Youth Center Program Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Program Manager
R. Randall Rollins Youth Center
Fort Oglethorpe, GA
Full-Time (FLSA Exempt) Salary Position
LIFT Youth Center’s Fort Oglethorpe Location
Directly Responsible to Executive Director

About the job
LIFT Youth Center, Inc. provides a free afterschool program for 6th-12th grade Catoosa County students, where we foster an environment of inclusion, positive self-worth, and self-discovery within our youth while facilitating inner growth to prepare them for future success. The mission of LIFT is to create opportunities for students to be… Loved as they are, Inspired to be more, Found in community, and Trusted to make a difference. The Program Manager is the point person at this new facility who will ensure the vision and mission are being achieved.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
These key responsibilities are provided for illustration only and may include other reasonable tasks as assigned for the good of LIFT Youth Center, Inc.

Staff Management

• Supervise Full Time Program Staff, hourly Program Assistants, Front Desk Clerk, and Interns. Work with

them to manage Adult Volunteers.

• Lead logistical planning and execution of Youth Center daily hours of operation, including division of labor, usage of space, workshop plans, and transportation system. Ensure effective/efficient program delivery.
• Provide and/or coordinate safety, procedural and curriculum training for staff.
• Ensure all staff members receive onboarding and appropriate training in accordance with organizational standards, as well as pursuing any external partnerships offering relevant training opportunities.
• Lead yearly performance assessments of program staff, including goal setting, and support professional development on an ongoing basis.
• Ensure LIFT Youth Center, Inc.’s Policies and Procedures Binder and Employee Handbook are being followed and work with Executive Director to continue its development.
• Implement the Employee Handbook and Human Resources policies, procedures, and practices.
• Coach staff members and volunteers on motivating, mentoring, and building rapport with students.
• Lead weekly Youth Center Staff Meetings and attend any Staff Retreats.

Development, Planning, and Evaluation

• Oversee the collection and recording of evaluation data so to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of and participation in programming.
• Use evaluation findings to make improvements or changes to the programs or to plan new program initiatives and expansion of services.
• Oversee proper record keeping, including activities and events conducted, breakdown of daily participation, notable achievements, and any problem/issues, i.e. accident reports, incident reports, etc.
• Work with Program Staff to plan the afterschool programmatic calendar, one school year at a time, with monthly specifics being confirmed as the month approaches.
• Ensure updates to program policies and student enrollment information.
• Identify new partnerships and resources for programming and support.
• Manage existing community partnerships with quality collaboration and regular communication.
• Participate in relevant collaborative meetings and/or meetings with partner organizations/entities.
• Implement proper safety checks and assessments as needed.

Program Leadership

• Ensure that Georgia Afterschool Youth Development Standards and LIFT’s Evidenced Based Goals are met.
• Ensure LIFT Youth Center, Inc.’s Program Manual is being followed and work with Executive Director to continue its development.
• Ensure a healthy and safe environment in the Youth Center. Position staff in the program area to continually monitor and supervise the safety and behavior of attendees or assign other staff to do so. Ensure equipment is in good condition and members are instructed in proper and safe use of equipment.
• Oversee the development of high-quality programs for students and our community at the Youth Center, including programmatic elements offered in the evenings (i.e. Teen Group Therapy, Student Leadership, etc.)
• Help coordinate special programs and/or events (i.e., community events like Clean Catoosa, City Parades, Open Mic Nights, Parent Nights, local fundraisers, etc.) both inside the Center and in the County and participate in the implementation of other initiatives as necessary.
• Work with Program Staff to develop, plan, execute and evaluate Summer Programs.
• Establish a quality working relationship with the Program Staff to allow for a united strategy of leadership.
• Serve as the lead manager and decision maker during program hours, while inspiring a healthy and energetic culture, preserving high team morale.
• Supervise all program staff with real-time direction, input, and feedback, and be ready to fill gaps as needed.
• Implement behavioral management systems and positive reinforcement strategies. Be “The Principal” for this facility. Holding students accountable to our Safe Space Policy, by managing the Program Staff’s response to student discipline infractions, communicating consequences of those actions to all parties, and documenting all necessary incidents. Excellent parent and student communication and proper record keeping is critical.
• Work closely with the Front Desk Clerk to ensure that all safety or security concerns are addressed by following the Youth Center’s protocols.
• Ensure that Student Enrollment, Nametags, Check-in/Check-out procedures, and First-Time Guest procedures (non-enrolled) are done correctly.
• Work with Support Coordinator to train and vet all adult volunteers – running confidential background checks. Ensure that volunteers are oriented and have appropriate and fulfilling assignments.
• Be a Mandated Reporter with DFCS and advise Youth Center Staff of requirements. Work with local authorities and service providers directly whenever needed.
• Manage Facility Program Budget to ensure appropriate spending and accurate tracking and reporting to the Executive Director. Work with ED to set yearly Budget.
• Responsible for upkeep of program facilities and equipment, supply orders and report maintenance needs.

Relational and Organizational Leadership

• Meet with the Executive Director and site Program Manager(s) regularly to receive direction on program expectations and organizational wide standards to ensure quality and consistency.
• Establish a friendly and supportive environment for students and a culture that embodies LIFT’s core values. Inspire positive behavior and accountability on all levels, while building a fun, energetic, disciplined and engaging culture throughout the program.
• Help parents and community members understand LIFT’s Mission and Vision, the requirements of enrollment and participation, and give tours of the Youth Center as needed.
• Establish open communication and positive relationships with parents/guardians and students. Respond to all parent and community inquiries or complaints in a timely manner, in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Manage conflict, problems, and emergencies; analyze situations and draw reliable conclusions; take appropriate action without waiting for direction when necessary.
• Welcome and receive new partnerships onsite to ensure they are set up properly (i.e. Guest Speakers and Workshop leaders).
• Provide the Executive Director with reports and information to be shared with the Board of Directors.
• As a nonprofit community service organization, LIFT relies heavily on fundraising to support our services. Our expectation is that all staff will promote and participate in fundraising efforts in some capacity.
• Work with the Marketing & Development Director in the creation and distribution of program and event information, along with providing information required for grant writing/reporting.
• Act as a role model by your actions in both your professional and private life.
• Work with Office Manager on facility rentals and collaborative building usage.
• Work with neighbors, city officials and agencies to manage any property issues or needs.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a degree in a related field of study preferred.
• One or more years of work experience is preferred in a related field working with 6th-12th grade students, implementing programs that nurtured their potential.
• Experience with youth development programming, such as social-emotional learning, project-based learning and/or trauma-informed practices is preferred.
• Supervision experience is preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse racial, educational, socioeconomic, sexual/gender identity, and cultural backgrounds.
• Evidence of skills relevant to leading learning activities - such as teaching skills, behavior management, creativity, flexibility, and an understanding of adjusting for different ages, interests, and abilities.
• Demonstrate ability to motivate volunteers, build team cohesion, and hold others accountable to expectations.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with all levels of fellow employees, management, student participants, and parents.
• Knowledge of computers, Microsoft Teams, Office & Outlook, and ability to learn Youth Center software.
• Fully support the mission, vision, and values as stated by LIFT.

Certifications, Clearances, and Availability

• Must have current certification in CPR/First Aid (or be willing to become certified).
• Must provide a valid driver’s license and employment eligibility verification information in accordance with the I-9 form such as Social Security Card.
• With your Valid Driver’s License, you must have the ability/comfort to drive a 15 passenger van of students.
• Must pass a national criminal background check and NOT be listed in the sex offender registry.
• Must take and pass a drug test and comply with a “Drug Free” policy, including random tests.
• Must be willing to work on school days, targeting school holidays and summer for utilizing PTO.
• Reliable transportation to and from work to program locations, and for activities such as meetings, events, and trainings in and out of the area.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to adapt to inclement weather conditions and/or situations.
• Ability to move quickly across a variety of indoor and outdoor surfaces.
• Ability to participate in typical youth games and activities.
• Ability to see and hear the activities of a large group of students.
• Ability to bend and lift up to 35 pounds on a regular basis and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and in emergency situations.

To apply, submit the following:

1. Cover Letter

2. Resume

3. Three professional references

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $50,000