Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Enrichment Program Manager

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for creating impactful learning experiences? We are searching for an exceptional Enrichment Program Manager to join our team and take ownership of our diverse portfolio of enrichment activities. In this pivotal role, you will be the chief architect and operator of our programs, from initial concept and curriculum design to daily execution and long-term strategic growth. You will manage a dedicated team, cultivate key community partnerships, and ensure every participant has a safe, engaging, and transformative experience. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our organization and make a tangible difference in the lives of the community we serve.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Program Coordinator
Lead Teacher / Instructional Coach
Volunteer Manager or Community Outreach Coordinator

Advancement To:

Director of Programs
Regional Program Director
Director of Operations

Lateral Moves:

Grant Writer / Development Manager
Community Partnership Director
Curriculum Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, develop, and implement a diverse and innovative portfolio of age-appropriate enrichment programs, including academic support, arts, STEM, and sports, that align with our organization's mission and strategic goals.
Oversee all day-to-day program operations, including scheduling, logistics, facility management, and resource allocation, to ensure a smooth and efficient delivery of services.
Recruit, hire, train, and provide ongoing supervision and professional development for all program staff, instructors, and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
Develop, manage, and meticulously track the annual program budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility, optimizing resource utilization, and reporting on financial performance to leadership.
Establish, nurture, and maintain strategic partnerships with schools, community organizations, parents, and external vendors to enhance program offerings and expand our community reach.
Lead all marketing and outreach initiatives to drive program enrollment, including creating promotional materials, managing social media channels, and representing the organization at community events.
Implement and manage a comprehensive registration and enrollment process, maintaining accurate participant records and managing communications with families from inquiry to post-program follow-up.
Develop and enforce program policies and procedures that ensure the physical and emotional safety and well-being of all participants, in compliance with all state and local regulations and licensing standards.
Create and implement a robust program evaluation framework to consistently monitor and assess program quality, participant satisfaction, and learning outcomes using both qualitative and quantitative data.
Prepare and present detailed reports on program metrics, including attendance, enrollment trends, budget performance, and impact analysis, for senior leadership, board members, and funders.
Act as the primary point of person for parents and guardians, maintaining open and consistent lines of communication and proactively addressing any questions, concerns, or feedback.
Plan and execute special events, showcases, and culminating activities that celebrate participant achievements and engage the wider community.
Manage the procurement, inventory, and maintenance of all program supplies, materials, and equipment, ensuring resources are available and in good condition.
Proactively identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including grant writing and donor cultivation, in collaboration with the development team to support program sustainability and growth.
Mediate and resolve conflicts among participants and/or staff, employing restorative practices to foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive program environment.

Secondary Functions

Stay current with emerging trends, research, and best practices in youth development, education, and program management to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
Lead and facilitate regular team meetings to review program goals, delegate tasks, and address operational challenges collaboratively.
Manage and maintain the program's database or CRM system, ensuring all stakeholder and participant data is accurate and up-to-date.
Collaborate with other internal departments, such as finance, marketing, and administration, to ensure cohesive and integrated organizational operations.
Represent the organization on relevant community committees, task forces, and coalitions to advocate for our mission and build social capital.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Program Management Software: Proficiency in platforms like Procare, EZChildTrack, or similar systems for registration and operations.
Budgeting & Financial Acumen: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for budget creation, tracking, and financial forecasting.
Curriculum Design: Demonstrated ability to develop engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans and program structures.
Grant Writing & Reporting: Experience in identifying funding opportunities and writing compelling grant proposals and reports.
Data Analysis: Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret program data to inform decision-making and demonstrate impact.
Project Management Methodologies: Knowledge of tools and techniques (e.g., Asana, Trello) to manage complex projects and timelines.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Team Management: Inspiring, mentoring, and effectively managing a diverse team of staff and volunteers.
Exceptional Communication: Superior written, verbal, and public speaking skills for engaging with all stakeholders, from children to board members.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture, anticipate future trends, and develop long-term plans for program growth.
Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Resourcefulness and composure to navigate unexpected challenges and adapt plans on the fly.
Interpersonal & Relationship-Building Skills: A natural ability to build rapport, trust, and strong collaborative relationships with internal and external partners.
Organizational & Time Management: Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to juggle multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

Education
Social Work
Public Administration
Non-Profit Management
Youth Development

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5 years of progressive experience in program management, education, or youth development.

Preferred: Direct experience managing multi-site or large-scale enrichment or after-school programs within a non-profit or educational setting is highly desirable. Proven success in staff supervision, budget management, and community partnership development.