Program Manager

Program Manager

Compass for Kids | Springfield, Illinois

Work That Matters

At Compass for Kids, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. Through academic support, social-emotional learning, and caring relationships, we help underserved children and families build confidence, resilience, and a brighter future.

Since 2011, we've grown from a single church initiative into an independent nonprofit serving students throughout Springfield Public Schools District 186 through programs like Club Compass and Camp Compass.

Every day, our team has the chance to make a real difference. Whether you're working directly with students, supporting families, leading staff, or building community partnerships, your work helps create opportunities that can change a child's future.

If you're passionate about helping kids succeed and enjoy working with people who care deeply about their community, we'd love to meet you.

Learn more about us at compassforkids.org.

Why Join Our Team?

Working at Compass for Kids means being part of a team that believes every role matters. We work hard, support one another, celebrate wins together, and stay focused on what matters most—our students.

Work That Makes a Difference

The work you do here has a direct impact on the lives of children and families in our community. Every program, every relationship, and every decision helps create opportunities for students to learn, grow, and succeed.

Room to Grow

We love new ideas. If you see a better way to do something, we want to hear it. You'll have opportunities to strengthen programs, improve systems, build relationships, and continue growing professionally through training, conferences, and ongoing learning.

A Supportive Team

We're a small organization where people genuinely enjoy working together. You'll partner closely with the Director of Programs and Program Team while collaborating with staff, volunteers, families, and community partners who all share the same mission.

A Place Where You Belong

We know our team is stronger because of the different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives each person brings. We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported, and encouraged to be themselves.

Position Summary

The Program Manager leads the day-to-day operations, quality, and continuous improvement of Club Compass while supporting key components of Camp Compass. Working closely with the Director of Programs, this role turns strategy into action by supporting Site Coordinators, strengthening daily operations, solving challenges, and ensuring every Compass program is delivered with consistency, care, and excellence.

This position is ideal for a highly capable, adaptable professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys planning, coaching, problem-solving, and building strong relationships with staff, volunteers, families, and community partners. Through collaborative leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement, the Program Manager helps create high-quality experiences that allow both youth and staff to succeed.

If you enjoy leading people, building relationships, improving systems, and making a meaningful difference in your community, this could be a great fit.

Reports to: Director of Programs

What Success Looks Like

In your first year, you'll:

• Build strong relationships with Site Coordinators, volunteers, families, and community partners.
• Help ensure Club Compass operates consistently across every site.
• Support staff through coaching, communication, and accountability.
• Strengthen programs by using data, feedback, and collaboration to make continuous improvements.
• Help create welcoming, engaging experiences where every student feels supported.

Key Responsibilities

Club Compass Program Management

• Lead daily execution of Club Compass, ensuring high-quality, consistent program delivery across all sites.
• Partner with the Director of Programs to develop and lead program goals, create clear action plans, and monitor progress throughout the school year.
• Ensure fidelity to Compass for Kids’ program model, including:
• Evidence-based social-emotional learning (SEL) and assessments
• Enrichment and field trips
• Academic support
• Transportation
• Dinner 
• Oversee data collection, tracking, and quality control (quantitative and qualitative).
• Provide direction, coaching, and accountability for Site Coordinators.
• Identify operational challenges, implement improvements, and elevate systemic issues to the Director of Programs.
• Lead volunteer management efforts, including recruitment, relationship-building, retention, and periodic training.
• Manage Backpack Feeding Program logistics.
• Monitor and adhere to program budgets.
• Coordinate alumni engagement and family engagement activities.
• Drive continuous quality improvement using feedback from students, families, volunteers, and partners.

HR / Staff Supervision

• Provide clear expectations, maintain strong communication, and accountability for excellence among Program Team staff.
• Conduct ongoing performance management, including regular check-ins and quarterly/annual reviews.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and corrective action to support staff success and program quality.
• Offer professional development and training opportunities to team members under direct supervision
• Participate in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of Program Team roles (in collaboration with HR Manager and Director of Programs).
• Support annual updates to job descriptions.
• Develop, maintain, and update program policies, procedures, job guides, and operational processes.

Camp Compass Program Management

• Manage registration for Club Compass students.
• Support program setup, supply ordering, and planning activities.
• Communicate with families before and during the program.
• Lead data collection and tracking (excluding academic assessments).
• Manage Backpack Feeding Program logistics.
• Monitor and adhere to the program budget.
• Support continuous quality improvement efforts.

Community Outreach & Engagement

• Represent Compass for Kids through presentations to churches, civic groups, and community organizations.
• Partner with the Director of Programs and Volunteer & Special Events Coordinator on volunteer and community partner recruitment.
• Build partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
• Participate in events aligned with Compass for Kids’ equity statement and goals.
• Attend community networking events to strengthen visibility and relationships.

General

• Adhere to goals outlined in the Strategic Plan 
• Demonstrate Compass for Kids’ core values - Belonging, Results-Driven, Adaptability, Value-Adding, and Excellence
• Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities 
• Support Development and Marketing efforts by building relationships with donors, assisting with special events (e.g. Back to School Brunch), and assisting with grant writing and donor stewardship
• Perform other duties as assigned 

This description reflects the primary duties of the role but is not an exhaustive list. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as organizational needs evolve.

Qualifications

We're looking for someone who is organized, adaptable, collaborative, and passionate about helping children succeed.

Skills & Strengths

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build meaningful relationships with students, families, volunteers, staff, and community partners
• Strong organizational and time management skills 
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and other technology tools
• Attention to detail; conscientiousness; quick learner
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn and adapt
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction; a self-starter
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Adaptable team player
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Must be flexible

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education, Human Services, Social Work, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, professional experience, and relevant leadership experience will also be considered.
• Three or more years of experience in youth development or a related field preferred.
• At least two years of supervisory experience required.
• Not-for-profit experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance.
• Ability to pass required criminal background and motor vehicle checks.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $50,000-$60,000 annually, depending on education and experience

Status: Full-time, Exempt

We believe taking care of our employees allows us to better serve our community.

Benefits include:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 13+ Paid Holidays, including the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical & Dependent Care)
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• SIMPLE IRA Retirement Plan
• Professional development opportunities
• A supportive, mission-driven team

Schedule

This position requires availability until 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the school year. Most remaining hours are worked Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends for special events or program needs. If possible, additional hours outside the standard schedule may be balanced with flex time.

Location

This position is based in Springfield, Illinois. Candidates should live in Springfield or the surrounding area, as regular in-person collaboration, site visits, and community engagement are an important part of this role. Limited remote work may be available after onboarding and in accordance with Compass for Kids' Flexible Work Policy.

Our Commitment

At Compass for Kids, we know our team is strongest when people bring different experiences, perspectives, and ideas to the table. We are committed to creating a workplace where every employee feels welcomed, valued, respected, and supported.

If you're passionate about helping children succeed, we'd love to hear from you. We know great candidates don't always check every box on a job description, so if you're excited about our mission and believe you'd be a great addition to our team, we encourage you to apply.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives because we believe our differences make us stronger and help us serve the children and families in our community. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you believe every child deserves someone in their corner, you'll fit right in at Compass for Kids.