Arts-Driven SEL Program Lead for Youth

The Simple Good; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Paid leave

Health insurance

Mileage reimbursement

Cell phone reimbursement

Job summary

The Simple Good seeks an experienced Program Manager to lead day-to-day programming across Chicago. You will supervise Teaching Artists, manage school and community partners, and drive data-driven improvements to arts-based SEL curricula.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in education or arts programming, with strong coaching skills, project management, and the ability to travel to program sites across the city. This is a full-time role with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in education, youth development, or arts programming.
• 2+ years supervising/coaching staff, teachers, or teaching artists.
• Skilled in writing lesson plans and using assessments.
• Proficiency in collecting data and writing clear, accurate reports.
• Strong organization and ability to manage several programs.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication.
• Ability to travel to program sites across Chicago.
• Pass background check and mandated reporter training in Illinois.
• Knowledge of SEL frameworks (CASEL) and arts mindfulness.
• Experience with budgets and grant reporting.
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Own a car for travel between sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and train Teaching Artists (38%).
• Recruit, onboard, supervise Teaching Artists and interns; plan coaching cycles; observe sites; evaluations twice a year.
• Assign Teaching Artists to programs; approve hours; problem solve.
• Design and lead professional development; create training materials and model lessons; newsletters.
• Administration and communication: respond to emails/Slack; handle pre/post program communications; write partner newsletters.
• Community engagement: co-lead Ambassador Program; recruit volunteers; lead family outreach; plan appreciation events; engage supporters.
• Programs and partners: main contact for school/partners; site visits; develop new programs; coordinate schedules and logistics.
• Data and reporting: collect pre/post assessments; write reports for funders; share stories with marketing.
• Curriculum: design arts-based SEL curricula; write lesson plans; create assessments; contribute to projects.
• Grants and proposals: write proposals; track funder requirements.
• Budgets: track spending; submit expense reports; manage grant funds.

Skills

Education leadership

Staff coaching

Lesson planning

Data reporting

Organization

Communication

Travel to sites

Background check

CASEL knowledge

Grant reporting

Physical lift

Car ownership

Education

Bachelor's degree in education, art, social work, or related field

Tools

Slack

Monday.com

Job description

The Simple Good seeks an experienced Program Manager to lead day-to-day programming across Chicago. You will supervise Teaching Artists, manage school and community partners, and drive data-driven improvements to arts-based SEL curricula.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in education or arts programming, with strong coaching skills, project management, and the ability to travel to program sites across the city. This is a full-time role with competitive benefits.