Programs Specialist - SSW

About the Role

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. The Program Specialist facilitates and manages the day-to-day logistics of a portfolio of 20-25 programs through regular site visits, program observations, and actionable recommendations to enhance program quality, safety, compliance, instruction, attendance, enrollment, and retention.

Responsibilities

• Track and analyze program data to identify trends, address challenges, and implement strategies that maximize participation and retention in programs.
• Assist in the recruitment of program staff, oversee the selection of returning programs, identify new program providers, and ensure compliance with portfolio benchmarks.
• Assess program quality and compliance; provide program budget and portfolio reports and recommendations to the Program Manager.
• Conduct regular program site visits for each program in the portfolio and make recommendations for Youth Program Quality Assessments.
• Manage ASM instructors from recruitment to providing ongoing coaching, ensuring they have the resources and training necessary to deliver high-quality programming.
• Act as the primary contact for instructors, community/campus liaisons, and school staff for programs.
• Assist in developing and implementing effective teen recruitment and retention strategies for branch programs.
• Plan, schedule, organize, and conduct all assigned meetings with partners, instructors, community, and campus liaisons each session.
• Submit incident reports and follow up on next steps, including addressing concerns raised by instructors, community-based organizations, schools, and sites.
• Coordinate community outreach efforts, including attending events and meetings (e.g., aldermanic meetings, police district beat meetings, library meetings) to promote programs and recruit participants, securing locations for programs.
• Gather feedback from community members and partners to create new programs, continuously improve existing programs, and address community needs.
• Provide direction to community and campus liaisons and ensure compliance with program requirements.
• Manage an annual operating budget of $1M.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2+ years of youth development experience.
• Valid Driver’s License, insured transportation, and driving record that satisfies our Motor Vehicle Policy.
• Cook County residency required.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or an approved medical or sincerely held religious beliefs exemption (with weekly PCR testing if exempted).

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to foster positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Expertise in developing and nurturing collaborative partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and empower teams to achieve objectives.
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office with the ability to gather, manage, and maintain data effectively.
• Proven ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects to successful completion.
• Strong multitasking skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
• Professionalism and respect for all levels of the organization and external partners.
• Collaborative team player with high energy.
• Customer service orientation.

Physical Demands

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

Work Environment

• Not exposed to weather conditions.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.
• Flexible work hours required, consistent with out-of-school time programming; evening hours (11 AM – 7 PM) during school-year programming and for special events or programs.
• Must be available on some Saturdays.

Pay

$56,000