Youth Programs Manager Jobs

About the Position

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Youth Programs Manager to lead and inspire our innovative youth-focused program centered around food sustainability, nutrition, agriculture and culinary skills. This role requires a combination of culinary expertise, food sustainability knowledge, superior operational efficiency, teaching skills, and exceptional soft skills that enable them to effectively represent our organization, navigate challenges, and contribute to the growth and success of the program while mentoring our students. The position will offer an opportunity to join a rapidly growing nonprofit. The candidate will have the chance to wear many sustainable food-themed hats, from curriculum development, to teaching children about food sustainability, and leading nutrition education demos, and workshops.

Your Role & Responsibilities in raising awareness for a more sustainable the food system:

Youth Program Management & Development

• Crafting and overseeing a comprehensive program budget, ensuring alignment with organization goals.
• Coordinating after-school programs with 7 schools/community centers, including managing relationships, scheduling, and handling contractual aspects.
• Cultivating strong partnerships with partner schools and Directors, providing regular updates and semester reports.
• Onboarding new school partners, overseeing contracts, waivers, and logistical arrangements.
• Identifying and establishing connections with potential partners, presenting the program's value proposition.

Curriculum Management & Development

• Skillfully organizing and preparing materials, recipes, and supplies for each chef-led session.
• Crafting, assessing, and refining detailed lesson plans aligned with the Chefs for Impact SNAC framework.
• Collaborating closely with chef educators to optimize lesson plans and educational effectiveness.
• Continuously updating and enhancing the curriculum to meet diverse student needs and age requirements.

Expert Partner & Volunteer Management

• Follow up with each expert partner and volunteers after class with a thank you, photos, etc.
• Responsible for coordinating with expert partners (sending class information, scheduling, planning, setting protocol expectations, and executing expert partner classes).
• Managing communication with expert partners and volunteers in collaboration with the Managing Director.
• Maintain and work to continuously expand both expert partner and volunteer network

Team Management

• Conducting regular check-ins with chef educators and assistants, fostering effective teamwork.
• Developing and organizing season schedules for the team.
• Cultivating and maintaining the Chefs for Impact culture within the youth programming team and classes.
• Representing Chefs for Impact in interactions with partners, community centers, schools, and students.

Operations

General

• Monitoring and tracking staff reports, both weekly and daily, for classes.
• Overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring program efficiency and excellence.

Programming & Teaching

• Enforcing safety and food sanitation practices rigorously.
• Leading weekly class preparation activities in collaboration with the team.
• Managing materials procurement for C4K programming, including sourcing ingredients and supplies.
• Conducting weekly food and supplies inventory assessments.
• TeachingChefs for Kids classes every week with the support of an Assistant Educator (ranging from 2 - 5 classes depending on scheduling, partner schools, etc.).

Nimbus (Our Kitchen Site)

• Ensuring compliance with all Nimbus policies.
• Coordinating kitchen prep bookings at Nimbus Kitchen.
• Organizing weekly compost pick-ups.
• Managing materials inventory, adhering to FIFO principles and proper disposal practices.

School Partner Locations

• Arranging support staff schedules (Chef Educators & Assistants).
• Coordinating class schedules with schools.
• Managing on-site inventory.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field or equivalent experience; culinary experience a plus.
• Previous experience managing teams and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Proven experience in youth program management, ideally related to food sustainability, nutrition, agriculture, or culinary arts.
• Strong track record of successfully implementing and overseeing educational programs.
• Strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution ability, and teamwork aptitude.
• Passion for youth education, sustainable practices, and community engagement.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Soft Skills Required

• Problem-Solving: The Youth Programs Manager will encounter a range of challenges, from logistical issues to unexpected situations. A strong problem-solving mindset is essential to assess issues, devise creative solutions, and make informed decisions promptly.
• Team Collaboration: Success in this role relies on the ability to collaborate effectively with team members, including educators, mentors, and administrative staff. The candidate should foster a collaborative environment that encourages idea sharing, open communication, and collective achievement.
• Quick Thinking and Adaptability: The dynamic nature of working with youth and managing a multifaceted program demands the ability to think on one's feet. The candidate should exhibit quick thinking and adaptability in various situations to ensure smooth program operations and student engagement.
• Integrity and Good Faith: It is imperative that the candidate upholds the highest ethical standards, acting with integrity and operating in good faith. Trustworthiness and honesty are crucial when interacting with program stakeholders and making decisions that reflect the organization's values.
• Strong Communication: The Youth Programs Manager will be the face of our organization to students, parents, educators, and community members. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential to convey the program's mission, goals, and impact clearly and compellingly.
• Positive Attitude: An enthusiastic and positive attitude can greatly influence the program's atmosphere and student engagement. The Youth Programs Manager should bring optimism and energy to the role, inspiring students and team members alike.
• Ownership and Accountability: Taking ownership of projects and tasks is vital to the program's success. The candidate should demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and accountability, ensuring that initiatives are executed efficiently and goals are met.
• Conflict Resolution: Conflicts may arise among students, staff, or stakeholders. The Youth Programs Manager should possess exceptional conflict resolution skills, addressing disagreements with tact and empathy while working towards mutually beneficial solutions.
• Mentorship and Growth: Nurturing the growth of both students and staff is a cornerstone of our program. The candidate should be passionate about mentoring and guiding team members, creating an environment that fosters continuous learning and personal development.

If you're a dynamic, adaptable, and passionate individual with the skills to guide youth towards a sustainable future, we invite you to apply. Join our mission to empower the next generation with essential life skills and an enduring commitment to positive change.

Directions To Apply:

Answer the below questions, send your resume, and 1 professional reference to the email listed in the job listing.

1. Describe an experience where you were involved in organizing or contributing to a youth-focused project or initiative. Highlight the skills/qualities you brought to the project and how they align with the responsibilities of a Youth Program Manager.
2. In a dynamic educational environment, unexpected challenges can arise. Share an example of a situation where you had to quickly adapt to address unforeseen circumstances, even if it wasn't within a formal program. How did you handle the situation/ensure a positive outcome?
3. How do you plan to build and maintain relationships with partner schools/experts to ensure program success and representation of the organization's values? Highlight any relevant experiences or transferable skills.
4. Describe a time when you received feedback on a project or initiative you were involved in and how you used that feedback to make positive changes. How do you plan to apply a similar approach to enhancing youth programs?
5. The program you'll manage aims to promote food sustainability, agriculture, and culinary skills. How do you plan to convey your passion for these subjects to participants, even if you haven't led a program before? How would you inspire participants to embrace these concepts?
6. What is most important to you in life?