Program Manager, Chicagoland Chapter

Job Title: Program Manager, Chicagoland Chapter

Department: Chapter Impact

Location: Chicago, IL (remote/virtual office)*

Reports to: Executive Director, Chicagoland Chapter (Dotted line reporting to Senior Director, Chapter Relations)

Direct Reports: No

Classification: Exempt

Position type: Full-Time Employee

Anticipated Pay Range at Commencement of Employment: $56,000 - $71,000 per year

* The Program Manager must reside in the local community the Chapter serves.

Blue Star Families is a growing non-profit (Military Service Organization) focused on delivering innovative solutions that transform the military experience for families. Our team is comprised of motivated individuals who collaborate to bridge the civilian‑military divide and advance data‑driven insights with spirited storytelling in a highly flexible, virtual environment. The Program Manager reports to the Chapter Executive Director, with a dotted line to the Senior Director of Chapter Relations, and is a key member of the Chapter Impact Team dedicated to fostering exceptional membership stewardship and customer service.

• Manage programs and events for the local Blue Star Families chapter.
• Foster relationships with local community organizations and partners to support program initiatives and enhance community engagement.
• Utilize project management technologies and tools (HIVE, Hive Brite, Salesforce, Google Workspace Suite, Zoom, etc.) to administer programs and manage local chapter operations.
• Develop schedules, project estimates, and resource plans that align with the organization’s goals, processes, and documentation.
• Set and monitor deadlines, ensure completion of deliverables, and alert the team of pending due dates and delinquencies.
• Help schedule team meetings to drive projects forward and provide status updates to program stakeholders.
• Implement strategies to increase membership and volunteer participation.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, and management of volunteers, including retention and recognition activities.
• Support Executive Director on fundraising activities and other initiatives and essential operational tasks required for the success of the chapter.
• With guidance from the Chapter ED and the national team, manage and lead the execution of marketing and communications strategies, including social media, to elevate the chapter’s name in the community.
• Engage fellows and interns to maximize the impact of chapter initiatives and programs.
• Perform various administrative activities, including scheduling and meeting planning, document creation, communications, travel arrangements, minutes, presentations, and other logistical functions.
• Host and/or attend local community events.
• Transport, lift, carry, set up, and take down various supplies and equipment for local chapter events.
• Manage and execute chapter events some nights, weekends, and Federal Holidays.
• Support the Senior Director, Chapter Relations, on key initiatives to ensure clear and achievable project objectives.
• Ensure that membership engagement remains a top priority across all interactions, fostering a welcoming environment that strengthens the sense of belonging within the community.
• Ensure that national office policies are implemented effectively at the community level, specifically on programs and events.
• Promote an organizational culture that values strategy, planning, collaboration within the mission and across Blue Star Families, trust, commitment to the mission, and professional and organizational growth.

• Minimum 2-4 years of relevant experience.
• Independent self-starter with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of the military family experience.
• Volunteer recruitment and management experience.
• Experience working with community partner organizations.
• Demonstrated comfort and proficiency in public speaking and media interactions.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and drive toward decision-making.
• Local travel requirements up to 40% of the time, depending on business needs.
• Ability to repeatedly transport, lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 50 lbs.
• May…