Program Manager
Location: San Francisco, CA (Bayview Hunters Point)
Reports to: Program Director
Status: Full-time, Exempt
About Friends of the Children – SF Bay Area
At Friends of the Children – SF Bay Area (Friends-SF), we are breaking the cycle of generational poverty by empowering youth to achieve their big dreams. Each child in our program is paired with a long-term, salaried, professional mentor—a Friend—who walks alongside them from kindergarten through high school graduation, for 12+ years, no matter what.
Founded in 2017, Friends-SF is part of a nationwide network with a 30-year track record of proven impact. We proudly serve the Bayview Hunters Point community and are committed to expanding our reach across the Bay Area. Learn more at friendssfbayarea.org
About the Role
We’re seeking an experienced Program Manager to supervise and support our team of Professional Mentors. In this role, you’ll provide coaching, accountability, and resources to help Mentors guide youth and families toward their goals. You’ll also collaborate with the Program Director, build community partnerships, and help ensure program quality and fidelity.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is deeply committed to equity, passionate about youth development, and skilled at balancing accountability with inspiration.
Key Responsibilities
Supervise, coach, and motivate a team of Professional Mentors, holding them accountable to program goals, values, and performance expectations.
Provide regular one-on-one support, feedback, and professional development opportunities for Mentors.
Monitor quality of services, including time spent with youth, school support, and activity planning.
Partner with schools and community organizations to support youth and families.
Track program outcomes, utilize data to strengthen services, and contribute to continuous program improvement.
Assist with recruitment, training, and onboarding of new Mentors.
Support family engagement events and youth enrichment activities throughout the year.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in social work, youth development, education, or related field strongly preferred.
4–6 years of experience working with child- or youth-serving programs (experience with under resourced communities of color required.)
Experience with family support and engagement.
At least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
Strong management, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; highly organized.
Ability to build trusting relationships with staff, children, families, and partners.
Comfortable with data tracking and reporting; proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.
Familiarity with the Bayview Hunters Point section of San Francisco or similar communities a plus
Other Requirements:
· Tuesday-Saturday work week. Typically 10am-6pm
· Must have your own vehicle, safe driving record and valid driver's license
· Must possess a mission-driven growth mindset, and a commitment to lifelong learning
· Commitment to building a culture of mutual accountability, inclusiveness, and respect
· Must pass drug screening
· Must pass fingerprint and background checks
Why Join Us?
Be part of a national, evidence-based movement that changes lives.
Work in a supportive, mission-driven team environment.
Contribute to breaking cycles of poverty and empowering the next generation.
Compensation and Benefits:
Starting salary range is $70,506-$78,340. Salary will be determined per qualifications set in our Compensation Philosophy.
Benefits include full medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees (100% employer paid premium on base plan); 401(k) with employer match, basic life insurance and long-term disability insurance; 3 weeks of paid vacation and 2 weeks of paid sick leave, and 6 mental health days per year; and generous allowances for commute and cell phone and business mileage reimbursement.
To Apply:
A resume and cover letter are required for consideration. Please outline how your skills, interests, professional and lived experience make you a strong fit.
Local SF Bay Area candidates considered only - no relocation assistance offered
Equal Opportunity Employer