Program Manager

Playworks is the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. Learn about the energetic, creative people working to ensure every kid has the chance to play every day.

ABOUT THE POSITION, in the role of Program Manager , you will assist in the planning, management, and implementation of Playworks’ comprehensive school-based play and capacity building programming.

You will train and oversee Site Coordinators and / or a Program Specialist, maintain strong relationships with school partners, and develop new training for program staff.

Specifically you will :

• Collaborate with the Greater Newark, NJ / Greater New York City team to oversee Playworks’ programs, planning and implementing school-based programming at elementary school sites.
• Manage and support a pod of Frontline Staff (may include AmeriCorps Members and / or Site Coordinators).
• Conduct regular program observations & data reviews to ensure high quality programming.
• Participate in curriculum development and organize and facilitate regional staff trainings.
• Perform evaluations according to Playworks’ protocol and oversee curriculum implementation during the school year to ensure fulfillment of expectations and responsibilities.
• Serve as primary contact person for school administrators and consult with schools as needed in achieving program outcomes.
• Mediate program issues with schools, staff and administrators.
• Serve as interscholastic / developmental sports league coordinator and contact person which includes additional evening hours, as applicable.
• Participate in hiring and onboarding of new frontline staff.
• Lead administrative tasks related to program management (data collection, staff feedback, partnership feedback, etc.) and additional areas as needed (grant writing, etc.)
• Represent Playworks in building community relationships and supporting regional expansion through various special projects such as curriculum development for specific student populations, building relationships with new funding sources, and developing training for new sites.
• Participate in training to develop and grow skills in Playworks Professional Development programs facilitation in order to support local training efforts.

WHO YOU ARE

Self-starter. You set clear goals and follow through with flexible and creative problem solving. You can work independently with minimal supervision.

You also seek and incorporate feedback from your colleagues.

Relationship Builder. You have the ability to manage, motivate, and develop diverse individuals and teams, knowing how to meet an individual's unique needs.

You have the ability to recognize, respect, and harness the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of all team members to achieve collective objectives.

You also thrive in situations where you are developing and maintaining external relationships and partnerships.

• Highly organized. You are great at multitasking and able to manage your time across multiple priorities.
• Detail Oriented. You catch the little things and think it’s a big deal. You understand that every word you write to an external audience is a reflection on Playworks.
• Flexible. You thrive in an environment characterized by significant growth, diversity and constant change.
• Mission Driven. You are connected to Playworks’ mission and vision to improve outcomes for children and schools. You are also committed to , recognizing that equity learning is a journey that will require a willingness to participate in organizational-wide learning and development.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• A minimum of two years experience in management, preferably in non-profit management or a youth development organization.
• A background in youth development with a variety of skills and approaches to sports and play.
• Experience establishing and maintaining professional relationships with external clients in diverse communities and community organizations with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and support staff.
• Experience with computer and internet based programs especially Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet), Slack, Salesforce.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills with the ability to facilitate small and large group presentations.
• Expresses self in a credible and transparent manner, and models high standards of honesty and integrity.
• Ability to thrive working both independently and within team settings.
• Must be creative and passionate about youth work.
• Sense of humor and resourcefulness are essential.
• This position may require travel to various regional locations. School sites may be widely dispersed in the city / region therefore daily access to reliable transportation is required.
• Requires flexibility to readily adapt to a changing environment.
• Ability to speak / write / read in English / Spanish is a plus

Compensation & Benefits :

Playworks offers the full package - great benefits, a fun place to work, and an opportunity to grow professionally. We offer :

• This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Program Director.
• At Playworks, our starting salary takes into consideration internal pay equity, geographic pay differential, and robust external market data.

We highly value transparency and equity within compensation and therefore are committed to adhering to established compensation pay points.

The salary for this position is $64,500.

• A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401(k) and employer match, employee funded pre-tax health and child care spending accounts.
• Generous Flex PTO policy with paid sick and holiday leave.

This is a hands-on, creative, playful, and fun-loving place to work, all while contributing to the success of our nation’s youth.

So if you're ready to immerse yourself in the education sector, working on a rewarding set of challenges, and if you've got the skills, experience, passion, and a team spirit, apply!

Please include :

• A cover letter describing your interest in Playworks and how your experience has prepared you for this role.
• Resume.
• References will be requested.

Typical Physical & Mental Demands : Requires prolonged sitting with some bending, stooping and stretching, and eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, photocopier and other office equipment.

This position requires sufficient physical ability and mobility to stand for extended periods at times; walk on a school site in various weather conditions;

to climb stairs at some sites; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist and, dependent on assignment the employee may occasionally lift, push, pull and / or move up to 50 pounds.

ABOUT PLAYWORKS, at Playworks we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We are changing the school climate by leveraging the power of safe, fun, and healthy play at school every day.

We create a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills by partnering with schools, districts, and after-school programs through services including digital engagement, on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support play, and consultative partnerships.

We are committed to racial equity, and we make a particular effort to recruit people of color, indigenous people, gender non-binary people, and people with historically more marginalized identities to apply for open positions.

Our core values of cultivate play, center equity, continue learning and collaborate within communities are the foundation of our organization and are infused in all aspects of our work.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background.

If that is you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself!

As an equal opportunity program, Playworks encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, gender identity / expression, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, faith, marital status, physical ability, or any other legally protected basis.

Playworks evaluates all candidates for employment, volunteering opportunities or board service on a merit basis. Status, physical ability, or any other legally protected basis.

Playworks evaluates all candidates on a merit basis.