Senior Program Specialist - Special Programs

After School Matters•Chicago, IL

1d•$60,827 - $67,000

About The Position

Summary of Position: The Program Specialist is primarily responsible for facilitating and managing the day-to-day logistics of a portfolio of 20-25 high-quality programs through regular site visits, performing program observations, and providing actionable recommendations to enhance program quality, safety, compliance, instruction, attendance, enrollment, and retention, as well as addressing other critical areas.

Requirements

Excellent interpersonal skills
Skilled in developing and facilitating collaborative relationships
Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams
Demonstrated experience managing facility and program operations
Excellent organizational skills and problem solving abilities
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent Microsoft Office skills; ability to collect and maintain information as needed
Demonstrated experience in project management
Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
Ability to work in a fast paced, high energy environment
Respect for all levels of the organization and outside partners
Energetic team player who works well in collaborative situations
Strong orientation to customer service
Minimum Bachelor’s degree required
Minimum 5-7 years relevant experience
Valid Driver’s License, insured transportation, and driving record that satisfies our Motor Vehicle Policy required
Cook County residency required
Evenings and some weekends required

Nice To Haves

Experience in using Cityspan database a plus

Responsibilities

Oversee and ensure high-quality of all programs within portfolio
Build and maintain a high-quality program portfolio that includes after school, daytime, weekend, and school break programs.
Track and analyze program data to identify trends, address challenges, identify program supports needed, and implement strategies that maximize participation and retention in programs
Assist in the recruitment process of program staff, oversee the selection of returning programs, identify new program providers, and ensure compliance with portfolio benchmarks
Assess program quality and compliance and provide program budget and portfolio reports and recommendations to Program Manager
Conduct regular program site visits for each program in portfolio and make recommendations for Youth Program Quality Assessments
Manage ASM instructors from recruitment to providing ongoing coaching to instructors, ensuring they have the resources and training necessary to deliver high-quality programming
Co-lead facilities meetings and maintain regular communication with Facilities Management re: building cleanliness, building organization, building repairs, space reservations, building improvements, security, safety drills, food service, etc.
Establish, communicate, and uphold building expectations (entry/exit, food/drink expectations, no gum, appropriate attire, etc.)
Address teen behavioral incidents by facilitating mediation, conducting parent/guardian follow‑up, documenting incidents, and recommending appropriate next steps, including escalation in alignment with organizational policies and safety protocols
Provide leadership for designated program sites when the Senior Program Manager is not available.
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 conducting thorough follow-up on incident reports, and addressing concerns raised by instructors, community-based organizations, schools, and sites with support from Program Manager
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 the needs of the communities served
Other duties as assigned.