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Youth Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of the principles of child and youth development and in designing and managing an exceptionally complex program that includes, but is not limited to safety, security, disease prevention ...

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Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45K/yr

The Program Manger is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of staff ... Are passionate about social services and dedicated to helping youth and families * Value feedback ...

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Youth Program Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$39.7K

$110.7K

$161.7K

How much do youth program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for youth program manager in Chicago, IL is $110,700.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a youth program manager do?

A Youth Program Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing programs and activities designed for young people. They work with staff and community partners to develop engaging and effective programs that support youth development, education, and well-being. Their duties often include supervising program staff, managing budgets, evaluating program effectiveness, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Youth Program Managers play a key role in creating safe, inclusive environments where youth can learn new skills and build positive relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a youth program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Youth Program Manager, you need strong organizational skills, experience in youth development, and typically a bachelor's degree in education, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with program management software, budgeting tools, and child safety protocols is highly valuable. Exceptional communication, leadership, and conflict resolution skills help you engage youth and collaborate with staff, families, and community partners. These skills ensure programs are effectively managed, safe, and impactful for participants’ growth and development.

What are some common challenges youth program managers face when coordinating multiple programs simultaneously?

Youth Program Managers often juggle several initiatives at once, which can make time management and resource allocation challenging. Balancing the unique needs of each program, ensuring consistent communication among staff, and meeting reporting deadlines are frequent hurdles. Effective delegation, clear prioritization, and regular team check-ins can help address these challenges and ensure each program runs smoothly. Additionally, building strong relationships with community partners and adapting quickly to changing youth needs are essential to success in this role.

What is the difference between Youth Program Manager vs Youth Activities Coordinator?

AspectYouth Program ManagerYouth Activities Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple youth programs, manages staff, develops policiesPlans and executes specific youth activities and events
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in education, social work, or related field; experience in youth servicesHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience in event planning or youth activities
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, non-profit organizationsRecreation centers, schools, youth clubs
FocusProgram development, management, and supervisionActivity planning and direct youth engagement

The Youth Program Manager typically oversees multiple youth programs, focusing on management and development, while the Youth Activities Coordinator concentrates on planning and executing specific activities. Both roles require experience working with youth and are common in community and non-profit settings, but the Program Manager has broader responsibilities and strategic oversight.

What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Program jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Youth Program jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Youth Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Youth Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Youth Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Youth Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Youth Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Youth Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Youth Program Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,700 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Residential Youth Program Manager

Mercy Home For Boys and

Chicago, IL • On-site

$64K - $71K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Join our team today! At Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, we are dedicated to empowering Youth, fostering hope, and creating brighter futures. Our mission is to be advocates, educators, coaches, and role models for the Youth we serve. We strongly believe that every young individual deserves a chance to thrive and reach their full potential.

As one of the Top 100 Places to Work in Chicago according to the Chicago Tribune for the past 14 consecutive years, Mercy Home prides itself on prioritizing the growth and well-being of our team. We provide comprehensive training as well as ongoing professional development opportunities throughout your time here.

If you're passionate, driven, and dedicated to making the world a better place, then we want you on our team. The committed workers at Mercy Home provide healing, guidance, and opportunity to young men and women in need.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

Dedicated to embracing the values and vision of our Agency, this role involves passionately implementing policies and philosophies. As a Program Manager, you will play a vital role in cultivating a therapeutic safe space for at-risk youth, overseeing the residential program's atmosphere, providing support, training, and performance management for your team. Join us in making a positive impact every day!

In this Role, you will:

· Be responsible for the implementation of each Youth's Individual Treatment Plan.

· Be actively involved in all aspects of case management within the Program.

· Ensure education, employment and treatment goals are managed for each Youth.

· Supervise all Program communication, i.e., log entries, incident reports, phone and written communication to supervisors, and to external bodies, as appropriate.

· Supervise Staff and Youth.

· Assess Youth's placement and duration of stay in Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.

· Be responsible for (or accessible to advise on) the use of de-escalation and behavior management techniques

as outlined in CPI protocol.

· Participate in all meetings essential to job.

· Provide regular supervision to direct reports. Offer support and feedback, conduct performance evaluations and use progressive discipline when necessary.

· Facilitate weekly team meetings and program retreats

· Participate in home visits as necessary

· Conduct overnight walkthroughs as assigned

· Participate in school meetings and transportation as needed

· Facilitate treatment planning with outside agencies as required by youths’ treatment needs

· Participate in Admissions staffing’s

· Ensure cleanliness of program.

· Participate in the hiring, training and evaluations of the Staff for their program.

· Promote overall mission, value and goals of the Agency.

· Be responsible for the day-to-day budget of the program.

· Support the Continuous Quality Improvement process by leading projects within the program, as well as attending quarterly Youth Programs QI meetings.

· Be on call to Program as scheduled.

· Ability to be flexible with schedule to attend agency events and meet the needs of program.

· Employ all aspects of de-escalation and behavior management techniques as outlined in CPI protocol.

· Learn, align with, and execute the treatment philosophies, modalities and practices of the Agency.

What we need from you:

· Master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling or related field

· Bachelor’s degree with at least 3 years of experience in a Mercy Home direct care position.

· Experience managing individuals and teams

· Ability to work a minimum of two nights per week, until at least 9:00 p.m. On-call Monday- Friday and rotating weekends.

· Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team approach model.

· Experience in residential treatment.

· Ability to implement policies and procedures.

· Possess a valid Illinois driver’s license, ability to drive a van, maintain a clear driving record, and retain driving approval through the Department of Children and Family Services.

· Regular and predictable attendance.

· Ability to work both independently and as an active team member.

· Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

· Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Must exhibit an appreciation and respect for a diverse work environment, inclusive of youth, families and co-workers from many social, economic, cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds.

· Ability to maintain professional demeanor while exercising judgment and discretion in work.

· Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

· Ability to read and interpret documents such as operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and professional journals. Ability to write reports and correspondence.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as the ability to become proficient in other software packages and programs.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality.

· Ability to attend required Agency trainings (including CPR/ First Aid and Crisis Prevention Institute Training) and maintain necessary training compliance. Flexibility to attend daytime trainings or sessions outside of regularly scheduled hours.

· Promote, support and role model the use of Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) theory and practice for all co-workers in de-escalating situations.

· Ability to provide support, professional development and ongoing feedback to team members.

· Commitment to the mission, values, and goals of the Agency.

Basics Information / Schedule Details

The schedule is full-time with 2 week nights until 9pm, provide on call support..

Pay range: $77,000/year- $78,000/year.

Location: Walsh Girls Campus 11600 S. Longwood Dr. Chicago, IL 60643

For information on benefits please follow this link- https://www.mercyhome.org/working-mercy-home/

Why You Will Love Working Here:

At Mercy Home, our commitment to providing the best care for the Youth we serve extends to ensuring our team receives top-of-the-line training and professional development.

We are a Top Workplace as awarded by the Chicago Tribune.

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to Inclusion and Diversity

Visit us at www.mercyhome.org/jobs