Senior Manager of Special Programs

Summary of Position

Reporting to the Deputy of Programs and Operations, the Senior Manager of Special Programs will lead several city-wide initiatives designed to enhance teens’ academic readiness and executive functioning skills by integrating academic learning with After School Matters (ASM) career exploration programs. This role oversees three primary work streams: 

1. Community Outreach
   Build and maintain partnerships with instructors, school principals, and city agencies (e.g., Chicago Housing Authority, Chicago Public Schools, City Colleges of Chicago) to serve as program providers, recruitment liaisons, or host sites. Connect teens to ASM opportunities year-round.

1. Program Implementation
   Manage the launch, ongoing execution, and continuous improvement of program initiatives.

1. Operational & Logistical Support
   Collaborate with internal departments to plan, implement, and monitor all aspects of programs.

The Senior Manager will engage a wide range of stakeholders, including teens, instructors, schools, partners, and funders. They ideal candidate must be passionate about improving the lives of Chicago teens, be flexible, detail-oriented, and capable of managing large-scale initiatives while ensuring day-to-day program success.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Program Leadership

  • Supervise, coach, and support full-time and seasonal Program Specialists, Assistants, and instructional staff to ensure program success and professional growth.

  • Lead planning and execution of programs, special initiatives, and events.

  • Serve as the primary liaison to CHA and CPS to connect their communities to ASM opportunities.

  • Conduct outreach and interface with funders, elected officials, and other stakeholders to achieve program goals.

• Program Quality

  • Conduct frequent site visits and observations to monitor program implementation and ensure continuous improvement in teen engagement and outcomes.

  • Oversee incident reporting and resolution processes.

• Special Initiatives Oversight

  • Meet with internal and external stakeholders to understand needs and contributions to projects.

• Program Operations

  • Develop and manage project plans for programmatic and operational components.

  • Coordinate site-wide activities and events (e.g., tours, special events, safety drills).

  • Arrange teen transportation and instructor onboarding.

  • Secure program locations (schools, City Colleges, community centers).

  • Organize instructor and staff training for program implementation.

  • Review and refine program budgets to ensure compliance with funding requirements and ASM standards.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Seasonal Program Specialists

• Program Aides

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent organizational, conceptual, and analytical skills; strong process orientation, problem solving and trouble-shooting skills; a firm commitment to quality

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong grasp of instructional best practices

• Skilled in developing and facilitating collaborative relationships and interacting with a range of stakeholders

• Comfortable with delivering training, giving constructive feedback, and providing coaching to staff and teachers

• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple projects at one time, able to respond to requests quickly, flexible, and able to thrive in a fast paced, high energy environment

• Strong orientation to customer service (i.e., ASM staff and teens, community and government leaders, corporate executives, etc.)

• Detail oriented and capable of meeting deadlines

• Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment

• Proficiency in MS Office applications required

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree strongly preferred

• 5+ years of experience in education and/or non-profit administration

• Classroom teaching experience preferred

• Commitment to the youth of Chicago

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

• Evenings and weekends may be required

Compensation: 73,600 - $82,800, depending on applicable experience and education

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.
ASM has engaged more than 400,000 Chicago teens and is the nation’s largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens.
ASM offers 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 three ASM buildings: downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 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.

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.