Program Manager: Events & Out-of-School Time Programs

Chicago Run; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Chicago Run, a Chicago-based nonprofit, is seeking a Program Manager for Events and Out-of-School Time Programs to oversee Running Mates and related events, while supporting in-school programming and intern development.

The role requires 2–3 years of youth program experience, strong organizational and communication skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite. Some evenings and weekends are required for events.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience in sports-based youth development programs or youth-serving organizations.
• Proven passion for Chicago Run’s mission and commitment to equity.
• Ability to pass a background check through Chicago Public Schools.
• Reliable transportation to travel to program sites across Chicago.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all Running Mates programming.
• Serve as primary support for coaches and site leaders.
• Coordinate season launches and closeouts.
• Manage communications with coaches.
• Lead coach training and onboarding.
• Conduct regular site visits.
• Support in-school programming and school visits.
• Support Running Mates teams 2–3 afternoons per week.
• Coach interns and school staff during program visits.
• Lead planning and execution of mid-season mile events, 5K races, and other community events.
• Manage registration, transportation, volunteers, vendors, equipment, and timelines.
• Lead day-of event operations.
• Maintain program calendars and inventory systems.
• Coordinate transportation and equipment logistics.
• Support program reporting and grant deliverables.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Project coordination

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Program Manager: Events & Out-of-School Time Programs

Type: Full-Time
Start Date: When application closes
Reports to: Director of Programs
Salary: $55,000 - $65,000

ABOUT US

Founded in 2007, Chicago Run empowers thousands of Chicago’s young people from Pre‑K through high school with access to running and physical activity programs. Our mission is to partner with schools and community organizations to provide trauma‑informed, non‑competitive physical activities that support academic performance, positive relationships, social‑emotional skills, and physical and mental health.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

The Program Manager leads Chicago Run’s out‑of‑school time programming and participant events, ensuring high‑quality experiences for Running Mates participants and efficient program operations. This role also supports in‑school programming and intern development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Running Mates Leadership

• Oversee all Running Mates programming.
• Serve as primary support for coaches and site leaders.
• Coordinate season launches and closeouts.
• Manage communication with coaches.
• Lead coach training and onboarding.
• Conduct consistent and regular site visits.

Program Implementation & Site Support

• Support implementation of in‑school programming (Striders and Chicago Runners).
• Conduct weekly school visits and coaching.
• Support school launches and sustainability efforts.
• Support Running Mates teams 2–3 afternoons per week.
• Coach interns and school staff during program visits.

Event Planning & Operations

• Lead planning and execution of mid‑season mile events, 5K races, JTDC 3K, school‑based culmination events, and other community program events.
• Serve as key collaborator for the annual Fun Run.
• Manage registration, transportation, volunteers, vendors, equipment, and event timelines.
• Lead day‑of event operations.

Program Logistics & Systems

• Manage equipment, incentives, and supplies.
• Maintain program calendars.
• Coordinate transportation and equipment logistics.
• Maintain inventory systems.
• Support participant registration systems.

Organizational Program Support

• Support intern development and coaching.
• Participate in community engagement opportunities.
• Assist with program reporting and grant deliverables.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a field‑based role requiring regular presence in partner schools and community program sites. Program Managers are expected to spend approximately 2–3 full days each week coaching and supporting partner schools during the school day and about 2–3 afternoons per week for out‑of‑school programming throughout each season. Physical demands include lifting and setting up program equipment and supplies up to 25 pounds and navigating stairs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• 2–3 years of related experience working in sports‑based youth development programs or youth‑serving organizations.
• Demonstrated passion for Chicago Run’s mission, commitment to equity, and desire to impact youth health and wellness through equitable, inclusive programming.
• Ability to pass a background check through Chicago Public Schools.
• Access to reliable transportation to travel to program sites throughout Chicago.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

COMPAENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full‑time exempt position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Chicago Run offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, professional development opportunities, and generous paid time off. The role requires some evening and weekend hours for events and donor meetings, and local travel to program sites and donor meetings is expected.

OUR COMMITMENT

Chicago Run is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to building a diverse team and providing employment opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability status, or veteran status.