Program Manager

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

STRIVE is a national leader with a mission to provide pathways to life-changing careers and opportunities through comprehensive professional training intensive personal support and self-empowerment for those who face societal barriers to advancement. Predominately operating in low-income Black and Brown communities STRIVE celebrates 85000 graduates since its founding in purpose is to ensure that everyone can achieve upward mobility and financial empowerment for themselves and their families and offers free programs to adults of various ages genders and with justice-impacted backgrounds. See why STRIVE Works in this 2-minute video or learn more at .

Position Summary

STRIVE seeks a results-driven leader with strong program management performance oversight and team leadership experience to guide the success of our Career Path ProgramSTRIVEs largest workforce initiative. The Career Path Program Manager is responsible for the overall management and growth of sector-based workforce training for adults including program delivery occupational skills training business development job placement and retention. Drawing on STRIVEs proven model this leader will ensure the programs sustainability quality and alignment with a sector-based approach to workforce development. The ideal candidate brings a data-informed mindset exceptional organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. They will leverage labor market insights to design and implement innovative job placement strategies preparing participants for self-sufficiency and upward mobility. A deep commitment to economic opportunity an understanding of sector-based workforce training and a passion for helping adults from diverse backgrounds achieve their potential are essential to success in this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Delivery

• Ensure the Career Path START program model is executed with fidelity providing participants with access to resources that address barriers to employment (e.g. childcare wellness supports transportation).
• Oversee implementation of all program components to ensure high levels of participant engagement and successful completion.
• Ensure occupational skills training courses align with labor market demand and meet contract and funder requirements.
• Oversee coordination of multiple service elements including education workforce development credential-bearing courses and wraparound supports.
• Manage outcomes for multiple high-stakes contracts simultaneously ensuring all outcomes and reporting requirements are met including post-program follow-up within a two-year retention structure.
• Lead program services that equip adults with the skills confidence and professional behaviors needed for long-term economic mobility.

Performance Management and Outcomes

• Ensure 80% of participants enrolled in occupational skills training obtain industry-recognized credentials.
• Support the Employment Specialist to develop new employer relationships and achieve program employment outcomes including a 75% placement rate.
• Achieve and verify program retention outcomes:
  • 80% at 90 days (75% verified via EVF paystub or offer letter)
  • 70% at 360 days (60% verified via EVF paystub or offer letter)
• Monitor compliance and ensure data integrity through regular audits of Apricot database submissions.
• Establish and track individual and team performance goals that align with funder and organizational targets.
• Produce and analyze regular performance reports to measure progress and inform strategy.

Team Supervision and Development

• Lead and manage the largest program team in STRIVE New York fostering a positive solutions-focused and mission-driven environment.
• Conduct regular coaching sessions with direct reports to provide feedback guidance and professional development.
• Hold routine case conferences to discuss graduate progress and develop strategies for continued success and retention.
• Ensure staff maintain timely and accurate documentation including progress notes attendance and contract milestones.
• Build team morale and culture grounded in STRIVEs core values.

Partnership and Business Development

• Leverage labor market insights to design and implement proactive innovative job placement and retention strategies.
• Represent STRIVE and the Career Path Program in employer community and sector partnership meetings as needed.

Other Duties

• Perform additional projects and assignments as required to support program and organizational success.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree preferred or a minimum of three years of professional experience in program management.
• Must have knowledge of barriers to employment due to involvement within the justice system at large.
• Experience and or knowledge of local labor market demands and workforce development boards are preferred.
• Must have strong time and project management skills.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of public and nonprofit partners is a must. Excellent interpersonal skills are required.
• Must have outstanding communication and writing skills

STRIVE offers a rich benefits package that includes:

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Pre-tax Commuter Benefits Program

401k with employer match

20 days of PTO (pro-rated for part-time employees)

Sick leave

Up to $500 annual professional development reimbursement

Paid holidays (including week of Christmas)

Early closing each Friday during the Summers

And numerous additional benefits!

Location: In person Monday-Friday in STRIVEs New York office.

STRIVE considers applicants for all positions without regard to: race; color; religion; gender; national origin; age; sexual orientation; marital or veteran status; the presence of a medical condition genetic information or handicap unrelated to performing the tasks of the job; or any other legally protected status.