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
- Lead efforts to recruit, engage, and retain a network of 30+ youth-serving organizations and stakeholders
- Plan and facilitate quarterly convenings and at least three annual network activities
- Utilize structured facilitation tools (e.g., collective consent agenda, working groups) to drive shared planning and accountability
- Increase connections, collaboration, and referrals among network members
- Represent GCYC as a convener with community partners, city agencies (e.g., CPS, Park District), and stakeholders
Youth Leadership Development
- Oversee and facilitate a Youth Leadership Committee (up to 12 youth leaders annually)
- Support youth in co-designing projects, engagement strategies, and community based activities
- Ensure youth voice is incorporated into convenings, planning processes, and network
- priorities
- Provide mentorship and leadership development opportunities for youth participants
Program Implementation & Activities
- Coordinate network-level events and activities that engage at least 100 youth annually
- Support joint programming, outreach efforts, and collaborative initiatives across partners
- Align activities to CYOC goals: increasing participation, expanding access to programs, and strengthening connections to caring adults
Data, Evaluation & Compliance
- Ensure timely and accurate data entry into internal systems (Salesforce, SharePoint)
- Track participation, partner engagement, referrals, and network growth
- Support network analysis activities (baseline and end-of-year)
- Collaborate with the Database & Compliance Administrator, Grants Manager,ย and Grants Accountant to ensure compliance with all reporting requirements
- Utilize data to inform continuous improvement and strengthen network performance
Organizational Leadership & Collaboration
- Work cross-functionally with GCYC staff to align CYOC with broader youth programming and community initiatives
- Participate in organizational planning, staff meetings, and professional development
- Contribute to a culture aligned with GCYC values: Youth Power, Equity and Inclusion, Community Commitment, and Innovation
Qualifications
- Bachelorโs degree preferred
- 2โ4 years of experience in community engagement, youth development, or program management
- Demonstrated experience in coalition-building, stakeholder engagement, or facilitation
- Experience working with youth and communities impacted by systemic inequities
- Familiarity with data tracking systems and grant compliance requirements preferred
Core Competencies
- Strong facilitation, relationship-building, and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and stakeholders
- Experience leading collaborative processes and driving collective action
- Culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and equity-centered approach
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- 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.