Program Manager, Chicagoland Chapter

Blue Star Families•Chicago, IL

11h•$56,000 - $71,000•Remote

About The Position

Blue Star Families is a growing non-profit (Military Service Organization (MSO)) with a history of delivering innovative solutions. We're the team that senior DoD leaders seek out when they want ground truth on issues facing our military families. Our team members are motivated individuals that help each other do remarkable things for military families to bridge the civilian-military divide every day. We deliver first-class solutions that transform the military experience for military family members. We operate in an agile arena where great minds come together to make life better for military members and their families. We focus on data-driven insights while understanding the value of spirited storytelling. And we do all this in a highly flexible, virtual environment with great benefits! Our diverse and inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging among our team resulting in innovative and creative decision-making. Are you ready to make a difference for the families of those who serve our great nation? We are the ideal match for the innovator, the out-of-the-box, strategic thinker who understands the value of social impact. General Description Reporting to the Chapter Executive Director, with a dotted line to the Senior Director of Chapter Relations, the Program Manager is a member of the Blue Star Families Chapter Impact Team. This integral role is dedicated to fostering exceptional Membership Stewardship & Customer Service, ensuring that every interaction strengthens the sense of belonging among military families. The Program Manager will manage multiple programs for the local Chapter, including, but not limited to, projects currently within Blue Star Families’ portfolio. In addition to driving membership and volunteer growth and engagement, the Program Manager will support the Executive Director on high-impact initiatives and essential operational tasks critical to the Chapter’s success. The Program Manager must reside in the local community the Chapter serves.

Requirements

Minimum 2-4 years of relevant experience
Independent self-starter with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
Knowledge of the military family experience
Volunteer recruitment and management experience
Experience working with community partner organizations
Demonstrated comfort and proficiency in public speaking and media interactions
Excellent writing skills
Ability to facilitate meetings and drive toward decision-making
Local travel requirements required outside of your home office will be up to 40% or less depending on business needs.
Ability to repeatedly transport, lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 50 lbs.
May be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary to carry out key job functions
Limited out-of-town travel may be required to attend meetings, trainings, events etc.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems; and familiarity with Salesforce a plus.
Familiarity with membership-driven organizations.
Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of processes and programs, and ability to implement improvements.

Responsibilities

Manage programs and events for local Blue Star Families’ chapter.
Foster relationships with local community organizations and partners to support program initiatives and enhance community engagement.
Utilize project management technologies and tools to administer programs and manage local chapter operations (including, but not limited to, HIVE, Hive Brite, Salesforce, Google Workspace Suite, Zoom, etc).
Develop schedules, project estimates, and resource plans, that align with the organization’s goals, processes, and documentation.
Set and monitor deadlines, ensure completion of deliverables, and alert the team of pending due dates and delinquencies.
Help schedule team meetings to drive projects forward and provide status updates to program stakeholders.
Implement strategies to increase membership and volunteer participation.
Support the recruitment and effective onboarding and management of volunteers, including retention and recognition activities.
Support Executive Director on fundraising activities and other initiatives and essential operational tasks required for the success of the chapter.
Support day-to-day budget tracking.
With the guidance of the Chapter ED, and the national team, manage and lead the execution of marketing and communications strategies, including social media, to elevate the chapter’s name in the community and attract and grow membership.
Engage fellows and interns to maximize the impact of chapter initiatives and programs
Perform various administrative activities, including scheduling and meeting planning, document creation, communications, travel arrangements, minutes, presentations, and other logistical functions.
Host and/or attend local community events.
Transport, lift, carry, set up, and take down various supplies and equipment for local chapter events.
Manage chapter social media platforms
Manage and execute chapter events some nights, weekends, and Federal Holidays.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Support the Senior Director, Chapter Relations, on key initiatives to ensure clear and achievable project objectives.
Ensure that membership engagement remains a top priority across all interactions at the chapter, fostering a welcoming environment that strengthens the sense of belonging within the community.
Ensure that national office policies are implemented effectively at the community level, specifically on programs and events.
Promote an organizational culture that values strategy, planning, collaboration within the mission and across Blue Star Families, trust, commitment to the mission, and professional and organizational growth.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Virtual/remote nonprofit organization that moves with you (position specific)
Career growth opportunities
Excellent benefits (403(b) with matching, Flexible Spending, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Communications Allowance, and more)
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave for Active Duty Military Spouses
On-the-job professional development training
Front-line opportunity to positively impact the military experience
Competitive salaries
Workplace flexibility

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