Youth Program Operations Manager - Just A Start

POSITION SUMMARY:

Do you enjoy working with youth of all backgrounds, abilities, and needs? Are you a detail-oriented, organized, “systems thinker”? Do you naturally build relationships with those you meet? Are you just as comfortable presenting to a group as digging into a spreadsheet?

YouthBuild Just A Start is seeking a full-time Youth Program Operations Manager (YPOM), reporting to the Director of Youth Program Pathways, to manage our Front Desk and Operations Associate, as well as lead recruitment, operations, and data systems activities from an equity-mindset. You are a resourceful and entrepreneurial candidate who is passionate about youth development. As an excellent communicator, and an organized project manager, you will be indispensable to facilitating successful program recruitment and smooth operations. Your attention to detail and ability to manage a high volume of work with efficiency will also support our efforts to improve and expand program offerings in alignment with Just A Start’s Strategic Plan.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. However, we encourage interested candidates to apply by Friday, February 14th.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND:

Just A Start’s mission is to promote equity by creating access to stable housing and building pathways to economic opportunity. Founded in 1994, YouthBuild Just A Start is a comprehensive youth academic and workforce development program that empowers low-income, out-of-school youth (ages 16 - 24) to reclaim their education, build their careers, and become leaders in their communities.

This program is part of the Education and Training department at Just A Start. Just A Start’s other programs include affordable housing and comprehensive support services, spanning Cambridge and beyond. Just A Start believes that access to stable housing and sustainable careers are the essential building blocks of equitable communities. 

WORK REQUIREMENTS:

This is a 37.5 hour per week in-office position. 

Ideal Start Date: March 31st, 2025 

Location: 430 Rindge Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140 

Work Hours: 8:00 - 4:00 PM (Monday - Friday) 

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Under the supervision of the Director of Youth Program Pathways, you will lead recruitment efforts by connecting with youth and advocates (e.g. families, teachers, community organization staff, etc.) and supporting applicants through the interview process. You will also maintain our program inventory, manage pilot projects, and ensure our Salesforce database is accurate and accessible.

1. Recruitment

• Support applicants through the recruitment process, including: facilitating informational sessions (in-person and virtual), scheduling interviews, coordinating academic assessments, and supporting new student orientation.
• Become expert in and enroll accepted students into funder databases, ensuring all required documentation is collected and included.
• Build and maintain connections with recruitment partners from high schools, community organizations, and child welfare systems (e.g. DCF, juvenile diversion programs, etc.)
• Design physical and digital marketing collateral to drive interest in YouthBuild Just A Start.

2. Program Operations

• Provide operational and project management support for all existing programming and any new initiatives.
• Supervise our Front Desk and Operations Associate, including 1:1 weekly check-in’s, annual performance reviews, and goal design.
• Monitor office, classroom, and kitchen inventory and place weekly replenishment orders.
• Track student achievements, purchasing and distributing incentive awards in a timely manner.

3. Data Systems / Salesforce Management

• Develop Salesforce campaigns, reports, dashboards, and list views to connect with applicants, track participant success, and reveal trends in program effectiveness.
• Maintain and analyze student data in Salesforce to inform strategic programmatic decision making and approaches.
• Manage program calendar (including class schedule and special events) and create corresponding Salesforce service sessions for attendance tracking.

QUALIFICATIONS / KEYS TO SUCCESS:

• Minimum of three (3) years of related experience desired.
• Growth mindset, student-centered outlook, and reliability are a must.
• Equity-centered professional who is sympathetic to the systemic barriers that opportunity youth may face.
• Entrepreneurial spirit that helps the program equitably meet enrollment goals.
• Interest in marketing, outreach, project management, public speaking, and database management.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Zoom, and Salesforce (or other CRM) preferred.
• Ability to occasionally work hours outside of Monday through Friday (8:00 - 4:00 PM).
• A driver’s license is preferred (although not required) for recruitment/operational activities
• Acceptable CORI/SORI

TO APPLY / WHAT TO EXPECT:

Please submit a resume and cover letter that details your interest and qualifications for the role. Qualified candidates may expect the following interview process:

• Step 1: 30 minute Zoom screen with the hiring manager
• Step 2: 90 minute in-person interview with YouthBuild students and Program Directors
• Step 3: Reference checks (3)
• Step 4: Background check (via Chekr)

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

This is a 37.5 hour per week position with a salary range of $65,000 - $70,000. In addition to a competitive salary, Just A Start offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance, dental insurance, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, life insurance, transportation benefits, early release at 2 PM every Friday, 20 PTO days in the first year, 13 paid holidays, volunteer time off, employee assistance program, and a 401k savings plan with a 3% employer contribution. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate. 

ABOUT JUST A START

Just A Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our staff represent a wide range of ages, races, interests, and backgrounds coming together in pursuit of common goals. Together, we strive to provide an environment that values diversity and promotes an inclusive culture. Applications from women and candidates of color are strongly encouraged. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.