Program Manager, Teen & Youth Education & Development

Background: AHC is a non-profit affordable housing developer and service provider with offices in Baltimore, Maryland, and Arlington, Virginia. Our growing portfolio of 54 multifamily rental communities provides over 8,300 homes in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.

Mission: At Affordable Homes & Communities, our residents are at the heart of all we do. AHC builds opportunities by creating quality homes with holistic resident services. We drive change through innovation, genuine partnerships, and responsible investment.

Resident Services Goal: Transformational Engagement - Build and sustain healthy, beautiful, and equitable communities with our residents to open doors through which they can create homes, neighborhoods, and the lives they want to live. The four cornerstones of Resident Services programming are Education, Economic Mobility, Health & Wellness, and Community Engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Director of Education, the Program Manager serves as the subject matter expert in all matters related to teen education and youth development. The Program Manager provides comprehensive knowledge and guidance for developing, evaluating, and enhancing programs tailored to meet the unique educational and developmental needs of teenagers within the AHC community. With a commitment to aligning strategies with best practices, the Program Manager ensures seamless execution and impactful outcomes with a dedication to educational equity and innovative curriculum development.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Staffing & Management:

• Demonstrate strong leadership and team management skills by providing direct supervision to Resident Engagement Specialists & Coordinators, interns, and other staff as needed.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, providing orientation, guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure the team's success.
• Implement effective communication strategies to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.
• Be responsible for training and conducting performance evaluations to maintain a high-performing and motivated staff.
• Uphold a commitment to professional development, encouraging continuous learning and growth within the team.
• Exhibit a proactive approach to conflict resolution and problem-solving.

Program Direction & Development:

• Oversee the effective implementation of educational programs, ensuring they meet the specific needs of middle and high school students.
• Manage the Project Discovery post-secondary college access program for teens in grades 6-8.
• Facilitate workshops and activities focusing on building essential life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and financial literacy.
• Foster a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy among teens through leadership development programs.
• Encourage active participation in decision-making processes within the community.
• Organize events and initiatives that encourage positive social interactions among teens and between teens and other community members.
• Implement health and wellness programs addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by teens.
• Collaborate with community partners to promote physical and mental well-being.
• Establish protocols and resources for crisis intervention to support teens facing challenges such as mental health issues or family issues.
• Provide a safe and supportive space for teens to seek help.
• Design and implement engaging and age-appropriate programs for teens in affordable housing communities.
• Create a diverse range of activities promoting academic achievement, leadership skills, and social engagement.
• Partner with managers from other program areas to coordinate services across programs and locations.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in teen education and development.
• Participate in education team meetings and RS meetings in collaboration with the Director and Program Managers.

Program Evaluation:

• Work with Data Management to define key impact outcomes and qualitative and quantitative tools for impact measurement.
• Implement assessment tools to measure the impact and effectiveness of educational programs.
• Regularly evaluate and adjust curriculum and program activities based on feedback and outcomes.
• Use data-driven insights to make informed decisions for future program development.
• Stay abreast of educational trends and best practices.

Collaboration:

• Promote a cohesive RS team across disciplines by working closely with Program Managers to develop programs and provide training for all RS staff.
• Foster partnerships with local schools, educational institutions, and community organizations to enhance educational opportunities for high school students. ‘
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and stakeholders to create a supportive learning environment.
• Engage with parents and guardians to involve them in teen programs and address any concerns or challenges.
• Foster a collaborative approach between families and the program.
• Support volunteer recruitment, training, and retention efforts.
• Work cross-departmentally with AHC and third-party property management companies and community partners.
• Play a key leadership role in fostering strong site teams by working closely with third-party management companies.
• Attend regularly scheduled and impromptu meetings, including one-on-one check-ins, team meetings, and All Staff meetings.

Fundraising:

• Provide qualitative and quantitative data to Community Relations for grant proposals and reports.

Financials:

• Work with the Director of Education to build an annual teen education budget.
• Monitor expense coding and monthly expenses to ensure adherence to the budget.
• Process check-requests for staff and vendors and code credit card reconciliation forms and receipts.

Data Management:

• Maintain accurate records of program attendance, teen participation, and outcomes.
• Generate reports to demonstrate the impact of teen programs to stakeholders.
• Oversee data collection and entry and provide reports as requested.
• Ensure data entry is complete as outlined in policies & procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all grant guidelines and oversee the successful execution of program objectives.

Qualifications:

• Commitment to the Mission, Vision, and Values of AHC.
• Master’s degree in social work, public administration, or a related field, plus at least 5 years of experience in community development and/or social work. (Additional years of experience can substitute for a master’s degree.)
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong motivation and the ability to work independently and as a team with many partners.
• Knowledge of educational resources and working relationships with schools and stakeholders within the districts where AHC has properties are strongly preferred. Current districts are Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Montgomery Counties, Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Baltimore County.
• Experience working with diverse populations regarding race, ethnicity, country of origin, age, and economic status.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office—Excel, Word, Outlook, and SharePoint. Additional skills in PowerPoint and Publisher are preferred.
• Experience using a database.