Head of Programme Management

Program Manager (SF TAY)

First Place for Youth – San Francisco, California, United States

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About First Place for Youth, we’re a leading non‑profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.

Why Work at First Place for Youth: Meaningful Impact: Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Together, we’re a force dedicated to uplifting youth. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth. Culture of Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

The Program Manager is responsible to ensure high quality services and effective daily operations of all aspects of SF TAY (Transition Age Youth) Rapid Re‑housing and Rising Up Programs. These programs provide direct services to individuals who experience homelessness during transition age (18‑24 years old), while building skills development in housing, healthy living, education and employment for independent living preparedness. This role is critical to the support of the mission to address and combat youth homelessness in the San Francisco area. Duties include contract, site, services and human resource management including hiring, evaluation, coaching and training. The Program Manager is responsible to ensure program outcomes, train and support in best practice implementation, cultivate external opportunities and partnerships promoting youth in reaching pathway to living wage opportunities, organize community building events, coordinate with contract partner Stakeholders and supervise direct‑service Case Managers and Resource Specialist staff. The Program Manager provides leadership congruent with agency policy, values and mission provides management reports as required, and leads projects or functions as assigned. This position is expected to be onsite at our Oakland Headquarter Office a minimum of 3 days a week, in the community of San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area.

Program Operations

Manage assigned programs and projects to ensure compliance with program, agency, and regulatory policy.

Provide leadership and guidance to staff on all components and processes of First Place for Youth with emphasis on assigned programs and projects.

Review data to monitor quality of services, track outcomes, and guide support areas.

Participate in the ongoing development, evaluation, and refinement of service delivery including field training and support to ensure quality and effectiveness of services.

Ensure high fidelity to First Place for Youth standards and competencies among staff.

In collaboration with director, support budgeting, contract control, reporting and renewal, and all aspects of program/projects.

Oversee day‑to‑day operations and effective functioning of single site affordable housing and scattered sites rapid rehousing partnerships; track outcomes, implement case plans, ensure retention of clients in housing, education and employment outcomes, and transition planning towards self‑sustainability.

Talent Management

Hire, train, develop and supervise a team of direct service staff and support them on best practices for effective service partnerships with non‑profit housing agencies and rapid rehousing partners. Manage performance of direct service staff to meet expectations in the areas of housing retention, resource and referral, workshop delivery, case management, education and employment coaching.

Provide weekly one‑on‑one participant‑centered supervision to service staff.

Provide on‑going in‑service training to ensure highly qualified and developing staff able to engage and support participants toward outcome achievement.

Provide guidance to ensure focus on housing stability and income attainment toward long term housing stability.

Provide guidance to ensure accuracy of housing information provided to staff including affordable housing applications, rapid rehousing information and referral, and eviction prevention services.

Facilitate regular team meetings for direct service staff at affordable housing and rapid rehousing sites to increase collaboration, resource sharing and program fidelity.

Ensure program data is entered on time and correctly to support program evaluation and outcomes tracking.

Community Outreach and Engagement

Cultivate community partnerships across multiple jurisdictions with local businesses, employment service agencies, educational institutes, and social service supporters that support participants reach their goals.

Ensure robust awareness and access to community resources for all staff.

Attend and represent agency interests at community meetings as assigned.

Participate in coordinated entry and matching meetings to promote rapid entrance and engagement of youth with program staff toward achieving housing goals.

Support First Place staff and, through that support, youth to navigate eligibility and regulatory requirements of each housing provider.

Ensure rapid and effective response to manage vacancies, resident transitions, serious housing concerns and landlord/tenant issues that arise.

Develop and maintain positive relationships with affordable housing providers and community partners that can further expand stable housing opportunities for Transition Age Youth.

Orchestrate site visits and tours for funders and community providers to demonstrate how the First‑Place partnerships with nonprofit affordable housing providers offer TAY a permanent housing solution.

Direct Youth support

Bachelor’s degree required.

Four years’ experience with at‑risk youth at least one of which working with homeless youth or in affordable housing environment. Demonstrated success organizing, managing and evaluating programs, events, campaigns or productions.

Dependable car, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance preferred.

Computer skills – Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, Project and Outlook. Experience with database systems is a plus.

Strong Communication skills – Exceptional oral and written communication skills including the demonstrated ability to research, assimilate, and analyze information, Academic/Career experience.

Computer/Software skills.

Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.

2 floating holidays

15 paid holidays

Principal dental and vision coverage with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place

Principal basic life and voluntary life insurance coverage

Employee Assistance Program

401(k) retirement savings plan

We do not offer relocation assistance. Local candidates preferred.

To learn more about First Place For Youth and view our current job openings, visit our website at

We are unable to sponsor work visas now or in the future.