Harambee Program Manager

River City Community Development Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

River City Community Development Center is seeking a dedicated Human Resources/Program Administrator to supervise apprenticeship staff and volunteers, coordinate recruitment and training, and ensure policy compliance. The role supports program design, data tracking, and stipend administration to sustain high-quality youth development initiatives.

The position involves managing staff meetings, coordinating with directors, and maintaining accurate records, while promoting a positive culture and

Qualifications

• 2-5 years in construction management or youth programming.
• 2+ years working with youth experiencing trauma or in job training.
• 3+ years in a management role leading programs or staff.
• Ability to pass a background check to work with youth.

Responsibilities

• Supervise apprenticeship staff and volunteers; provide timely feedback and approve timecards.
• Support crew leader recruitment, hiring, interviews, and references.
• Coordinate weekly crew leader meetings and ensure program quality.
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings; uphold organization policies.
• Develop staff training and professional development for apprentices and volunteers.
• Oversee program design and systems; track progress toward metrics and maintain records.
• Manage stipend distribution and program administration; handle accreditation docs.
• Oversee operations of the apprenticeship program and ensure safety and compliance.

Skills

Staff supervision

Recruiting

Program coordination

Feedback & performance

Training development

Job description

Schedule

• Scheduled for five days of programming
• Regular After School Hours: Monday-Friday 12:00 PM- 7:30 PM
• Regular Summer Program Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 AM- 3:30 PM
• Occasional attendance is required for special events and programs.
• Based on days worked, total hours 35-40 hours weekly, some fluctuation by season.
• Hours may be modified by mutual agreement of both parties

Position Description:

Human Resources: Primary responsibility for staffing and supervision of staff within the apprenticeship program, complying with Director of Administration and reporting to Executive Director

• Supervise Apprenticeship staff (and any program volunteers) in assigned tasks, providing timely and regular feedback on performance and ensuring adherence to policies and procedures, including the approval of timecards and PTO requests.
• Support crew leader recruitment and hiring, including reviewing job descriptions, recruiting candidates, conducting interviews, advising on hiring decisions, and checking references.
• Coordinate and lead weekly crew leader meetings to communicate priorities, address logistical challenges, and ensure program quality.
• Participate in all R CITY staff meetings and trainings as required and cooperate with R CITY directors and team to create positive culture adhering to all organization policies and procedures
• Develop and implement staff training and professional development opportunities for apprentice staff and volunteers ensuring program staff maintain necessary certifications.

Program Admin: Secondary responsibility for program design and oversight of systems in Apprenticeship programs.

• Work with program staff and director team to regularly and systematically track and evaluate progress toward measurements and metrics to insure program excellence.
• Ensure program records and participant data are accurate, current, and complete.
• Maintain familiarity with funder-specific reporting requirements and performance measures. Prepare quarterly program narratives and additional reports as needed to document activities, outcomes, and impact.
• Calculate and request stipends from finance team members following procedures according to appropriate policies. Coordinate stipend distribution, maintain signed payment receipts, and securely manage unclaimed and uncashed checks.
• Serve as the program manager for NCCER-related programming and coordinate required program administration including gathering accreditation documentation and compliance requirements.
• Resolve any complaints and conflicts according to apprentice program disciplinary procedures and R CITY grievance policy for staff, program participants, participant parents, homeowner clients, client neighbors or community partners.
• Participate in creating budget relevant to assigned program area(s) through feedback.

Apprenticeship Operation: Primary responsibility for oversight and operations of Apprenticeship program.

Program Logistics & Oversight

• Develop and maintain seasonal program calendars and schedules for all aspects of the program: program schedules, jobsites, curriculum, and mentoring.
• Manage program enrollment, supervise the participant interview process to select apprentice candidates working to keep program to full capacity.
• Support crew leaders in addressing youth behavior and discipline concerns, ensuring consistent application of program policies and procedures.
• Communicate with parents and caregivers regarding youth behavior, participation, and other program concerns.
• Facilitate assigned youth training sessions, including leading one instructional track during Friday after-school programming.
• Monitor OSHA compliance and coordinate additional safety training as needed.
• Support youth mentoring activities, field trips, and other opportunities that strengthen relationships, life skills, and personal development.

Tuckpointing Project Management

• Manage homeowner applications and coordinate home visits, project assessments, and estimates. Obtain and verify required household income documentation before program participation begins. Review project readiness and authorize the start of new projects in accordance with program requirements.
• Monitor project progress and ensure completion of final project checklists.
• Solicit homeowner feedback and support resolution of homeowner concerns or grievances in collaboration with program leadership.
• Follow up on estimates and homeowner approvals, document project completion, and track homeowner payments.
• Maintain accurate records of project-related payments and financial transactions.

Program Stewardship & Development

• Identify operational needs and collaborate with staff and leadership to improve program efficiency and resource management.
• Keep staff in assigned program areas advised of budget/cash flow and their effect on program expenditures
• Maintain oversight of program equipment and supply inventory to ensure materials are available when needed. Anticipate purchasing needs and coordinate large orders, including construction materials and personal protective equipment.
• Support the planning and execution of R CITY community events, identifying opportunities to engage Harambee participants, assisting with event logistics and other community engagement activities as needed.
• Maintain relationships with existing program partners and coordinate partnership activities. Identify opportunities to strengthen current partnerships and research potential new partnerships that support youth development and workforce training.

Requirements:

• 2-5 years experience in construction (management or logistics) OR youth programming. (e.g. large group leadership, classroom teaching/training, small group teaching, etc.)
• 2+ years experience working with youth with trauma and/or special needs, or in job training programming.
• 3+ years experience in management role leading programs or staff teams.
• Ability to pass background check to work with youth