Program Manager, Youth Training & Program

Program Manager, Youth Training & Opportunity Program

The Program Manager for YTOP is responsible for owning and leading the Youth Ambassador work center and for advancing leadership development opportunities for youth across Appetite For Change’s Youth Training & Opportunity Program. This role provides programmatic leadership, supervision, and coordination for youth-facing leadership and public engagement activities, including workshops, cooking demonstrations, speaking engagements, community education, and special projects. The Program Manager ensures high-quality youth experiences, strong preparation and support, and alignment with AFC’s mission and standards.

The Program Manager supervises facilitators supporting the Youth Ambassador work center and works closely with the Program Director and other Program Managers to ensure YTOP operates as a cohesive system.

This is a full-time, year-round position, primarily working Monday through Friday, with some weekends based on need. This person works an average of 40 hours per week. The work is primarily in-person and takes place during the day, with some early morning and evening hours based on need. Travel between different sites in North Minneapolis and throughout the metro area in general is required.

FLSA Status: Exempt


Reports To:

Program Director

Supervises: YTOP Facilitators, Youth Participants assigned to the Youth Ambassador work center

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Work Center Ownership – Youth Ambassadors

Own the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of the Youth Ambassador work center

Define youth ambassador roles, leadership expectations, and standards

Plan and manage the seasonal rhythm of ambassador activities

Ensure ambassador opportunities align with YTOP eligibility, training, and readiness standards

Maintain quality, safety, and consistency in all public-facing youth engagements

Staff Supervision & Support

Supervise YTOP Facilitator(s)

Provide coaching, feedback, and performance management for facilitators

Support facilitators in scheduling, youth supervision, and issue resolution

Model clear boundaries between management and facilitation responsibilities

Youth Leadership Development

Design and support leadership development opportunities for youth

Prepare youth for public-facing roles through coaching, rehearsal, and reflection

Identify youth ready for increased leadership responsibility

Collaborate with facilitators and the Program Director to support youth progression across work centers

Contribute to cohort-based leadership development sessions, including preparation, coaching, and reflection for youth in public-facing roles

Partnership & External Coordination

Manage youth-facing partnerships related to ambassador activities

Clarify scope, expectations, timelines, and youth roles for all engagements

Ensure partnerships remain AFC-led and aligned with partnership principles

Serve as the primary contact for partners hosting youth ambassador activities

Program Coordination & Integration

Collaborate with the Program Director and Program Managers to align the Youth Ambassador work center with, Community Cooks & Meal Boxes, Urban Agriculture, Foundational Training, and youth placement processes

Participate in cross-program planning and coordination meetings

Contribute to program evaluation, learning, and refinement

Administration & Accountability

Track youth ambassador participation, hours, and stipends/honoraria

Support budget tracking related to ambassador activities

Ensure accurate documentation for payroll and reporting

Support youth graduation, recognition, and showcase activities

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Support annual youth recruitment and selection activities (January–February)

Contribute to Foundational Training and leadership sessions as needed

Support special projects tied to storytelling, fundraising, or advocacy

Participate in organizational learning and staff development

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Desired

Education and Experience

4+ years experience managing youth programs, leadership initiatives, or community-based programs

4+ years experience coordinating external partnerships or public-facing programs

Proficiency in Microsoft 365, Google Workspace preferred

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