GLSEN Youth Initiatives Manager

This is a remote position.

WHO WE ARE?

GLSEN is the leading LGBTQ+ organization working on K-12 education issues. GLSEN is a multi-racial intergenerational network working nationally and locally to transform K-12 educational systems and democracy in the United States. GLSEN works to build safe and affirming learning environments for LGBTQ+ youth while advancing racial, gender, and disability justice in education settings. Our vision is for students to be able to learn and for teachers to be able to teach. Schools must be places of liberation where young people thrive and reach their full potential and every student completes their education ready to build a multi-racial democracy.  To learn more about us, visit https://www.glsen.org/

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Youth Initiatives Manager leads GLSEN’s national youth initiatives, including the National Student Council (NSC) and Shimmer Program. This role drives implementation of GLSEN’s Youth Engagement Model to strengthen student leadership, organizing, and advocacy across K-12 education. Key responsibilities include managing youth communications, coordinating events and trainings, developing resources, and supporting student participation in campaigns. The Manager also tracks program impact and builds strong relationships with youth, Chapter leads, and staff. 

This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who thrives in building programs and infrastructure from the ground up. The role will require creativity, initiative, and strategic thinking to design systems, resources, and experiences that empower youth and leave a lasting impact. The ideal candidate brings experience in youth development, program management, facilitation, and student organizing, along with a strong commitment to equity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and education justice.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Program Leadership & Coordination

• Lead GLSEN’s National Student Council (NSC) and Shimmer Programs, engaging Chapter-based and nationally affiliated youth.
  

• Manage cross-departmental requests for student participation in external events (e.g., speaking, op-eds, awards).
  

• Plan and coordinate NSC/Shimmer meetings and convenings, including content, logistics, and outreach.
  

• Co-manage the Alumni Ambassador Program with the Organizing & Training Team.
  

• Implement and expand the Youth Engagement Model in collaboration with Organizing & Training staff.
  

• Support Chapters in meeting goals, ensuring alignment and compliance with GLSEN’s Youth Engagement Policies.
  

Youth Engagement & Communication

• Maintain regular communication with youth and adult participants in youth engagement programs.
  

• Administer and moderate GLSEN’s youth communication platform (currently Discord), to foster connection and community.
  

• Manage constituent inboxes, ensuring prompt and accurate responses.
  

• Build and sustain relationships with youth, Chapter leads, and other stakeholders.
  

Resource & Content Development

• Develop, update, and curate resources to support youth engagement and leadership.
  

• Disseminate resources and opportunities across the chapter network.
  

• Oversee youth-facing social media content in coordination with Communications.
  

• Manage internal and external youth engagement resource libraries.
  

• Support youth participation in national campaigns and related content creation.
  

Training & Capacity Building

• Lead trainings for NSC, Shimmer youth, youth leaders, and adult allies.
  

• Provide technical assistance to student organizers and school clubs.
  

• Facilitate peer learning and collaboration among GLSEN youth groups.
  

• Create and manage training materials for chapters on youth engagement.
  

Data, Evaluation & Administration

• Track and analyze engagement and impact data to guide strategy.
  

• Assist with budget planning and resource allocation, while overseeing and being responsible for expense tracking, including credit card expenditures, to ensure accuracy and accountability.
  

• Maintain systems to monitor program outcomes and effectiveness.
  

• Support departmental projects as needed.
  

LOCATION

This position is currently remote within the United States.  For more information see GLSEN's website at www.glsen.org.  

SALARY 

The salary for this position is $80,000 annually.

Requirements

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience developing and managing youth programs with a broad, strategic perspective; ideally at the regional or national level. 
  
• Five or more years of direct work experience in youth development. Experience working with youth organizers a plus.
  
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (such as social work, youth development, education, public health, and counseling) a plus.
  
• At least three years of project or program management and logistics coordination, with a demonstrated ability to oversee complex initiatives from planning through execution, is a must.
  
• Two or more years of facilitation or training experience, designing and delivering engaging, effective sessions for diverse audiences, is a must.2 or more years of facilitation/training experience.
  
• Three or more years of experience in K–12 student organizing and/or advocacy, with a deep understanding of the issues facing young people in educational settings.
  
• Proficient in using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive), Zoom, and Discord, is required. Familiarity with presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides).
  
• Knowledge of project management tools such as Asana, is a plus.
  
• Demonstrated success in cultivating and sustaining relationships that advance program goals and foster trust across diverse groups.
  
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
  
• Strong knowledge of youth development principles, best practices, and pedagogy.
  
• Knowledge of the U.S. education system and current LGBTQ+ issues in schools.
  
• Commitment to social justice and knowledge of anti-oppression/anti-racist work.
  
• Proven ability to manage time efficiently and support multiple projects at once.
  
• Exceptional attention to detail and consistency in follow-up.
  
• Working knowledge of social media and constituent database software.
  
• Willingness to travel domestically, as needed, for special events.
  
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends to support special meetings or events.
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to do the following: stand; walk; sit; speak and hear while communicating with others to exchange information; repeat motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers; use hands to touch, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. 

Benefits

WHY GLSEN? 

When you join GLSEN, you join a community of smart, caring, talented individuals working together, supporting and inspiring each other to advance racial, gender, and disability justice in education settings. If you want to make an impact, GLSEN is the place for you. In addition, eligible employees can take advantage of the following benefits: group medical/vision/dental benefits with 100% employer contribution for employees and 50% contribution for dependents; life insurance; 401k retirement savings plan; and generous holiday and paid time off policies.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.