Deputy of Program Quality

After School Matters; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

After School Matters is seeking a Deputy of Program Quality in Chicago to lead program quality initiatives, coach staff, and drive strategic plans across ASM sites. You will oversee staff development, partner engagement, and data-informed improvements to meet youth outcomes and enrollment goals, while collaborating with school districts and community partners.

The role requires in-person presence five days per week and a commitment to advancing high‑quality after‑school programming for teens

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education required.
• 10+ years of managing large teams and youth programming.
• Valid Driver’s License with insured transportation & driving record.
• Cook County residency preferred.
• Evenings and weekends required.

Responsibilities

• Develop a vision for future programming with the Chief Program Officer.
• Monitor and ensure continuous quality of all programs.
• Lead Senior Program Directors to implement a unified strategic plan.
• Ensure operations support quality goals across programs.
• Direct professional development for staff with training and coaching.
• Identify team needs and provide development opportunities.
• Build and sustain partnerships with schools, parks, libraries, youth organizations.
• Manage high‑level donor relationships with the Development Team.
• Participate in interdepartmental committees and projects as needed.
• Communicate youth development needs to stakeholders.
• Act as a spokesperson at conferences and citywide meetings.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Team leadership

Organizational skills

Communication

MS Office

Project management

Multitasking

Donor relations

Customer service

Education

Master’s degree in Education

Job description

Summary of Position: The Deputy of Program Quality, working directly with the Chief Program Officer and the Cross-Departmental Senior Leadership Team, will support the development and oversight of coordinated strategies to meet programmatic goals. The ideal candidate will be a strong leader and builder of teams, well versed in program quality, including coaching instructors and staff, outcomes-driven approaches, and a strategic and innovative mindset. This role will ensure that instructors and program staff receive ongoing coaching and access to up-to-date professional development opportunities aligned with best practices in youth programming. The Deputy of Program Quality will oversee a cohesive approach to delivering high-quality programming to teens

throughout the city of Chicago that is respectful of and leverages the unique assets and attributes of distinct communities. The ideal candidate will be data-savvy and will work alongside the Chief Program Officer to ensure that the continuous quality improvement plan for programs is implemented, monitored for success, and adjusted where appropriate. The Deputy of Program Quality will lead coordinated efforts and strategy development across program branches to ensure that key programmatic goals are met, including those related to scaling opportunities, enrollment, attendance, and YPQA quality indicators.

The ideal candidate must understand national trends and the specific needs of Chicago communities; and facilitate impactful partnerships with key stakeholders including the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District, and community-based organizations.

The Deputy of Program Quality is responsible for leading the planning and implementation of quality programs across ASM buildings and in the field, as well as providing leadership and direction to the professional development team to ensure staff are equipped to deliver high-quality programming. Responsibilities include curating a program portfolio that both appeals to and benefits teens, developing and leading a strategic recruitment plan, engaging partners and the surrounding community, and managing high-level donor relations. The Deputy of Program Quality also provides leadership to branch teams— including program directors, managers, and specialists—to ensure quality delivery and optimal program enrollment and attendance.

The Deputy of Program Quality will be required to attend “in-person” meetings regardless of the remote work policy for the organization. This may include five days per week in-person.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Leadership:

• Working with the Chief Program Officer, develop a vision for future programming.
• Develop strategies to support, monitor, and ensure the continuous quality of all programs.
• Lead Senior Program Directors and their teams to develop, implement, and monitor a unified programmatic strategic plan that includes meeting quality standards, assessing community needs, developing systems of program delivery through community collaboration, and driving continuous quality improvement across all sites.
• Work closely with the Deputy of Program Operations to ensure that operational processes, systems, and resources effectively support program quality goals.
• Lead and provide direction to the professional development team to ensure staff have the training, coaching, and resources needed to deliver high-quality programming.
• Identify the key needs of the team and, where appropriate, provide or secure professional development opportunities.
• Establish, nurture, and grow partnerships with key stakeholders, including Chicago Public Schools; develop and sustain effective working relationships with schools, parks, libraries, youth organizations, and community-based organizations to offer or expand opportunities for teens.
• Working with the Chief Program Officer and the Development Team, effectively manage and support high-level donor relationships.
• Actively participate in designated interdepartmental committees and project teams, providing leadership as needed.
• Understand and effectively communicate current youth development and programmatic knowledge, including youth and family needs, to various stakeholders within the sector.
• Act as a spokesperson for the organization at conferences, citywide meetings, and other identified venue

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Skilled in developing and facilitating collaborative relationships
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams
• Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills; ability to collect and maintain information as needed
• Demonstrated experience in project management
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
• Ability to work in a fast paced, high-energy environment
• Respect for all levels of the organization and outside partners
• Energetic team player who works well in collaborative situations
• Strong orientation to donor relations
• Strong orientation to customer service

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Education required
• 10+ years management of large teams, youth programming experience, and experience working directly with youth (teaching/instructing)
• Valid Driver’s License, insured transportation, and driving record that satisfies our Motor Vehicle Policy required *1
• Cook County residency preferred
• Evenings and weekends are required

*1 After School Matters will provide reasonable accommodation to a person who does not have a driver’s licensebecause of a disability.

Compensation:

$125,000 - 135,000 salary, depending on applicable experience and education

About Us:

After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 20,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond.

Thirty-five years later, our program has engaged more than 450,000 Chicago teens and is the nation’s largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens. No other organization offers programs to high school students at the scale and quality that we do.

We offer paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City LivabilityAward from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including four ASM buildings: downtown at our new Orleans Center and Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park.

Currently, After School Matters' annual operating budget is approximately $48M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization.

Mission: To provide Chicago public high school teens opportunities to explore and develop their talents, while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond.

Vision: After School Matters provides teens with opportunities to discover their potential and find their future.

For more information, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org.

EEO:

After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.