Program/ Marketing Manager

Organization Overview:

Founded in 2003, GiGi's Playhouse Inc.’s mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and send a global message of acceptance for all. We profoundly change lives through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community. All programs are free and are therapeutic or educational in nature. Each one of our programs is designed to work on specific skill development, including speech and language, literacy, socialization, and fine and gross motor skills. GiGi’s Playhouse has opened over 62 locations across North America and is growing by several locations annually.

Job Description:

GiGi’s Playhouse offers innovative programs for children and adults with Down syndrome, designed to develop confidence and the development of a broad variety of skills – educational, therapeutic and career development.  Programs are 99% volunteer run.  The Program and Marketing Manager is a high energy, goal-oriented self-starter who is a creative thinker and conscientious individual. The Program and Marketing Manager works in-person in the Playhouse and facilitates the implementation of all programs, ensures they operate effectively, supports volunteer recruitment, orientation, scheduling, training, and recognition of volunteers within the Playhouse. This includes making sure programs are properly staffed with skilled and trained volunteers and follow structured curriculums. Interacting well with people at all levels of the organization is necessary - daily communication with staff, volunteers and participants with varied diagnoses and their families will be needed in this role to be successful.  This individual will execute day-to-day marketing activities—including content creation, campaign coordination, and community outreach—to support engagement and promote the overall GiGi’s Mission. A flexible schedule is a must, as you may be needed to oversee or cover programs when needed, including some evenings and weekends. All staff members are the face of GiGi’s Playhouse and play an essential role representing GiGi’s to families, volunteers, donors, and community members.

Essential Job Functions:

Program Strategy and Planning

•  In partnership with Program Committee and Executive Director, define long term (6-12 months) program plan, including program sessions, themes and rolling out new programs with agility.
• Work with Playhouse families (surveys, focus groups, etc.) to understand additional demand for new program types, better program times, themes, etc. to ensure the Playhouse is meeting the needs of families while remaining consistent with the GiGi’s mission.

Program Oversight and Continuous Improvement

• Thorough understanding of the breadth and depth of the GiGi’s National office program offerings and implementation at a local level. Actively participate in National Program Manager calls and attend the annual GiGi’s National Conference in early November in Chicago.
• Oversee the development and publishing of the Playhouse programming and events schedule and maintains online calendar at least 6 weeks in advance.
• Serve as key contact for program leaders and volunteers. Attend programming frequently to show support for program leads and volunteers, develop relationships with participants and families, and ensure expectations and standards are being delivered.
• Manage the program registration, sign-in and survey processes, utilizing our software tools to document and track volunteer activity and all relevant programming information to participants and their families.
•  Greet and connect with visitors to the Playhouse including families, volunteers, and donors.
•  Becomes an expert at Salesforce (relational database tool) to document and track volunteer activity and program data, including reporting on trends.
• Match tutor/participant pairs and manage Teams channel for both literacy and math tutors.

Volunteer Management

• Collaborate with Volunteer Coordinator to recruit and maintain program leads and volunteers for all programming/events across the metro.
• Ensure all programs, events and activities are fully staffed by volunteers to support the needs of the Playhouse.
• Collaborate with Volunteer Coordinator to facilitate volunteer orientation and training for volunteers, including back-end data entry.
• Utilize the talents and interests of volunteers effectively by delegating meaningful, rewarding, and well-matched work to share the load of the job and keep volunteers motivated.
• Attend literacy and math tutor training for tutors from all locations and support tutors throughout the session.

Marketing and Communication

• Continually captures success stories, quotes, and quality pictures during programs for use in marketing efforts.
• Informs and inspires families, volunteers, donors, and other constituents via social media, website, blog, and email newsletter campaigns by sharing pictures, news, events, volunteer needs and stories in partnership with managers.
• Collaborates with Executive Director and board of directors to strategically plan and execute marketing initiatives to achieve the following: grow the base of families supported, increase program participation, increase volunteer commitment, and further engage in the community.
• Expands social media footprint by executing and updating all social media channels including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram
• Develop and execute monthly e-newsletter in collaboration with Executive Director, Operations/Finance Manager.

 Administrative / Office Management

• Answer phones and monitor the Twin Cities inbox, ensuring prompt and professional responses to all inquiries; maintain the physical appearance of the Playhouse and schedule visitor appointments.
• Assist program leads and volunteers with daily administrative needs, including but not limited to unpacking the dishwasher, taking out garbage, and assisting with program laundry.

At A Glance

·      Location: St. Louis Park, MN

·      Category: Staff Employment

·      Status: Full Time- On Site

·      Salary: DOE $50,000-$55,000

·      Position Start Date: Position Open Until Filled

·      Reports to: Executive Director 

Competencies

1. Teamwork: Collaborates effectively, values diverse perspectives, shares and receives feedback, and prioritizes team success.
2. Problem Solving: Identifies issues, analyzes information, and develops practical solutions independently and collaboratively.
3. Communication (Written & Verbal): Communicates clearly, listens actively, and keeps stakeholders informed using appropriate methods.
4. Adaptability: Adjusts to changing priorities, manages multiple demands, and responds effectively to unexpected situations.
5. Innovation: Demonstrates creativity, proposes improvements, and develops new approaches to challenges.
6. Planning & Organization: Prioritizes tasks, manages time efficiently, and develops clear, actionable plans.
7. Quality: Ensures accuracy and thoroughness, applies feedback, and continuously improves work outcomes.
8. Customer Service: Responds promptly and professionally, handles challenges effectively, and meets commitments.
9. Technical Skills: Maintains and builds relevant technical knowledge and skills.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education & Experience: College degree in a field related to project management and/or marketing and/or special education.
• Technical & Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and social media platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook). Experience with database/CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) to manage participant, volunteer, and community engagement data.
• Work Environment & Engagement: This is an in-person role requiring regular interaction with families and the community, including occasional off-site visits to build partnerships and support volunteer recruitment.