Youth Program Manager

Buffalo, United States

Here’s what The Foundry can offer you:

Competitive pay and benefits package (health/dental, generous PTO)
Flexible work environment, including the option to work from home 1 day/wk
Access to our makerspaces during non-program time for your own projects
Awesome colleagues, a fun work setting, and a culture where everyone’s ideas matter
Exciting, meaningful work: You’ll be an integral part of making our community stronger and will know every day that your work is making a difference!

Here’s what we’re looking for in a Program Manager:

The Foundry is seeking a full-time Youth Program Manager to coordinate and grow our youth-focused educational programs. This position centers on working directly with students, families, and partners to deliver high-quality programming across our makerspaces (woodshop, metalshop, textile, and technology). The Youth Program Manager will adapt and implement existing curriculum, manage daily program logistics, and provide a supportive environment where youth feel valued and engaged. Responsibilities include overseeing afterschool programming, supporting youth in our FOUNDRYmade workforce development initiative as well as acting as back up support for DreamBuilders and our daytime school programs with OLV and Falk Schools. This role is highly collaborative, with both internal and external responsibilities, and is essential to ensuring the consistency, sustainability, and impact of The Foundry’s youth education pipeline. A background check is required.

Duties Include:

Student/Family Communication & Support: Act as a primary liaison with youth/families for our enrollment-based youth programs (highschool afterschool, FOUNDRYmade and DreamBuilders). Identify student needs and connect to wraparound services as needed (academic, career, personal development). Connect with students on a day to day basis while they are at the program.
Youth Program Management: Oversee day-to-day operations of our highschool afterschool youth program and DreamBuilders. Assist with recruitment, enrollment, measuring impact, and adhering to budgets set by Executive Director. In some cases, substituting for instructors and/or providing instruction directly to youth as needed.
Instructor Recruitment & Training: Assist in instructor hiring/ onboarding. Ensure they are adequately prepared by accessing curriculum and other Foundry resources they may need to be successful.
Monitor Program Quality: Monitor youth instructor performance; raise concerns or issues that need to be addressed by Executive Director and/or Director of Business Development. Work with Executive Director and Director of Business Development to ensure overall program quality.
Material Ordering: Request supplies and coordinate ordering with Finance Manager.
Data Collection & Reporting: Assist with tracking attendance and collecting survey data for grants, invoicing, and partner schools.
Photos & Content: Collaborate with staff to document and share program highlights.

Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 11–7 (aligned with afterschool and FOUNDRYmade). Possible remote work Fridays. Occasional 1/2 Saturdays for Dream Builders.

Desired Skill Sets

Knowledge of principles and practices related to youth development and educational issues. Familiarity with the unique challenges/opportunities of working with youth and families.
Strong leadership and team management abilities.
Strong and polished interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
Creative, strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects
Experience in managing program budgets, hiring, training, supervising instructors
Degree in education, youth development, social work or related disciplines preferred
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Drive and database management
Able to work with a variety of people (different ages, races, economic statuses, etc)
Flexible; possessing the ability to wear different, “hats” on short notice.
Networks with other program managers, institutes and organizations to share information and to gain knowledge that would help improve the program

Don’t Meet Every Single Requirement?

We still encourage you to apply! At The Foundry, our diverse backgrounds, perspectives, identities, and talents help us thrive.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $53,000.00 per year

Benefits: