Program Manager, Youth Services

Centers for New Horizons; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

11 Paid Holidays

401(k) Match

Birthday Off

Student Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Centers for New Horizons is seeking a Program Manager, Youth Services in Chicago to lead youth-led initiatives, ensure grant compliance, and supervise staff across multiple programs. The role emphasizes strong partnership-building with community organizations and schools to advance outcomes for youth and families.

The Program Manager will coordinate grant deliverables, monitor performance, and foster a collaborative, trauma-informed approach while ensuring services align with IDHS standards and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 2–5 years of program management, youth development, case management, or community engagement experience.
• Experience managing grant-funded programs and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Experience supervising staff and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the leadership and day-to-day operations of multiple youth development programs.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, IDHS guidelines, and applicable regulations.
• Supervise staff, support professional development, and foster collaboration.
• Develop workshops, trainings, and mentorship activities for youth.
• Build partnerships with community organizations, schools, and government agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Staff supervision

Relationship building

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Location: Chicago, IL

Work Setting: 100% Onsite (In-Person)

Reports To: Director of EHS and Youth Services

Salary Range: $60,000-$65,000 annually

About Centers for New Horizons

Founded in 1971, Centers for New Horizons is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children, youth, and families to become self-reliant and thrive. With more than 200 employees, many of whom live in or near the communities they serve, Centers delivers high-quality programs across seven locations throughout the Bronzeville and Riverdale neighborhoods on Chicago’s South Side, reaching more than 1,000 individuals every day.

Through education, workforce development, behavioral health, housing, youth development, and supportive services, Centers is committed to strengthening communities, expanding opportunities, and creating measurable, lasting impact for the families it serves.

Position Summary

The Program Manager, Youth Services is responsible for the leadership, administration, coordination, and oversight of youth-focused programs that support positive youth development, academic success, workforce readiness, mentorship, and family engagement. This role ensures all programs are delivered in compliance with grant requirements, Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) standards, and applicable federal regulations.

The Program Manager serves as a strategic leader and community ambassador, overseeing program operations, supervising staff, managing grant deliverables, monitoring program performance, and fostering partnerships that strengthen outcomes for youth and families. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and mission-driven professional with strong leadership, program management, and relationship-building skills who is passionate about improving opportunities for young people across Chicago's South Side.

Essential Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Operations

• Oversee the implementation and day-to-day operations of multiple youth development programs.
• Design, coordinate, and execute youth-centered initiatives aligned with Centers for New Horizons' mission and strategic priorities.
• Ensure all programs meet contractual obligations, grant requirements, performance goals, and compliance standards.
• Maintain accurate program records, reporting systems, and oversight controls.
• Manage assigned program budgets and resources to maximize impact and operational effectiveness.
• Monitor program performance and recommend improvements to strengthen outcomes and service delivery.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure adherence to Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) guidelines, federal regulations, agency policies, and grant requirements.
• Conduct regular quality assurance reviews and monitor program effectiveness.
• Track, analyze, and report performance measures, outcomes, and program benchmarks.
• Prepare and submit required reports, documentation, and data to funding agencies and stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for continuous quality improvement and implement corrective action plans when necessary.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Supervise, coach, and evaluate program staff to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and professional growth.
• Identify staff training needs and coordinate ongoing education and development opportunities.
• Ensure staff members are fully trained and equipped to perform their responsibilities effectively.
• Lead internal communication efforts to ensure consistency, clarity, and alignment across program teams.

Youth Engagement and Case Management

• Develop and facilitate workshops, trainings, mentorship activities, and youth engagement initiatives.
• Support youth participants in navigating educational, career, and workforce development opportunities.
• Develop and coordinate seasonal training plans and professional development opportunities for youth.
• Manage a caseload in accordance with grant and program requirements.
• Provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive services that support participant success.
• Assist youth and families with accessing community resources, educational supports, and supportive services.
• Educate pregnant and parenting youth and families on available health and community resources, including the importance of establishing a medical home.
• Provide case management support and transportation assistance as needed.

Community Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, schools, government agencies, and service providers.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Centers for New Horizons and state agencies, funders, and external stakeholders.
• Participate in state and regional meetings, trainings, conference calls, and collaborative initiatives.
• Represent Centers for New Horizons at community events, conferences, workshops, and professional organizations.
• Identify partnership opportunities that strengthen program outcomes and increase community impact.
• Participate in collaborative planning efforts with community partners and stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Social Work, Human Services, Education, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Psychology, or a related field.
• Two (2) to five (5) years of experience in program management, youth development, case management, community engagement, or a related field.
• Experience managing grant-funded programs and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Experience supervising staff and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of youth development principles and community-based programming.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in data tracking, reporting, and performance measurement.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) funded programs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally responsive service delivery practices.
• Experience facilitating workshops, trainings, or youth development programming.
• Familiarity with community-based services and resources within Chicago.

What Success Looks Like

• Deliver high-quality youth programs that meet or exceed grant and performance goals.
• Strengthen outcomes for youth and families through effective program management and service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with all funding, regulatory, and agency requirements.
• Build strong partnerships that expand opportunities and resources for participants.
• Develop staff capacity through coaching, training, and ongoing support.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Increase youth engagement, retention, and successful program outcomes.

Why Join Centers for New Horizons?

At Centers for New Horizons, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, youth, and families while contributing to programs that create lasting community impact. You'll work alongside dedicated professionals who are passionate about empowering individuals, strengthening neighborhoods, and building pathways to self-sufficiency.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
• 11 Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Paid Birthday Off
• Student Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer

Centers for New Horizons is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.