Lead Program Manager, Continuum

Founded in 2003, Urban Initiatives is a nonprofit organization that runs youth development programs in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Urban Initiatives’ mission is to use the power of sport and play to empower Chicago’s youth to achieve academic success, develop social-emotional skills, and build social capital. Currently, Urban Initiatives serves an estimated 85 schools throughout the City of Chicago.

Urban Initiatives is seeking a Lead Program Manager to oversee the implementation and quality of multiple sports-based youth development programs across a caseload of schools. This role manages coaches, partnerships, systems, and events, ensuring that programs are delivered with fidelity, care, and consistency.

The Lead Program Manager plays a critical role in coach development, school partner satisfaction, seasonal transitions, and department-wide initiatives such as large-scale events and compliance processes. This is a highly collaborative, hands‑on role suited for someone who is organized, people-centered, and energized by supporting others to do their best work.

• Elementary Soccer (Play with Potential)
• Middle School Leadership (Take the Lead)
• Summer of Sport Camp

Our healing-centered approach to youth development helps young people reach their full potential and puts YOU right in the middle of making an impact that will shape generations of Chicago youth. We are coaches by trade, and we bring this expertise into our work environment. You can expect us to deliver ample learning opportunities, growth mindsets, a culture of feedback and transparency, and fun as a core value.

Our first-in-class benefits—including competitive salaries and fully‑paid medical, dental, and vision insurance—are guaranteed to keep you in the game.

• Coach Recruitment, Onboarding, and Supervision
  • Recruit, onboard, train, and supervise Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and Take the Lead Coaches across assigned schools in the Near South and Far South neighborhoods
  • Travel to partner school sites at least three times per week for site visits, coach support, and programming or events
  • Support assigned coaches employment cycle from onboarding and performance management through end‑of‑program offboarding
• Program Implementation and Quality
  • Oversee high‑quality program delivery aligned with curriculum, program models, and conditions for success, including:
    • Play with Potential (Elementary Soccer)
    • Take the Lead (Middle School Leadership)
    • Summer of Sport (Seasonal Programming)
• Partnership and Stakeholder Management
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for school administrators and OST liaisons at assigned schools
  • Lead required start‑of‑year, mid‑year, and end‑of‑year meetings and communications
  • Maintain strong partner satisfaction through proactive communication and problem‑solving
• Systems, Data, and Compliance
  • Manage program administration systems, including attendance, evaluations, and reporting
  • Use City Span and internal tools to ensure accurate data entry and DFSS compliance
  • Maintain organized, up‑to‑date documentation and trackers
• Special Projects and Events
  • Support planning and execution of department‑wide initiatives such as the Community Play Cup
  • Manage timelines, deliverables, and documentation for assigned projects
  • Contribute to SOP development and process improvements
• Department Engagement and Collaboration
  • Participate in department and cross‑department meetings and planning
  • Collaborate with colleagues to problem‑solve and share best practices
    
    Provide timely feedback and insights to support team learning and program improvement

• Relationship Management: Builds trust with coaches, school partners, and colleagues through consistent communication and follow‑through
• Communication: Shares clear timelines, expectations, and updates; closes feedback loops promptly
• Program and Organizational Knowledge: Demonstrates understanding of program models, curriculum, and SOPs
• Time and Resource Management: Manages multiple priorities, meets deadlines, and plans effectively for seasonal peaks
• Proble…