experience in youth development, arts education, music education, nonprofit programming, or a related field.
Professional experience as a performing musician or teaching artist specializing in contemporary vocals, guitar, music production, hip hop, or similar, with the ability to lead engaging, high-quality music instruction for elementary and middle school students.
Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, managing or supervising educators, mentors, teaching artists, or program staff.
Strong classroom management and youth engagement skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and foster a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment.
Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with students, families, school partners, mentors, and colleagues.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, solve problems proactively, and work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.
Ability to work flexible hours, including afternoons, evenings, and occasional weekends, based on program and event schedules.
Proficiency with Google Workspace, Zoom, project management platforms (such as Asana), CRM systems (such as Salesforce), and the ability to quickly learn new technologies.
Reliable transportation and ability to travel regularly throughout New York City to program sites and community events.
Commitment to Guitars Over Guns' mission, values, and trauma-informed approach to working with young people; experience working with students from historically under-resourced communities.
Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, growth mindset, sense of humor, and a commitment to Guitars Over Guns’ mission.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience
401(k) with 3% employer match (eligible after 12 months of employment)
Health insurance at no additional cost, with optional dental and vision benefits available at a cost
Paid time off (PTO) structure, parental leave, bereavement leave, as well as ±18 federal & cultural paid holidays per year
Employee Assistance Program
Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development
Physical & Schedule Requirements
This role is based in New York City with school sites currently located in Harlem, and requires regular in-person availability for programming, mentor meetings, site visits, partner meetings, events, and program-related activities. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required based on the program and event calendar. Local travel within New York City will be required.