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Springfield Urban League Inc. · 3 months ago

Director of Education & School Age Youth Programs

Springfield, IL, US

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$70K/yr - $80K/yr

5+ years exp

Springfield Urban League Inc. is a leading civil rights and community-based organization committed to improving education for youth in Springfield, Illinois. The Director of Education & School Age Youth Programs will lead initiatives aimed at addressing chronic absenteeism and literacy challenges, ensuring equitable access to educational resources and support for students.

CommunitiesNon ProfitSocial

Responsibilities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Qualification

Education leadershipGrant writingProgram managementYouth developmentData analysisPublic speakingCommunity engagementDiversityInclusionProject management