Educational Program Manager

Department: Operations
Reports To: Director of Operations / Regional Director
FLSA Status: Full Time, Exempt
Pay: $65,000-$70,000/ year
Location: Chicago, IL

About Brains & Motion Education:
Are you ready to join Brains & Motion Education (BAM!) and be part of a team focused on unleashing the potential within every student? 

At BAM!, we bring together top-notch instructors and exciting content in local schools and communities, offering students year-round opportunities to grow and explore their interests. Learning isn't just about knowledge - it's about having fun and making lasting memories!

Our on-campus programs are conveniently located at schools and universities, providing a safe environment where students can thrive, learn, and have fun with their friends.  In just four years, BAM! has partnered with over 350 schools and academic institutions nationwide, impacting the lives of more than 25,000 students through our after-school programs and seasonal camps.

If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, consider joining us in shaping the future of learning. Apply today!

Join Brains & Motion Education as an Educational Program Manager for our After-School & Guided Recess Programs and Summer Camps in the Chicagoland area. We're looking for a dynamic leader with a background in STEM, sports and the arts, who is committed to enhancing student experiences.

The ideal candidate brings 2+ years of experience in program management for K-12 students, along with expertise in coaching sports and/or integrating STEM and arts education.

Key qualities we seek include:

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent people management skills, including leading and supporting staff teams both in person and remotely
• Genuine passion for sports, STEM, and the arts, fostering a love of learning and physical activity in young learners

Program Operations & Quality

• Oversee daily operations of assigned programs, ensuring alignment with contracts, ratios, and schedules
• Conduct regular site visits, observations, and check-ins to monitor program quality and instructor performance
• Ensure programs follow curriculum expectations and provide a positive student experience
• Address and resolve on-site issues in real time, escalating when necessary

Staff Management & Support

• Recruit, onboard, train, and retain program staff
• Ensure staff meet all compliance requirements (background checks, mandated reporter training, TB, etc.)
• Manage staff schedules, coverage, substitutions, and timekeeping accuracy
• Coach instructors through feedback, performance conversations, and professional development
• Serve as first point of contact for staff concerns, call-outs, and scheduling needs

Scheduling & Payroll Coordination

• Build and maintain staff schedules using approved systems (e.g., Paycom)
• Monitor timecards for accuracy and compliance with scheduled hours
• Partner with payroll and operations teams to address discrepancies
• Support coverage for evenings, early dismissals, weekends, and special events as needed

School & District Partnership

• Act as the primary liaison between BAM and school/district partners
• Maintain strong relationships with principals, site contacts, and district stakeholders
• Communicate program updates, staffing changes, and operational needs
• Support contract adherence and flag discrepancies related to staffing, timing, or scop

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure programs meet all licensing, district, and state requirements
• Follow and enforce BAM policies related to safety, supervision, and conduct
• Support ADA interactive processes, documentation requests, and attendance accountability as needed
• Document incidents, concerns, and corrective actions accurately and timely

Collaboration & Reporting

• Collaborate closely with Operations, HR, Sales, Curriculum, and Payroll teams
• Maintain accurate records in internal systems (e.g., Salesforce, Paycom, internal dashboards)
• Provide regular updates, insights, and data to leadership
• Support special projects, seasonal transitions (summer/winter), and growth initiatives

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Program Management, Youth Development, Sports Management, Physical Education, or a related field (or equivalent experience) desired.
• 2+ years of experience in program management, education, youth programs, or operations
• Demonstrated ability to build and nurture partnerships with schools, families, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in directly managing teams, with a proven track record of effective leadership and team coordination.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of multitasking in a fast-paced environment.
• Passionate about youth development, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering creativity and innovation.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, afternoons, evenings, and occasional weekends
• Proficient with scheduling, payroll, and operational systems (e.g., Paycom, Salesforce, Google Workspace)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Extensive experience working in the youth sports, STEM, or arts education sectors.
• Strong coaching background and a deep understanding of youth physical education.

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule: Day Shift, Monday to Friday (Some Weekends)
Work Location: Chicago, IL - Hybrid (with in-person work taking place on local school campuses)

Brains and Motion Education is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state or local law.