Senior Program Specialist @ Lutz

Chicago, IL

Full Time

Programs

Mid Level

About ASM: After School Matters (ASM) is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually engages nearly 19,000 high school teens through after-school and summer programs, allowing them to explore and develop their talents while acquiring critical skills for success in college and beyond. Through our programs, we not only invest in the future of these teens but also in the communities they come from, strengthening neighborhoods across the city.

Over the last thirty years, we have impacted over 400,000 Chicago teens, making us the nation’s largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school students. Our paid apprenticeships, led by industry professionals in arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM, provide invaluable opportunities for young people to develop practical skills, engage in meaningful work, and contribute to their communities. This investment in youth is not only transformative for the participants but also helps uplift entire neighborhoods by fostering local talent and creating pathways to success.

With an annual operating budget of approximately $36M and a dedicated team of around 500 staff, ASM continues to be a pillar of opportunity, growth, and community investment across Chicago.

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

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Employee Instructors and Program Providers
Provide direction to community and campus liaisons and ensure compliance with program requirements.
Annual operating budget responsibility: $1M.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Quality

Manage and provide coaching to a diverse program portfolio, which includes a combination of after school, daytime and/or other types of specialized content area programming.
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, ensuring they have the resources and training necessary to deliver high-quality programming.

Administrative Duties

Act as the primary contact for instructors, community/campus liaisons, and school staff for programs.
Review and submit timesheet approvals for all employee instructors and community/campus liaisons.
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.
Organize and oversee specialized activities and events.
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.

Community Relations

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, schools and partners to create new programs; continuously improve existing programs and address the needs of the communities served. Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Must be able to sit for long periods of time.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not exposed to weather conditions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Flexible work hours required consistent with out of school time programming; evening hours (11AM – 7PM) during school-year programming and for specialized events or programs.
Must be available on some Saturdays.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong interpersonal skills: Proficient in fostering positive and effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Expertise in developing and nurturing collaborative partnerships: Skilled at cultivating and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships.
Demonstrated ability to lead and empower teams to achieve objectives.
Exceptional organizational and problem-solving abilities: Proficient in efficiently organizing tasks and adept at resolving challenges.
Effective communication skills: Articulate in conveying information verbally and in writing.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office with the ability to gather, manage, and maintain data effectively.
Proven ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects to successful completion.
Strong multitasking skills: Ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Thrives in a fast-paced, high-energy environment: Adaptable and comfortable working in dynamic settings.
Demonstrates respect for all levels of the organization and external partners: Exhibits professionalism and consideration in interactions.
Collaborative team player with high energy: Engages positively in team environments and contributes effectively to group efforts.
Customer service orientation: Committed to delivering exceptional service to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required
3+ years of youth development experience
Valid Driver’s License, insured transportation, and driving record that satisfies our Motor Vehicle Policy required
Cook County residency required

Additional Requirements:
Staff are required to provide proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or have an approved medical or sincerely held religious beliefs exemption prior to starting employment. If a medical or sincerely held religious belief exemption is approved, weekly Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing is required part of any reasonable accommodation.

EEO:
After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.

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