Program Manager, Englewood Strong

Position Title: Program Manager, Englewood Strong

Location: Greater Englewood, Chicago, IL

Position Type: In Person

About Imagine Englewood if: Since 1997, Imagine Englewood If (IEi) has provided safe spaces for youth in Greater Englewood to enhance their academic achievement, creative growth, environmental knowledge, and physical activity. Additionally, IEi creates skill-building opportunities for adults and offers valuable resources for families. By working alongside our community and partners with shared determination, values, and goals, IEi is supporting a mission of empowering children, strengthening families, and equipping individuals of all ages to live healthy, safe, and productive lives in Greater Englewood. In other words, we don’t just want our neighbors to survive, we want them to thrive. 

About The Englewood Strong Program: The Englewood Strong Program supports Imagine Englewood if youth participants and their families  by addressing barriers that impact stability and success. Services include the Peace Pantry, resources and referrals, community building events, Parental support events on campus, and skill building opportunities. The program provides personalized assistance to help parents, caregivers, and community members navigate housing challenges, transportation issues, and other hurdles on their path toward greater stability.

Purpose of Position: Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Program Manager will be responsible for the planning and implementation of programming and activities for IEi’s Englewood Strong program, all in alignment with the mission of the organization and responsive to the needs of the community. 

The Program Manager will primarily be responsible for: 

Program Implementation

• Plan, promote, and manage all Englewood Strong programs, including the Peace Pantry, resource navigation, community-building events, and skill-building opportunities.


• Oversee program coordination from design to execution, ensuring activities are responsive to community needs and aligned with IEi’s mission.


• Manage enrollment data, program reporting, and other required documentation in collaboration with the Director of Programs.


• Identify and secure resources (in-kind support, tools, materials) that strengthen and expand program offerings.


• Ensure safe, welcoming, and efficient program operations across Peace Campus spaces.

Staff & Volunteer Management

• Serve as the direct supervisor and primary support for Campus Coordinator(s) and related program staff.


• Build a strong volunteer base by recruiting, training, and inspiring volunteers to support program delivery.


• Foster a positive team culture that emphasizes collaboration, communication, and continuous learning.


• Provide regular guidance, feedback, and accountability to staff and volunteers to ensure high-quality service to residents.

Partnership Development & Community Engagement

• Build and nurture collaborative relationships with residents, partner organizations, local businesses, and stakeholders.


• Represent IEi and the Englewood Strong program at community meetings, partner gatherings, and neighborhood events.
  Strengthen referral pathways and partnerships that enhance the level of support available to youth and their families we serve.


• Maintain a consistent presence on the Peace Campus, cultivating trust and connection with community members, youth and their families 

Development & Organizational Support

• Contribute program data, stories, and insights to support fundraising efforts, grant proposals, and impact reporting.


• Assist in identifying new opportunities and resources that expand the program’s reach and sustainability.


• Provide relevant content for social media, newsletters, and external communications related to Englewood Strong.


• Participate in team-wide learning, professional development, and collaborative planning efforts.

Additional Responsibilities

• Model IEi’s values of community, compassion, empowerment, and respect in all interactions.


• Demonstrate continuous personal and professional growth as a practitioner and member of the IEi team.


• Complete other duties as assigned to support the organization’s mission and the evolving needs of the Englewood community.

The ideal candidate for this role is someone that has:

• AA/AS degree or equivalent professional experience required.


• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfort with public speaking.


• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and work independently with strong initiative.


• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences.


• Strong skills in project planning, execution, conflict resolution, and time management.


• Positive, resilient, community-centered spirit with a strong commitment to Englewood.


• Ability to model professionalism, dependability, organization, and follow-through.


• Experience working in Chicago communities is preferred.


• Proficiency with Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and email communication.


• Dependable transportation for meetings, events, and off-site engagements.
  
  

Schedule and Compensation:
This is a full-time, exempt position. Primary working hours are 9:00AM - 5:00PM, with flexibility required for some evening and weekend events. Salary: $50,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Benefits include ten days of paid time off, twelve staff holidays, a competitive benefits package, and a flexible, human-first work culture.