Program Manager (Northern Region)

The Project Manager will support grant work as part of the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission Initiatives (Northern Region).

Location: Cecil County and Harford County, MarylandPreferred Home Base: Bel Air, Aberdeen, Elkton, or surrounding areaSchedule: 30 hours per week (0.75 FTE). Note: This position is budgeted as a 30-hour-per-week (0.75 FTE) role. Work hours may vary based on program needs, school schedules, events, and stakeholder meetings. Employees are expected to manage their schedules to meet the responsibilities of the position while generally maintaining an average workload consistent with a 30-hour-per-week schedule.Reports To: Vice President of Education and Director of ImpactSalary: $67,500 annually, commensurate with experienceGrant-Funded Position: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

About the Cook Center for Human Connection

The Cook Center for Human Connection is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the mental health and emotional well-being of youth and families. Through innovative and evidence-based tools such as Parent Coaching, Staff Coaching, and behavioral health education, the Cook Center builds bridges between families, schools, and communities to support holistic wellness and long-term success. Our mission is to normalize mental health conversations and provide timely, accessible support to those who need it most.

Position Summary

The Cook Center for Human Connection is seeking a highly organized, relationship-focused Program Manager to oversee implementation of grant-funded mental health initiatives across Cecil County Public Schools and Harford County Public Schools.

The Program Manager serves as the primary liaison among participating school districts, Community Support Partnership Hubs, community organizations, educators, families, and Cook Center leadership. This position is responsible for successful implementation, utilization, fidelity monitoring, partnership development, and continuous improvement of all funded services throughout the assigned region.

The Program Manager is supported by a dedicated Grant/Data Manager who provides reporting, compliance, fiscal oversight, and data management support, allowing the Program Manager to focus on implementation, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development.

This position is funded through June 30, 2027. Continued employment beyond that date is dependent upon future grant funding, organizational needs, and performance.

Geographic Placement and Travel

This position requires frequent travel throughout Cecil County and Harford County, Maryland.

Candidates should reside within or near the service area to maximize visibility and engagement with local partners and minimize travel time.

Travel may include daytime, evening, and occasional weekend commitments.

Candidates must possess a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the assigned service area with or without reasonable accommodations. Candidate must have the ability to travel regularly throughout the assigned service area, attend meetings and events, and occasionally transport program materials and supplies.

Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Implementation and Coordination

• Lead implementation of all funded grant services across assigned districts.
• Develop and maintain implementation plans aligned with Tier 1 prevention and family engagement objectives.
• Coordinate service launch activities and annual service calendars with district leadership.
• Monitor program participation and utilization in collaboration with the Grant/Data Manager.
• Ensure achievement of all grant deliverables and performance expectations.
• Collaborate with school leaders, Community Support Partnership Hubs, community partners, and Cook Center leadership to ensure effective implementation.

Partnership Development

• Maintain strong relationships with district leaders, school counselors, family engagement staff, community schools, Local Management Boards, behavioral health providers, and community partners.
• Participate in community coalition meetings and regional planning efforts.
• Represent the Cook Center at stakeholder meetings and community events.

Family and Staff Engagement

• Coordinate awareness and outreach campaigns to promote available services.
• Support enrollment and participation in Parent Coaching and Staff Coaching services.
• Promote participation in Mental Health Series events and ParentGuidance.org resources.
• Coordinate distribution and use of engagement materials and promotional resources.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Maintain required program documentation and implementation records.
• Participate in required grant meetings and activities.
• Monitor implementation quality and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Support compliance with all grant requirements and organizational policies.

Marketing and Communications

• Coordinate local communications and outreach efforts.
• Support district-specific promotional campaigns and awareness activities.
• Collaborate with Cook Center communications staff as needed.
• Ensure equitable outreach throughout participating schools and communities.

Evaluation and Reporting

• Monitor program performance indicators and participation metrics.
• Assist with preparation of quarterly and annual reports.
• Collaborate with Cook Center leadership and the Grant/Data Manager on reporting and documentation requirements.

QualificationsRequired

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, Public Health, Psychology, Human Services, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum three years of experience managing programs, initiatives, or community partnerships.
• Experience working with K–12 schools and multiple stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Zoom, and virtual collaboration tools.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience with school-based mental health initiatives.
• Experience with community coalitions or collective impact efforts.
• Experience supporting family engagement initiatives.
• Knowledge of MTSS frameworks and prevention-based approaches.
• Experience working with rural, underserved, or geographically dispersed communities.
• Experience managing grant-funded programs.

Background Screening

Final candidates will be subject to a criminal background check and motor vehicle record review consistent with applicable laws and district requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Cook Center for Human Connection is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants.

At-Will Employment

Employment with the Cook Center for Human Connection is at will. Nothing in this job posting or any subsequent employment communication creates a contract of employment or guarantees employment for any specific duration.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $67,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Remote

Salary : $65,000 - $67,500