CLYP Program Director

About Us

Since 2009, Thrive Inc., a dynamic non-profit organization based in Helena, Arkansas, has partnered to expand economic opportunities for rural communities through youth-engaged place branding and asset development. Local high school and community college students are integral to Thrive%
E2 99s work through paid internships and after-school civically engaged workshops introducing creative career paths and skills related to art/design, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Through this work, Thrive equips young people and community partners with the creative tools, training, and support needed to build civic pride, strengthen local assets, and advance long-term economic vitality in rural places.

We’re seeking a detail-oriented, self-directed Program Manager for our creative leadership youth program with strong executive function—someone who thrives on keeping all the moving parts of a program running smoothly. You’ll be the right-hand person to our Executive Director, making sure the small things don’t fall through the cracks so they can focus on the big picture.

If you're the kind of person who loves spreadsheets, never misses a deadline, and finds satisfaction in a well-organized to-do list, we want to hear from you.

Program Management

• Lead the annual planning and execution of nine arts and design workshops for high school students
• Coordinate logistics, materials, and communications for workshops and events
• Develop and maintain timelines, deadlines, and checklists to keep programs on track

Outreach & Relationships

• Support student recruitment and program marketing initiatives
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with school counselors, teachers, and campus administrators
• Write and distribute newsletters for educators and alumni
• Coordinate and lead regional college day trips for students

Administration & Budgeting

• Track and manage program budgets and surface ideas for optimal use of program funds
• Prepare program reports for board and finance meetings
• Maintain data and metrics related to student participation, program impact, and organizational goals
• Meet monthly with the Executive Director to review deadlines, budgets, and strategic priorities

Future Growth

• Support and potentially take over the administration and behind-the-scenes operations of our community bike tour program

• Highly organized with excellent time and project management skills
• Spreadsheet savvy—comfortable with budgeting, reporting, and data tracking
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable working independently and proactively
• Familiarity with or interest in arts education and youth programming is a plus
• Experience with newsletters, CRM systems, or email platforms is a bonus
• Hybrid role: mix of in-person work (at events, meetings, and community visits) and remote flexibility
• Full-time, salaried position with benefits (health insurance, PTO)
• Annual salary of $55-65k
• Supportive, mission-driven team environment
• Opportunities for growth and leadership within the organization

Please send your resume to will with “Program Manager Application – [Your Name]” in the subject line.