Youth Build Program Manager

About the role

The YouthBuild Program Manager provides operational oversight of the YouthBuild program, delivering education, workforce development, and leadership training for youth ages 16-24. The role involves developing, launching, and managing day-to-day activities in alignment with the national YouthBuild model, including counseling, case management, GED pursuit, construction trades training, and job placement. The Program Manager collaborates with community partners, employers, educational institutions, and internal staff to achieve grant outcomes, ensure compliance with YouthBuild and Department of Labor (DOL) regulations, and foster a trauma-informed environment that empowers opportunity youth.

Responsibilities

• Program Development:
  • Participate in the New Grantee Orientation and training activities, including a session in Washington, DC, in September 2026.
  • Develop program policies, forms, and plans to launch participant enrollment in November 2026.
  • Identify and customize training materials for program staff.
• Program Operations:
  • Direct daily operations, supporting staff and participants through the program lifecycle.
  • Develop recruitment strategies, conduct outreach, and manage the enrollment process.
  • Coordinate program components, including counseling, case management, workforce readiness, education, high school equivalency attainment, occupational skills training, leadership development, and civic engagement.
  • Facilitate participant progress by supporting staff and working directly with participants as needed.
• Supervision:
  • Supervise program staff, providing coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Collaboration:
  • Identify and develop relationships with key partners, including education providers, training organizations, community-based organizations, and employers.
  • Serve as the main point of contact for project partners, facilitating student access and managing data and compliance needs.
  • Represent the YouthBuild program at community meetings, conferences, networking events, and public presentations.
  • Ensure internal and external relationships address participant case management needs.
  • Develop opportunities for job shadowing, internships, and mentoring.
• Data and Compliance:
  • Make programmatic decisions that support participant success while maintaining compliance with grant requirements.
  • Monitor program performance indicators and implement corrective actions as needed.
  • Maintain accurate and complete client files.
  • Provide data for narrative, statistical, and performance reports.
  • Participate in monitoring visits, audits, and compliance reviews, implementing recommendations as required.
• Fiscal and Administrative Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with finance staff to ensure fiscal compliance.
  • Assist in managing program budgets and grant expenditures.
  • Maintain required documentation supporting grant match and reporting requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in social work, counseling, education, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in youth services, workforce development, education, or human service programs.
• Experience supervising staff and/or working with federal grants preferred.
• Experience working with young adults facing barriers to employment and education and/or refugees, immigrants, and individuals with low English proficiency preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License and proof of insurance.

Skills

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, positive youth development, motivational interviewing, and case management principles.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Strong relationship-building and partnership development skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and data management systems.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with possible evening events. Occasional travel to community events or other business locations in a personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an interior, temperature-controlled office environment. The position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.