Job Title: Program Manager  

Are you passionate about giving back to your community and serving the youth? 

Who We Are: 

In 1922, Woodcraft Rangers opened its doors in Los Angeles and began its mission of guiding young people as they explore pathways to purposeful lives. As a progressive organization, Woodcraft has always been responsive to the evolving needs of the communities served, and is notably inclusive, youth-led, and rooted in the Woodcraft Way, a holistic framework that develops body, mind, spirit, and service. Continuously at the forefront of expanded learning opportunities, Woodcraft Rangers has a rich history of making a significant impact in the greater Los Angeles area, believing that all youth are innately good, deserve the opportunity to realize their full potential, and should be an active participant in defining their own path.

What We Do:

Woodcraft Rangers provides TK-12 expanded learning programs, including before and after school, specialty enrichment, and summer learning. In the past few years, Woodcraft has expanded its menu of services beyond traditional afterschool programs and summer camps to include early learning, environmental and social justice, college access, and inclusion services for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, we offer Lifecraft, a college and career advancement program to support the development of approximately 1,000 staff. Today, Woodcraft Rangers serves more than 20,000 youth ages 4-18 annually in and from 110 Title I schools across LA County! 

Ideal Candidate: 

This role is for you if you are a dynamic leader with a passion for advancing youth development and educational programs. You excel in strategic planning and thrive on building strong community relationships to enhance program support. You are a dynamic and creative problem solver, known for your ability to inspire teams and drive innovative solutions that meet diverse student needs. If you are driven by the desire to make a lasting impact on youth through specialized and enriched educational pathways, and you seek to lead programs that not only meet but exceed expectations in terms of quality and compliance, then you are the ideal candidate for the role of Program Manager at Woodcraft Rangers. 

Why Work for Woodcraft Rangers: 

• Paid vacation 

• Sick time 

• Health Benefits 

• 403(b) retirement 

• Pet insurance 

• Lifecraft 

• Upward mobility 

• Career development 

• The opportunity to create a lasting positive impact on youth within your community. 

Role Overview: 

The Program Manager at Woodcraft Rangers is pivotal in steering and expanding innovative youth programs that integrate education and development. In this key leadership role, you will oversee the planning, execution, and enhancement of specialized programs, ensuring they align with the unique needs of the communities we serve. Your responsibilities include supervising site coordinators and club leaders, developing strategic partnerships, and maintaining high standards of program quality and compliance. You will actively collaborate with diverse teams to refine program offerings and foster an environment of continuous improvement. The role demands a proactive approach to both managing day-to-day operations and pursuing long-term developmental goals, making it ideal for someone who excels in both strategic vision and operational excellence. 

Responsibilities: 

• Contract Development and Collaboration: Work closely with new and existing partner schools to develop high-quality educational programs tailored to school needs during various times, including before school, during school, weekends, or after school. 

• Program Strategy and Oversight: Implementation of strategic plans for specialty programs that align with organizational objectives and school needs. 

• Site Coordinator Supervision: Provide oversight and support for all site coordinators and club leaders within the assigned region, ensuring they are equipped to deliver high-caliber programs, meet compliance requirements, and maintain safe environments. 

• Budget and Resource Management: Build and oversee budgets to support program excellence. Develop startup plans for new programs and ensure fiscal compliance across all activities. 

• Quality Assurance and Compliance: Implement continuous quality improvement plans, assess program effectiveness, and ensure alignment with contractual and organizational goals. 

• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Maintain robust relationships with school leaders, district personnel, and community stakeholders. Collaborate with internal teams to align program goals with organizational strategies. 

• Training and Development: Lead and participate in training sessions to enhance staff capabilities. Design and conduct "train-the-trainer" programs to ensure consistent and scalable program delivery. 

• Event and Project Coordination: Coordinate and oversee special projects and events, enhancing engagement and visibility. Provide periodic program updates to stakeholders to maintain engagement. 

• Crisis Management: Address and manage crisis-related issues promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff. 

• Reporting and Impact Assessment: Meet regularly with leadership at each site, provide impact reports, and ensure ongoing program evaluation to adapt and improve offerings. 

• Agency Calendar Coordination: Collaborate with the Director of Programs and fellow Program Managers to create and maintain an annual agency calendar that optimizes program cycles for maximum attendance and impact. 

• HR and Staffing Collaboration: Work with the HR department to ensure proper staffing levels and support the recruitment and placement of staff in assigned regions. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Child Development, or a related field. Alternatively, a combination of education and experience will also be considered. 

• Minimum of two years of supervisory experience in educational program development, curriculum design, or youth development, with a clear track record of managing/executing educational initiatives.

• Proven experience in creating and managing educational or youth programs, with a strong focus on meeting organizational and educational standards. 

• Demonstrated ability in strategic planning and project management, capable of steering multiple projects from conception to completion. 

• Knowledgeable in compliance regulations and quality assurance, ensuring all programs adhere to legal and organizational standards. 

• Experienced in building and maintaining effective relationships with various stakeholders, including school districts, community leaders, and external partners. 

• While not required, bilingual abilities in English and Spanish are considered beneficial. 

• Demonstrated experience in working with ethnically and culturally diverse communities, along with a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs of high-need areas in Los Angeles, including knowledge of the existing educational systems, youth development principles, and related programs. 

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for all employees engaged in in-person work with staff or clients. 

• Valid LIVE Scan, TB Clearance, and CPR Certification (provided by Woodcraft Rangers). 

Skills: 

• Ability to inspire, lead, and develop high-performance teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. 

• Strong capability to adapt to changes and solve complex problems, maintaining program integrity and effectiveness under varying conditions. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, essential for leading teams, engaging stakeholders, and reporting on program status. 

• Proficient in technology and program management tools, including MS Office, Google products, etc. 

• Skilled in analyzing program data and preparing detailed reports to evaluate performance and inform strategic decisions. 

• Strong self-motivation and self-learning abilities. 

• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment. 

• Strong multitasking skills with a focus on managing multiple projects simultaneously. 

• Consistent display of poise and professionalism in all situations. 

Physical Demands: 

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following physical demands may be essential for the effective performance of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions: 

• Frequent standing is required during working hours. 

• The ability to travel across the Greater Los Angeles area, using either a car or public transportation, is necessary several times per month. 

• Regular use of hands for various tasks, such as operating a computer and handling objects, is essential. 

• Effective communication skills are required, necessitating the ability to speak clearly and hear well. 

• Occasional lifting and/or moving of objects weighing up to 40 pounds may be required. 

Work Environment and Schedule: 

We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and will actively consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals to effectively perform their roles. This position operates in environments typical of the following key aspects: 

• Regular working hours are from Monday to Friday, with occasional weekends and evenings required for events, training, or conferences. 

• Optional weekly work-from-home opportunities. 

• Travel may be necessary to various regions where Woodcraft Rangers programs are implemented, including San Fernando Valley, South Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley, Southeast LA, and Downtown areas, to support or deliver in-person training. 

• Regular exposure to a computer monitor during work. 

• The typical noise level of a standard work environment. 

• Stable internet access is required for effective work-from-home performance. 

Status: Full-Time 

Salary Range: $66,000 - $76,000 per year