Program Manager

Description

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 85,000 graduates since its founding in 1984.STRIVE's 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 strive.org.

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 Program-STRIVE's 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 STRIVE's proven model, this leader will ensure the program's 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.

Requirements

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 STRIVE's 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.

Location: In person Monday-Friday in STRIVE's 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.