Program Manager

Grand Avenue Club (GAC) is seeking a self-motivated Program Manager to support and advance our community-based mental health programs. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Program Manager plays a key role in overseeing day-to-day program operations, supporting staff and members, and advancing initiatives aligned with the Clubhouse model.

Central to this role is the active engagement of members in all aspects of Clubhouse operations. The Program Manager supports member participation by fostering a sense of purpose and belonging, building on individual strengths and interests, and promoting meaningful involvement in daily work and community life.

The Program Manager collaborates closely with staff, members, and external partners to carry out activities that support GAC’s mission and goals while meeting the expectations of funders, partner organizations, and public agencies that support our work.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Grand Avenue Club is a community-based mental health organization dedicated to supporting adults living with serious mental illness through meaningful work, social connection, and opportunity. Our mission is to promote recovery, independence, and community inclusion by providing a welcoming, non-clinical environment where members build skills, relationships, and purpose.

Founded in 1991, GAC operates under the internationally recognized Clubhouse model, which emphasizes voluntary participation, shared work, and long-term engagement as pathways to recovery. Through employment, education, and daily community life, Grand Avenue Club helps members strengthen their well-being and contribute meaningfully to the broader community.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure that GAC staff provide members with Work Ordered Day programming, employment, education, outreach, personal advocacy, and social opportunities.
• Uphold the mission, goals, objectives, and policies of GAC.
• Effectively coordinate and direct the operation of the Clubhouse, consistent with Clubhouse International Standards.
• Trains and evaluates GAC staff.
• Provide regular reports to the Executive Director to assist in making informed decisions and fulfilling responsibilities.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, fulfill the various funding bodies’ contract requirements and maintain all required licenses and certifications.
• Participate in meetings, training programs, and appropriate workshops.
• Provide feedback to staff individually and collectively to build cooperative teams.
• Develop strategies to improve the overall processes and outcomes for GAC programming.
• Responsible for program evaluation and development by preparing reports and other outcomes-based documents in accordance with funding contracts.
• Provide support and structure to ensure that there is significant and meaningful participation of Clubhouse members in all aspects of the organization.  Provide and model advocacy to ensure access to services for the member when needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and experience in utilizing community resources.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and written.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to write professional and technical documents.
• Ability to plan, implement, and follow through on projects relating to the position.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Ability to effectively train others with varied learning styles as well as the ability to facilitate individual and group activities
• Maintain a valid Wisconsin driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation in compliance with agency requirements.

Skills/Abilities

• Experience and comfort working with diverse populations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of social service and mental health programs
• Effective time management, organizational, and prioritization skills
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), as well as social media sites

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: Employees must have an ability to lift 25 lbs.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  This job operates in a professional office environment and also works with the public in community settings.   Local travel to community organizations and businesses may be required.

COMPENSATION: Exempt, full-time, salaried position with annual compensation commensurate with education and experience.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• Hours: Monday to Friday.
• Some Evening and Weekend hours 

BENEFITS:

• Competitive Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Generous vacation time and paid Holidays
• Mileage reimbursement

WORK LOCATION: Grand Avenue Club is located at 210 E. Michigan St., Milwaukee WI