Youth and Gang Violence Program Manager

The City of Roanoke is seeking a Youth and Gang Violence Program Manager. The Youth and Gang Violence Program Manager provides leadership, coordination, and oversight for citywide youth violence and gang prevention initiatives. This role develops and implements strategic plans, policies, and programs aimed at reducing youth involvement in gangs and criminal activity through prevention, intervention, and suppression strategies. The position collaborates extensively with elected officials, law enforcement, schools, community organizations, and regional task forces to ensure a comprehensive, evidence-based approach.

This is a high‑visibility management position requiring strategic planning, grant administration, public speaking, and community engagement. The role serves as the primary liaison for gang prevention efforts, representing the City on regional and state committees, and ensuring alignment with best practices such as the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s Comprehensive Gang Model. Knowledge of Group Violence Intervention (GVI) preferred

The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.

To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.

• Develop and implement youth violence and gang prevention programs and policies.
• Oversee strategic planning and evaluation of initiatives.
• Coordinate multi‑agency efforts, including law enforcement, schools, and nonprofits.
• Convene and facilitate task forces, steering committees, and community meetings.
• Build partnerships with community stakeholders and grassroots organizations.
• Identify, apply for, and manage federal, state, and private grants.
• Prepare and administer program budgets and contracts.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret crime and program data to inform decisions.
• Monitor performance metrics and recommend improvements.
• Supervise outreach workers.
• Provide intervention services for at‑risk youth and families.
• Ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and grant requirements.
• Prepare reports, ordinances, and presentations for City leadership.

• Knowledge of gang prevention/intervention strategies, youth development, and community‑based programming.
• Familiarity with criminal justice systems and applicable laws.
• Strong skills in strategic planning, program evaluation, and grant management.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, both orally and in writing.
• Competence in data analysis, public relations, and consensus building.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, public administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in youth violence prevention, gang intervention, or related fields, including program management and community engagement.
• Other Requirements:
  Valid driver’s license; successful completion of background checks; ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

• Five years of experience in juvenile justice or criminal justice systems.
• Experience with grant writing and administration.

• Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record according to City criteria.

• Advanced knowledge of the subject matter. Complete comprehension of the subject area to solve common and unusual problems, able to advise on technical matters, and serve as a resource on the subject for others.

• Advanced:
  Ability to read literature, books, reviews, scientific…