After School Matters · 21 hours ago
Manager of Program Initiatives
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$66K/yr - $75K/yr
3+ years expAfter School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that provides after-school and summer programs for high school teens. The Manager of Program Initiatives leads a team in executing high-profile programs and events, builds partnerships with various stakeholders, and oversees the development and management of program budgets.
Association
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 taking 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
Qualification
Required
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
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
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
Preferred
Familiarity with Cityspan, Google Workspace, Canva, and Zoom
Company
After School Matters
After School Matters offers Chicago teens innovative out-of-school activities in the arts, communication, sports, science and technology.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$1MKey Investors
Bank of America
2025-12-01Grant· $1M
Leadership Team
Mary Ellen Caron
CEO
Andrew Palmer
Corporate Partnership Coordinator
Recent News
2025-12-01
Company data provided by crunchbase