Position Summary
The CYOC Program Manager will lead the implementation of the Community Youth
Opportunity Collaborative (CYOC), serving as the primary convener and coordinator of a
network of youth-serving organizations, caring adults, and community stakeholders in
Greater Grand Crossing.
This role is responsible for growing and managing the youth-serving network, coordinating
quarterly convenings and network activities, overseeing youth leadership engagement, and
ensuring compliance with all data and fiscal reporting requirements. The Program Manager
will work cross-functionally with GCYC leadership, program staff, and partners to strengthen
coordination, increase access to opportunities, and improve outcomes for youth.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Network Leadership & Coordination
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Lead efforts to recruit, engage, and retain a network of 30+ youth-serving organizations and stakeholders
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Plan and facilitate quarterly convenings and at least three annual network activities
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Utilize structured facilitation tools (e.g., collective consent agenda, working groups) to drive shared planning and accountability
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Increase connections, collaboration, and referrals among network members
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Represent GCYC as a convener with community partners, city agencies (e.g., CPS, Park District), and stakeholders
Youth Leadership Development
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Oversee and facilitate a Youth Leadership Committee (up to 12 youth leaders annually)
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Support youth in co-designing projects, engagement strategies, and community based activities
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Ensure youth voice is incorporated into convenings, planning processes, and network
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priorities
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Provide mentorship and leadership development opportunities for youth participants
Program Implementation & Activities
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Coordinate network-level events and activities that engage at least 100 youth annually
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Support joint programming, outreach efforts, and collaborative initiatives across partners
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Align activities to CYOC goals: increasing participation, expanding access to programs, and strengthening connections to caring adults
Data, Evaluation & Compliance
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Ensure timely and accurate data entry into internal systems (Salesforce, SharePoint)
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Track participation, partner engagement, referrals, and network growth
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Support network analysis activities (baseline and end-of-year)
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Collaborate with the Database & Compliance Administrator, Grants Manager, and Grants Accountant to ensure compliance with all reporting requirements
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Utilize data to inform continuous improvement and strengthen network performance
Organizational Leadership & Collaboration
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Work cross-functionally with GCYC staff to align CYOC with broader youth programming and community initiatives
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Participate in organizational planning, staff meetings, and professional development
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Contribute to a culture aligned with GCYC values: Youth Power, Equity and Inclusion, Community Commitment, and Innovation
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree preferred
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2–4 years of experience in community engagement, youth development, or program management
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Demonstrated experience in coalition-building, stakeholder engagement, or facilitation
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Experience working with youth and communities impacted by systemic inequities
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Familiarity with data tracking systems and grant compliance requirements preferred
Core Competencies
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Strong facilitation, relationship-building, and communication skills
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Ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and stakeholders
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Experience leading collaborative processes and driving collective action
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Culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and equity-centered approach
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Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
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Proficiency with data systems and standard office technologies
Physical Work Requirements & Environment
Work is primarily based at GCYC with regular community engagement, meetings, and events.
The role requires flexibility to support evening and weekend activities as needed.
