Programs Specialist - SSW

Summary of Position: The 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, 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.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Quality

· 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

Administrative Duties

· 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

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 and partners to create new programs, continuously improve existing programs and address the needs of the communities serve.

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; evenings hours (11am – 7pm) during school-year programming and for special events or programs

· Must be available on some Saturdays

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

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

· 2+ years of youth development experience

· Valid Driver’s License, insured transportation, and driving record that satisfies our Motor Vehicle Policy required1

· 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.

How to Apply: Submit a cover letter and resume at

Compensation: $56,000


About Us: After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond.


Thirty-five years later, now known as After School Matters, our program has engaged more than 450,000 Chicago teens and is the nation’s largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens. No other organization offers programs to high school students at the scale and quality that we do.


We offer paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.


Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including four ASM buildings: downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and Orleans, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park. Currently, After School Matters' annual operating budget is approximately $48M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization. For more information, visit

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.