Jobs and Careers
About the role
ABOUT THE POSITION, in the role of Program Manager, you will assist in the planning, management, and implementation of Playworks’ comprehensive school-based play and capacity building programming. You will train and oversee Site Coordinators and/or a Program Specialist, maintain strong relationships with school partners, and develop new training for program staff.
Specifically you will:
- Collaborate with the Greater Newark, NJ/Greater New York City team to oversee Playworks’ programs, planning and implementing school-based programming at elementary school sites.
- Manage and support a pod of Frontline Staff (may include AmeriCorps Members and/or Site Coordinators).
- Conduct regular program observations & data reviews to ensure high quality programming.
- Participate in curriculum development and organize and facilitate regional staff trainings.
- Perform evaluations according to Playworks’ protocol and oversee curriculum implementation during the school year to ensure fulfillment of expectations and responsibilities.
- Serve as primary contact person for school administrators and consult with schools as needed in achieving program outcomes.
- Mediate program issues with schools, staff and administrators.
- Serve as interscholastic/developmental sports league coordinator and contact person which includes additional evening hours, as applicable.
- Participate in hiring and onboarding of new frontline staff.
- Lead administrative tasks related to program management (data collection, staff feedback, partnership feedback, etc.) and additional areas as needed (grant writing, etc.)
- Represent Playworks in building community relationships and supporting regional expansion through various special projects such as curriculum development for specific student populations, building relationships with new funding sources, and developing training for new sites.
- Participate in training to develop and grow skills in Playworks Professional Development programs facilitation in order to support local training efforts.
WHO YOU ARE
- Self-starter. You set clear goals and follow through with flexible and creative problem solving. You can work independently with minimal supervision. You also seek and incorporate feedback from your colleagues.
- Relationship Builder. You have the ability to manage, motivate, and develop diverse individuals and teams, knowing how to meet an individual's unique needs. You have the ability to recognize, respect, and harness the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of all team members to achieve collective objectives. You also thrive in situations where you are developing and maintaining external relationships and partnerships.
- Highly organized. You are great at multitasking and able to manage your time across multiple priorities.
- Detail Oriented. You catch the little things and think it’s a big deal. You understand that every word you write to an external audience is a reflection on Playworks.
- Flexible. You thrive in an environment characterized by significant growth, diversity and constant change.
- Mission Driven. You are connected to Playworks’ mission and vision to improve outcomes for children and schools. You are also committed to Playworks Equity Statement, recognizing that equity learning is a journey that will require a willingness to participate in organizational-wide learning and development.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
- A minimum of two years experience in management, preferably in non-profit management or a youth development organization.
- A background in youth development with a variety of skills and approaches to sports and play.
- Experience establishing and maintaining professional relationships with external clients in diverse communities and community organizations with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and support staff.
- Experience with computer and internet based programs especially Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet), Slack, Salesforce.
- Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills with the ability to facilitate small and large group presentations.
- Expresses self in a credible and transparent manner, and models high standards of honesty and integrity.
- Ability to thrive working both independently and within team settings.
- Must be creative and passionate about youth work.
- Sense of humor and resourcefulness are essential.
- This position may require tra
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