Program Manager

Bridges Alliance of Johnson County

Program Manager

Part-Time (20 hours/week)

Established in 2018, Bridges Alliance of Johnson County’s Circles program is a community-based initiative working to reduce economic insecurity by building relationships, expanding access to resources, and creating pathways to economic stability. Program participants, called Circle Leaders, commit to an 18–36 month curriculum of life skills development, financial literacy, career planning, and goal setting. Circle Leaders are paired with community volunteers (Allies), who provide ongoing support, mentorship, and encouragement.

This structured approach fosters both emotional support and accountability, creating a network that helps participants overcome obstacles and achieve economic self-sufficiency. As community need continues to grow, Bridges Alliance is pursuing strategic expansion of the Circles program to deepen its impact and reach more individuals and families experiencing economic hardship.

As a growing organization, Bridges Alliance offers meaningful opportunities for this position to expand in scope and responsibility over time. The role also offers flexibility in scheduling and work location, making it a perfect opportunity to bring creativity, initiative, and a strong community focus to a growing program. Come grow with us!

The Program Manager provides overall leadership for Bridges Alliance of Johnson County and its Circles program. While the position oversees the day-to-day operations of the Circles program, it also serves as the organization's primary leader for community engagement, strategic partnerships, program evaluation, communications, and board support. The Manager works remotely, with regular hours in Johnson County for Circles meetings. The Manager also meets regularly with participants, volunteers, partners, board and community stakeholders throughout Johnson County.

• Provide leadership in implementing the organization's mission and strategic priorities.
• Support the Board of Directors through regular communication, reporting, and strategic planning.
• Represent Bridges Alliance in the community through presentations, networking, and partnership development.

• Oversee all aspects of the Circles Johnson County program and the Surviving to Thriving course in collaboration with the Program Coordinator.
• Coordinate weekly Circles meetings, including agendas, workshops, volunteers, meals, childcare, and logistics.
• Recruit, train, and support Circle Leaders, Allies, facilitators, and volunteers.
• Provide participant coaching, crisis support, referrals, and conflict resolution as needed.
• Oversee the Leader and Ally matching process and provide ongoing support to matched Circles.

• Develop and maintain relationships with nonprofit organizations, schools, employers, churches, healthcare providers, and other community partners.
• Recruit workshop presenters, volunteers, and community supporters.
• Promote Bridges Alliance through outreach events, public speaking, and community engagement activities.

• Collaborate with the Development Manager on grant writing, grant reporting, donor stewardship, fundraising initiatives, sponsor ships, and special events.
• Develop newsletters, participant communications, social media content, and other marketing materials.
• Share program outcomes and success stories with funders, partners, and the community.

• Work with Circles Coordinator to collect, analyze, and report program outcomes and participant data.
• Ensure compliance with Circles USA reporting requirements and grant reporting.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements based on participant feedback and outcomes.

• Manage program calendars, organizational email accounts, records, and documentation.
• Coordinate annual program planning and recurring organizational activities.
• Maintain systems, resources, and operational processes that support the organization's work.

• Strong commitment to the mission of reducing poverty through relationships and community collaboration.
• Experience in nonprofit leadership, program management, or community development.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to build authentic relationships across diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in leading volunteers.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, Bridges Out of Poverty, or similar approaches is preferred.
• Residency in or strong connection to Johnson County is highly desirable due to the community-based nature of the role.