Community Programs Manager

ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION & OVERVIEW 

Our mission is to bring out the limitless potential in young leaders through extraordinary experiences and nurturing relationships. At PEAK, we know that with the right support and access to quality programs and experiences, all young people are able to achieve at the highest level imaginable.

POSITION MISSION

The Community Programs Manager ensures that the broader Midtown & Milwaukee community has access to high-quality, engaging programming while fostering strong pathways for PEAK participants to connect with next-level, community-minded activities. This role bridges PEAK’s mission with the opportunities and resources of the surrounding community, cultivating meaningful experiences that strengthen belonging, leadership, and impact beyond PEAK.

REPORTING AND RELATIONSHIPS

The Community Programs Manager reports to the Director of Milwaukee Programs and works collaboratively with all program staff to ensure clear and connected delivery of PEAK programs. This position may oversee Youth Engagement Specialists and some LT interns for program execution.

POSITION AVAILABILITY
The Community Programs Manager is a full-time exempt position that includes weekend and evening hours to oversee out-of-school programming year-round. Due to the nature of PEAK programs, limited time off is available in summer months during preparation for and execution of summer programming.
 

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

Program Leadership:

• Oversee the development, design, and delivery of all community-based program initiatives while ensuring that the objectives of each initiative are aligned with the organization’s mission, goals, values, and desired youth outcomes, aligned to PEAK’s Program Quality Standards.  


• With support from the Director of Milwaukee Programs, coordinate and oversee the community programs budget.


• Develop and lead PEAK Community Camp summer programming, including the management of the daily and session program schedules as well as schedules that relate to staff time off and on-duty responsibilities.


• Serve as lead planner and executor for PEAK’s College & Service Learning Tour, ensuring quality community-driven experiences for PEAK participants.


• Develop and execute intentional community service opportunities for all PEAK participants.


• In collaboration with the LT Program Manager, support the execution of Youth Leadership Series by ensuring relevant community representation of both participants and presenters.


• Support the execution of school-based programming, through Field Trips or other in-school programs with school partners.


• With support of the Director of Milwaukee Programs, develop an annual cadence for community focused events, ensuring relevant programming for Midtown neighbors and PEAK families.


• Develop and sustain impactful community partnerships, including with local neighbor leadership groups under the direction of the Director of Milwaukee Programs.

Community, Alumni, & Participant Engagement & Management: 

• Develops strong rapport with participants and community members and creates pathways for community members to be integrated into other aspects of PEAK programming.


• Manage external building use.


• Supports the recruitment pathway of PEAK participants through tabling opportunities and other relevant community events.


• Identifies opportunities for volunteers and PEAK alumni to engage and stay connected to the PEAK community through intentional service opportunities, such as PEAK events, Youth Leadership Series, and more.


• Supervises and supports program staff, interns, and volunteers, training them and holding them accountable for quality program delivery. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES

Key team competencies: Resilience, Growth Mindset, Self-Management, Communication, Collaboration, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Problem Solving

Deeply connect and align with PEAK’s Four Beliefs:

1. Every living being has inherent value.


2. The community is better when everyone contributes.


3. We can only grow when we’re honest about our mistakes.


4. Everyone has the power to change their world.

A belief that with the right support and access to quality programs and experiences, all young people are able to achieve at the highest level imaginable. 

Highly energetic with an ability to work independently and maintain a strong commitment to teamwork; the ability to confidently set and enforce clear expectations and boundaries with youth participants and staff.

Understanding of Milwaukee from a community driven perspective.

Calm under duress and able to make critical decisions in a quick and logical manner to minimize risk and to ensure the safety and well-being of participants and staff.

Highly organized with the ability to plan for multifaceted programming effectively and efficiently.

Experience in lesson planning, teaching/facilitating classes, trainings, and/or workshops.

Experience serving youth facing social and/or economic hurdles. 

Experience and comfort working with diverse populations and as a member of a diverse multidisciplinary team.

Previous or current leadership role with a youth-serving organization; a minimum of 3 years in progressively responsible roles.

Familiarity with Google suite tools such as Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Calendar. Prior experience with client management databases is a plus.

While not required,  bilingualism in English and Spanish would be beneficial.

EDUCATIONAL, CERTIFICATIONS, & LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

Must have a driver’s license valid in the State of Wisconsin and able to pass PEAK’s motor vehicle background check and driver training and safely drive/transport adults and children in PEAK vehicles, including a 12-passenger van.

Valid CPR and First Aid certification is required within the first 30 days of employment (PEAK can support in attaining).

A bachelor’s degree in education, recreation, camp management, social work, nonprofit management, psychology, or other related field. May be substituted for extensive relevant experience.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Competitive salary, commensurate with experience (typical starting salary $48,522-$60,652).

Generous PTO package (starts at 17 vacation days & 6 personal/sick days, 10 organizational holidays, 3 personal holidays, and 2 weeks of organizational shut down each year).

Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance package.

Employer contribution to organizationally sponsored retirement fund (IRA, no match required).

Monthly cell phone reimbursement.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS 

The mental and physical requirements and work environment conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Willingness and ability to travel locally in Milwaukee to meet with community partners and to observe programming.


• Understanding that summer programming for PEAK is extensive and multifaceted and willingness to be present and fully engaged during this critical time. 


• Willingness to travel for week long expeditions and weekend retreats with participants, as needed, 1-2 times a year.


• Position requires standing, stooping, sitting, and sometimes walking long distances on uneven terrain (5+ miles a day), and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds with or without assistance.


• Must be comfortable working in a city park as a significant portion of time will be spent at the PEAK Program Center in Tiefenthaler Park.


• May be required to drive 6+ hours in one day, transporting campers or other staff members.


• All PEAK Initiative properties, including Lake Valley Camp and the Milwaukee Program Center, are substance-free environments. Smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, and the use of illicit drugs are strictly prohibited on all property regardless of whether or not staff are on break. 

Additional Comments:

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

PEAK Initiative is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.