Operations & Programs Manager - Youth Nonprofit

POSITION: Operations & Programs Manager – Youth Nonprofit

COMPANY: Detour Empowers

REPORTING TO: Tinesia Conwright, Founder Executive Director 

STATUS: Part-time; Independent contractor, 20/hrs week

COMPENSATION:$4,500/mo

LOCATION: Hybrid; 2-3 days/week onsite at our office in San Diego 

START DATE: September 17, 20205

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH: August 22, 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

DETOUR is a nonprofit, community-based mentoring program for girls of color. Our mission is to expand access to higher education and priority-sector career fields, creating pathways to quality employment and fulfilling life opportunities beyond high school. We achieve this through a range of school-based programs, including workshops and events, our leadership academy, paid internships, and scholarship opportunities.

We’re seeking an Operations & Programs Manager who is a community-centered leader, deeply aligned with our mission, and brings both heart and structure to their work. This strategic role leads program execution, operational systems, and team management at Detour. The successful candidate has a deep love for youth and community, thrives in creating (and standardizing) systems that scale, and takes initiative and ownership. You will be responsible for ensuring the smooth execution of school-based programs, managing day-to-day operations, and strengthening internal capacity (staff volunteers) by auditing team roles, streamlining workflows, and ensuring the organization is structured for sustainable growth.   Prior experience in nonprofit operations, program coordination, or school administration is required. 

This part-time, hybrid role offers remote work with 2-3 days/week on-site at our San Diego office, along with attendance at our two big events in the Spring. 

YOU’RE A GREAT FIT IF…

• You develop a deep passion for the organizations you join, naturally becoming an “ambassador” with the mission woven into how you approach each day.
• You thrive working in an environment where the structure and processes are yet to be built. You would rather lay the foundation!
• You’re proactive, confident, and take full ownership of your role—you don’t wait for direction; you step in and take action to move things forward.
• You can effectively research and outline what’s needed to launch new programs tied to grant funding.
• You are confident with high-level outreach and engagement opportunities. 
• You prefer (and thrive) working autonomously and take massive ownership in delivering on your commitments. 
• You are able to stretch yourself when you hit a roadblock; you take the time to step back and work towards a solution. You enjoy being a problem-solver on a team. 
• You are eager to bring your best practices and new ideas to improve operational efficiency. 
• You’re a thinker and a doer who takes strong initiative to get things done.
• You are energized by our youth and are comfortable giving the “welcome” address during workshops and events. 
• You understand the dynamics of leading a part-time team and bring flexibility and creativity to support and guide them effectively.
• You have experience or relationships with San Diego County school systems  (a plus).  
• You have experience with Airtable (a plus) and have worked in CRMs. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Planning Leadership

• Develop an operational plan to standardize and build systems that support Detour’s growth and strategic goals
• Run the day-to-day operations, including administration and customer service inbox
• Field calls and evaluate emails for potential partnerships/engagements. Review and respond.
• Proactively recommend ideas and changes to the Executive Director that enhance efficiency and create new opportunities
• Develop and manage a program fall budget for the team (school treats, meals, trips, etc). 
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, develop and implement fundraising strategies to reach current and long-term revenue goals for donations, events, and sponsorships 
• Bring special fundraising initiatives and ideas to the Executive Director

Team Planning Management

• Conduct a comprehensive audit of team roles and responsibilities to optimize efficiency, streamline workflows, and eliminate functions that no longer serve us
• Evaluate the support structure required for new initiatives, with a focus on where a volunteer model could strategically replace or complement staff roles
• Hire, onboard, manage, and develop volunteers and staff 
• Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance 

Program Management 

• Evaluate and enhance school programs by identifying opportunities to streamline and consolidate for greater efficiency and impact
• Manage the planning and delivery of school programs
• High-level outreach to schools to secure contracting
• Facilitate the contracting process and invoicing (coordinate with Accounting department) 
• Facilitate program flyers and permission slips
• Coordination and main point of contact with school staff  

Process Project Management 

• Assess process gaps and build systems around them with a focus on streamlining and systematizing workflows across our 4 programs
• Create project plans that support the strategy and manage the day-to-day projects, keeping the team on task and on time
• Ensure the team is clear on processes and expectations
• Provide detailed but succinct updates to the Executive Director

ABOUT TINESIA CONWRIGHT, FOUNDER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Tinesia Conwright launched my Little Sisters, a DETOUR youth development mentorship program, in 2009. The program was the first phase of DETOUR, which began with monthly breakfast meetings held by Tinesia and her five little sisters and included discussion forums that provided a platform for the girls to voice their life experiences and challenges. 

In 2010, she expanded the program and implemented more extensive and interactive weekly sessions at the City of San Diego's Skyline Recreation Center for one year. This experience prompted her to return to school to enhance her knowledge and skills in effectively operating her organization. In 2013, Tinesia graduated from the Master's in Nonprofit Management & Leadership program at the University of San Diego. She continues to further her vision through DETOUR and contributes her knowledge and passion to nonprofit organizations throughout her Southeastern San Diego community.  Most recently, Tinesa was named “2025 California Woman of the Year” for the 79th Assembly District by Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins. 

APPLY HERE prior to August 22, 2025

https://theopsauthority.typeform.com/to/JJgj5VYm