Youth Challenge Program Operations Manager - Marietta
West Georgia Technical College
Operations
Georgia, USA · Marietta, GA, USA
USD 60k-65k / year
Posted on May 22, 2026
The purpose of the Youth Challenge Program (YCP) is to recruit, enroll, and train at-risk youth who have left high school without a diploma (dropouts or expulsions) to complete work on their General Educational Development (GED) Diploma, and to receive life skills training. The program is structured similar to a US Army basic training company, providing military structure and discipline, drill and ceremony, self-control and motivation. Eight core components form the basis of the curriculum: academic excellence; life coping skills; vocational training; responsible citizenship; leader/followership; health, hygiene and sex education; physical fitness; and, community involvement/community service projects. The program is drug-free, gang-free, and tobacco-free. The 22-week residential program ensures a safe, secure environment where the eight core components can be achieved through individualized instruction. In addition, 40 hours of service learning is required of all cadets in order to graduate. The majority of the graduates continue on to post secondary school education, vocational-technical training, full-time employment, military enlistment, or some combination of these. With campuses at Fort Stewart in Hinesville and Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia’s YCP is one of the most successful “at-risk” youth programs in the nation, graduating over 20,000 cadets since the program’s inception in 1993.
SPECIFIC DUTIES OF THE OPERATIONS MANAGER:
Under the supervision of the YCP State Director, the YCP Operations Manager provides staff support for the Georgia National Guard’s Youth Challenge Academy (YCA) program planning process.
Typical responsibilities will include:
- Tracks trends and issues which have an impact on program goals.
Develops the Program and Academy Annual Plans and State Recruiting Plan for the Youth Challenge Program.
Identifies gaps or unmet needs in the Program’s information base. Discusses issues with State Director and staff in affected area. Conceives and implements solutions.
Coordinates and oversees the state YCA program strategic planning process.
Assists the State Director with administration and implementation of programs.
Represents the Youth Challenge Academy across the state and nationally
Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess one or more of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, organizational psychology or a related field. Professional level experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.
- Professional level experience in strategic planning for a large government agency, educational institute, or military organization.
- Lean Six Sigma certification.
Additional Information:
Selected applicant must pass a pre-employment background investigation, which includes a Georgia criminal records search, a pre-employment drug test (post-hire will be placed in the pool for the State Random Drug Testing Program), AND a post-employment federal background investigation, which includes a national criminal records search.
EARN MORE THAN A SALARY! In addition to a competitive salary, the Georgia Department of Defense offers a generous benefits package, which includes a pension and savings plan; 13 paid holidays annually; vacation and sick leave; health, dental, vision, legal, disability, accidental death and dismemberment, health and child care spending account.
“AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER & DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE”
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.
“AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER & DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE”
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.
Unclassified position #00054344
Associate degree in business or related field from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of experience related to area of assignment; or one (1) year of experience required at the lower level Busi Support Analyst 3 (GSP132). Note: An equivalent combination of knowledge, education, job or intern experience, training, or certifications that provides the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted year-over-year.
Additional Information