PROGRAM MANAGER
WHO WE ARE
Robert Sengstacke Abbott, a Georgian native and son of freedman slaves, was formally trained as an attorney. However, upon settling in Chicago, he learned the printing trade and founded a newspaper in 1905, still in publication called the Chicago Defender.
A key part of his distribution network was made up of African American railroad porters, who were highly respected among African Americans – adding to the reputation and credibility of the newspaper. The Chicago Defender is often noted as having played a major role in initiating The Great Migration, during 1915-1919, resulting in approximately 1.3 million African Americans to northern cities
Myiti Sengstacke-Rice now continues the legacy of 4 generations – she was voted President and CEO of the Chicago Defender Charities in February 2017. Under Myiti’s leadership she has since being doing business as the Robert Sengstacke Abbott (RSA) Charities to honor the legacy her family and community.
MISSION
We connect the community to opportunities dedicated to performing arts, education, health, wellness, business training and entrepreneurial development. We strive to unite, empower, improve the quality of life, and enrich families and individuals in our communities.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Program Manager plans and supervises all aspects of ChiDC’s annual programs, from inception to execution, ensuring that project objectives are carried out within the approved timeline. The Program Manager leads the annual Bud Billiken® Parade and Festival. In addition, they oversee all communications on behalf of the Bud Billiken® Parade, collaborating with all teams and Stakeholders. They are in charge of all standard and specialized initiatives within organizational operations and act as the communication liaison, leader, strategic planner, and overseer for ChiDC annual programs, but typically include the following:
Role & Responsibilities
The Chicago Defender Charities (Charities) hereby agrees to engage the Program Manager to provide the Charities with the following services:
Identifying key objectives, tasks, and projects.
Planning, scheduling, and strategizing about program goals.
Creating budgets, guidelines, and other business-related documents for the program.
Leading communication with team members assigned to projects.
Supervising project management through reports and meetings.
Updating senior management on project progress.
Drafting reports on operations and plans for stakeholders.
Acting as a liaison and spokesperson for all programs.
Ensuring the smooth running of operations under control of the Program Manager.
Determining new projects, programs, and initiatives for the Charities.
Evaluate program participants to ensure they meet eligibility requirements.
Develop and implement branding and marketing campaigns to promote the program.
Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including sponsors, community organizations, and government agencies.
Send regular reports to key stakeholders, including sponsors, community organizations, and government agencies.
Facilitate monthly meetings with community organizations, and government agencies.
Assume assigned responsibilities that support the overall function of the Charities. These responsibilities may include such activities as grant writing, public relations, community advocacy, public speaking, etc.
Collaborate with each team member to create a cross-functional line of communication.
Support day-to-day media relations responsibilities through creative pitch development, building media campaigns, and creating press releases.
Collaborate with team members across multiple departments at the Charities and successfully manage complex, fast-moving and unexpected communications challenges.
Manages a portfolio of media for various outlets.
Role Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree preferred
Minimum of two years of work experience in the education, human service, youth development, outdoor events or social service field.
Must be self-initiating, energetic and motivated. Comfortable with ambiguous and changing tasks, and capitalizing on opportunities that arise.
Must possess excellent interpersonal skills that excel in cultural sensitivity and respect for differences.
Must function well in group and team settings. Able to be solutions-focused, task-driven and innovative in those settings.
Must possess excellent written and verbal communications skills.
Ability to design and implement rich leadership experiences that directly impact the Charities.
Ability to manage several projects at once, with little or no oversight, and meet all deadlines and quality standards.
Proven ability to remain calm and professional in all situations.
Thorough understanding of various aspects of event production.
Well versed in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive.
Constant walking, climbing stairs and lifting up to 75lbs.
Excellent communication and presentation skills with technical, non-technical and executive audiences.
Proven ability to project a professional image by working steadily, being a team player and being responsible for personal actions.
Job Type: Full-Time; temporary to permanent
Work Location: Remote, in-person meetings as scheduled
Compensation: $3425-$4,000 monthly salary