River City Community Development Center Harambee Program Manager Chicago, IL · Full time Company website

The Harambee Program Manager oversees the daily operations of R CITY’s Harambee Citybuilders Apprenticeship Program, including staff supervision and development, youth engagement, program scheduling, and workforce training. This role manages program administration, participant records, grant reporting, and subsidized community tuckpointing projects, while ensuring safety and program compliance. The Program Manager also coordinates homeowner services, manages equipment and supplies, strengthens community partnerships, and supports events that promote youth development and career readiness.

About River City Community Development Center

At R CITY, we bring together the best of our city to build a path for families to walk from cradle to career to the glory of God.

Serving one of Chicago's most violent police beats, our leaders invest hours, days, and years building trusted relationships to link our youth to a broader network of support. With the help of all, we provide educational and apprenticeship programming to bring our youth successfully into their calling.

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



Salary

$22 - $28 per hour