Lead Program Manager, Continuum

Lead Program Manager, Continuum

Join to apply for the Lead Program Manager, Continuum role at Urban Initiatives
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Urban Initiatives Overview

Founded in 2003, Urban Initiatives is a nonprofit organization that runs youth development programs in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Urban Initiatives’ mission is to use the power of sport and play to empower Chicago’s youth to achieve academic success, develop social‑emotional skills, and build social capital. Currently, Urban Initiatives serves an estimated 85 schools throughout the City of Chicago.

Programs You May Oversee

• Pre‑K Soccer
• Elementary Soccer (Play with Potential)
• Middle School Leadership (Take the Lead)
• Summer of Sport Camp

Our Culture

Our healing‑centered approach to youth development helps young people reach their full potential and puts YOU right in the middle of making an impact that will shape generations of Chicago youth. We are coaches by trade, and we bring this expertise into our work environment. You can expect us to deliver ample learning opportunities, growth mindsets, a culture of feedback and transparency, and fun as a core value.

Our first‑in‑class benefits—including competitive salaries and fully‑paid medical, dental, and vision insurance—are guaranteed to keep you in the game.

Core Responsibilities Coach Recruitment, Onboarding, and Supervision

Recruit, onboard, train, and supervise Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and Take the Lead Coaches across assigned schools in the Near South and Far South neighborhoods
. Travel to partner school sites at least three times per week for site visits, coach support, and programming or events. Support assigned coaches employment cycle from onboarding and performance management through end‑of‑program offboarding.

Program Implementation and Quality

Oversee high‑quality program delivery aligned with curriculum, program models, and conditions for success, including Pre‑K Soccer, Play with Potential, Take the Lead, and Summer of Sport.

Partnership and Stakeholder Management

Serve as the primary point of contact for school administrators and OST liaisons at assigned schools. Lead required start‑of‑year, mid‑year, and end‑of‑year meetings and communications. Maintain strong partner satisfaction through proactive communication and problem‑solving.

Systems, Data, and Compliance

Manage program administration systems, including attendance, evaluations, and reporting. Use City Span and internal tools to ensure accurate data entry and DFSS compliance. Maintain organized, up‑to‑date documentation and trackers.

Special Projects and Events

Support planning and execution of department‑wide initiatives such as the Community Play Cup. Manage timelines, deliverables, and documentation for assigned projects. Contribute to SOP development and process improvements.

Department Engagement and Collaboration

Participate in department and cross‑department meetings and planning. Collaborate with colleagues to problem‑solve and share best practices. Provide timely feedback and insights to support team learning and program improvement.

Key Competencies for Success

• Relationship Management:
  Builds trust with coaches, school partners, and colleagues through consistent communication and follow‑through.
• Communication:
  Shares clear timelines, expectations, and updates; closes feedback loops promptly.
• Program and Organizational Knowledge:
  Demonstrates understanding of program models, curriculum, and SOPs.
• Time and Resource Management:
  Manages multiple priorities, meets deadlines, and plans effectively for seasonal peaks.
• Problem Solving:
  Anticipates challenges, identifies solutions, and follows through to resolution.

Ideal

Skills and Qualifications

• Experience managing youth programs, OST programming, or similar community‑based initiatives.
• Experience supervising, coaching, or supporting staff.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfort using digital tools and systems to track tasks, data, and communication.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and youth‑centered work.
• Experience working within CPS or DFSS‑funded programs.
• Experience with compliance‑driven environments.
• Event planning or large‑scale logistics experience.
• Familiarity with SEL‑based or sport‑based youth development models.

Compensation Package

• $55,000 competitive salary.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance premiums options available.
• Life, short‑term disability, and long‑term disability insurance paid 100% by Urban Initiatives.
• Option to contribute to a 401(k) with up to a 3% match of your salary after one full year of employment.
• Flexible Time Off available.
• Paid holidays:
  Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day.

Target Start Date is February 9, 2026.

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