Urban Initiatives
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.
Lead Program Manager 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.
Programs You May Oversee
Elementary Soccer (Play with Potential)
Middle School Leadership (Take the Lead)
Summer of Sport Camp
Our Culture 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.
Are you ready to put passion into action to build a stronger Chicago? Core Responsibilities
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 CitySpan 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 practicesProvide timely feedback and insights to support team learning and program improvement
Key Competencies for Success
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
Problem Solving:
Anticipates challenges, identifies solutions, and follows through to resolution
Ideal Skills and Qualifications
Experience managing youth programs, OST programming, or similar community‑based initiatives
Experience supervising, coaching, or supporting staffStrong organizational skills and attention to detail
Comfort using digital tools and systems to track tasks, data, and communication
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and youth‑centered work
Experience working within CPS or DFSS‑funded programs
Experience with compliance‑driven environments
Event planning or large‑scale logistics experience
Familiarity with SEL‑based or sport‑based youth development models
Compensation Package
Health, dental, and vision insurance premiums options available
Life, short‑term disability, and long‑term disability insurance are paid 100% by Urban Initiatives
Option to contribute to a 401K with up to a 3% match of your salary after one full year of employment
Flexible Time Off available
Paid holidays (Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day)
Additionally, our values of
Teamwork
and
Inclusion
ensure that Urban Initiatives is an environment where you will be supported and welcomed by your coworkers and peers.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Lead Program Manager 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.
Programs You May Oversee
Elementary Soccer (Play with Potential)
Middle School Leadership (Take the Lead)
Summer of Sport Camp
Our Culture 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.
Are you ready to put passion into action to build a stronger Chicago? Core Responsibilities
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 CitySpan 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 practicesProvide timely feedback and insights to support team learning and program improvement
Key Competencies for Success
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
Problem Solving:
Anticipates challenges, identifies solutions, and follows through to resolution
Ideal Skills and Qualifications
Experience managing youth programs, OST programming, or similar community‑based initiatives
Experience supervising, coaching, or supporting staffStrong organizational skills and attention to detail
Comfort using digital tools and systems to track tasks, data, and communication
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and youth‑centered work
Experience working within CPS or DFSS‑funded programs
Experience with compliance‑driven environments
Event planning or large‑scale logistics experience
Familiarity with SEL‑based or sport‑based youth development models
Compensation Package
Health, dental, and vision insurance premiums options available
Life, short‑term disability, and long‑term disability insurance are paid 100% by Urban Initiatives
Option to contribute to a 401K with up to a 3% match of your salary after one full year of employment
Flexible Time Off available
Paid holidays (Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day)
Additionally, our values of
Teamwork
and
Inclusion
ensure that Urban Initiatives is an environment where you will be supported and welcomed by your coworkers and peers.
#J-18808-Ljbffr