Youth Build Program Manager

Jewish Vocational Service (JVS); Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Job summary

Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) is seeking a YouthBuild Program Manager to lead the operation, development and day-to-day activities of a YouthBuild program for youth ages 16-24. The role emphasizes counseling, GED pursuit, construction trades training and job placement within a trauma-informed, collaborative environment.

The position requires managing staff, coordinating partners and ensuring compliance with grant requirements while driving outcomes in education and employment for opportunity

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in social work, counseling, education or related field.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in youth services, workforce development, education, or human service programs.
• Experience supervising staff and/or working with federal grants preferred.
• Experience working with youth facing barriers to employment and education and/or refugees, immigrants, and low English proficiency individuals is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and launch a YouthBuild program policies, forms and plans to enable participant enrollment.
• Direct the daily operations of the YouthBuild program, supporting staff and participants throughout the program lifecycle.
• Develop recruitment strategies, conduct outreach, and manage enrollment processes.
• Coordinate counseling, case management, education attainment, skills training, leadership development and civic engagement.
• Supervise program staff, provide coaching and professional development.
• Identify and develop relationships with partners and represent the program at meetings.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Youth development

Case management

Leadership

Project management

Collaboration

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data management systems

Job description

Description

The YouthBuild Program Manager is responsible for operational oversight of the YouthBuild program, which provides education, workforce development and leadership training for youth age 16-24. The Program Manager will work to develop, launch and manage the day-to-day activities of the program in alignment with the national YouthBuild model, including counseling and case management, pursuit of GED and other educational activities, training and hands on experience in construction trades, and job placement.

The Program Manager works collaboratively with community partners, employers, educational institutions, and internal staff to achieve grant outcomes, maintain compliance with YouthBuild/Department of Labor (DOL) regulations and foster a positive, trauma-informed environment that empowers opportunity youth to achieve educational, employment, and personal success.

Program Development

Work as part of a 5-person team to develop and launch a YouthBuild program at JVS:

• Participate in the New Grantee Orientation and training activities offered by YouthBuild, including training in Washington DC in September 2026
• Develop program policies, forms and plans to launch participant enrollment in November 2026
• Identify and customize training materials for program staff

Program Operations

• Direct the daily operations of the YouthBuild program, including supporting staff and participants through the program lifecycle.
• Develop recruitment strategy, conduct/direct outreach, and manage enrollment process.
• Ensure effective coordination of all program components including counseling, case management and workforce readiness; education and high school equivalency attainment; occupational skills training and hands on experience; leadership development and civic engagement.
• Facilitate participant progress by supporting other staff members and working directly with participants as needed.

Supervision

• Supervise program staff and provide coaching, performance management, and professional development.

Collaboration

• Identify and develop relationships with key partners including education and training providers, community-based organizations and employers
• Serve as the main point of contact for project partners, facilitating student access and managing data and compliance needs
• Represent the YouthBuild program at community meetings, conferences, networking events, and public presentations
• Ensure internal and external relationships are in place to address participant case management needs.
• Continuously develop opportunities for job shadowing, internships, mentoring

Data and Compliance

• Make programmatic decisions that support participant success while maintaining compliance
• with grant requirements.
• Monitor program performance indicators and implement corrective actions when necessary
• Maintain accurate and complete client files
• Provide data for narrative, statistical and performance reports
• Participate in monitoring visits, audits and compliance reviews and implement any recommendations

Fiscal and Administrative Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with finance staff to ensure fiscal compliance:
• Assist in managing program budgets and grant expenditures.
• Maintain required documentation supporting grant match and reporting requirements.

Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in social work, counseling, education or related field.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in youth services, workforce development, education, or human service programs.
• Experience supervising staff and/or working with federal grants preferred
• Experience working with young adults facing barriers to employment and education and/or refugees, immigrants, and low English proficiency individuals is preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License and proof of insurance

Skills Needed

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, positive youth development, motivational interviewing, and case management principles.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Strong relationship-building and partnership development skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and data management systems.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 pm, with possible evening events
• Occasional travel to community events or other business locations in personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement
• Much of the work is typically performed in an interior temperature-controlled office work environment.
• Position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.