Position: Youth Program Manager – Iowa

Program: Youth Programs

Location: Waterloo, Iowa

Reports To: Iowa Program Manager

Salary: $65,000 per year

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (typical); Evenings and weekends required during peak program hours (summer, winter orientation)

Benefits: Health and dental insurance, paid time off, 401(k) Safe Harbor retirement savings plan

Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa (CCMI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and AmeriCorps grantee that engages hundreds of youth and young adults each year in programs and initiatives that improve access to outdoor recreation, restore natural habitat, protect waterways, and respond to community needs and natural disasters. Our mission is to cultivate a community of emerging leaders in service to people and the planet. Learn more at conservationcorps.org.

Position Summary: The Youth Program Manager – Iowa develops and manages all aspects of CCMI’s youth programming in Iowa. This role will execute the programmatic vision set by the Senior Program Manager of Youth Programs, under the supervision of the Iowa Program Manager, and work with partners to deliver high-quality programming.  

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Project and partnership development and relationship management
• Youth outreach and recruitment
• Recruitment, onboarding, training, and supervision of AmeriCorps members
• Program development, management, and assessment

The Youth Program Manager will develop compelling programming focused on:

• Providing workforce development opportunities for youth in environmental careers
• Providing learning opportunities that give an expansive understanding of environmental careers and how they impact their local environment, communities, and lives
• Leveraging connections to deepen the professional network for youth
• Supporting the development of AmeriCorps members in their leadership of youth
• Providing training, safety, and community-building amongst program members and staff

Relationships:

The Youth Program Manager will manage/supervise AmeriCorps members and provide support, work tasks, and day-to-day leadership.

This position reports directly to the Iowa Program Manager. This position’s programming, youth engagement strategies, and assessment will be aligned with the vision and approach set by the Senior Program Manager, Youth Programs.

Key Responsibilities:

Administration

• Oversee and maintain program facilities, equipment, and fleet inventory
• Contribute to and complete program reports for governing bodies and funders
• Complete all required documentation for contracts, youth wages, and timecards
• Develop drafts of program marketing information and developing campaigns
• Oversee the scheduling of programs, youth, and AmeriCorps member hours

Project & Partnership Management

• Solicit, negotiate, and manage new and existing projects and partnerships
• Develop high-quality youth programming that ensures youth develop workforce experience in natural resources and supports their ability to assess career opportunities
• Analyze situations and take appropriate, effective action, including problem-solving, conflict resolution, etc.
• Ensure regular, effective communication to, from, and among staff, youth, families, partners, members, and CCMI staff.

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

• Work with Senior Program Manager to ensure programming is aligned with Youth Programming Logic Model
• Assess program quality through a thorough review process that surveys programming, youth experience with team, and partners’ impressions of program and impact
• Implement necessary interventions within program design, done in concert with Iowa Program Manager, Assistant Manager, and Senior Program Manager
• Work with existing systems to collect and track program activities

Supporting CCMI Initiatives

• Participate in organization-wide committees and/or workgroups
• Enforce and embody the commitment to a culture of safety at CCMI
• Support and uphold CCMI values
• Set up and manage mid-year and end-of-year events for AmeriCorps members
• Work collaboratively with other departments to develop programming and support existing initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Excellent written and verbal communication
• 3 years of leadership experience in youth programming
• Proven record of success in youth programming
• Willingness to learn AmeriCorps standards, processes, and policies
• Management and training experience
• Experience in community outreach and engagement or recruiting
• Energetic and a positive outlook toward youth and their potential
• Desire to deliver excellent programming and foster quality partnerships

Other Information:

• Some evening and weekend work, as well as overnight travel, will be required in Iowa and Minnesota to attend program trainings/orientation, meet with partners, recruit youth and AmeriCorps members, and attend CCMI events.
• During peak programming season, staff may work evenings and weekends depending on scheduled projects.

While this position description describes the general nature and level of work being performed, it is not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. All positions at CCMI may require duties outside of typical responsibilities.

CCMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions with CCMI will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. CCMI does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, military service, union membership, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status with regards to public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.