Program Manager

Thank you for considering a career with the Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY)! We are thrilled that you are interested in exploring opportunities to join our team. 

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With more than 250,000 students enrolled across 25 campuses in New York City, The City University of New York (CUNY) is the largest urban university system in the nation. The CUNY Office of Careers Industry Partnerships (OCIP) connects classroom learning to workforce opportunities by building innovative career development programs that advance equity and mobility for CUNY students.

The New York City Housing and Vacancy Survey (NYCHVS) is a federally recognized, citywide survey conducted approximately every three years by the City of New York in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau. Since 1965, the NYCHVS has been the longest-running housing survey in the country and a nationally respected source of data on housing conditions, rent regulation, and the city's community-dwelling population. Its findings inform affordable housing policy, rent regulation, and planning decisions that affect millions of New Yorkers and are widely used by policymakers, researchers, and advocates. The upcoming 2026 NYCHVS will mark the 20th survey cycle.

The NYCHVS Mission Program hires CUNY students as paid interns to contribute to this critical survey effort, giving them hands-on experience in housing research, survey methodology, and public policy analysis.

Reporting to the Director of CUNY Internship Programs, the NYCHVS Mission Program seeks a detail-oriented, organized, and mission-driven program manager with experience in program design and management, stakeholder engagement, and student support. This individual will oversee day-to-day operations of the NYCHVS Mission Program, including student recruitment, campus engagement and placement, intern coaching and supervision, agency partner communications, and program evaluation.

In this role, the selected candidate will directly contribute to the successful execution of the 2026 NYCHVS, ensuring that students are well-prepared to support one of the most significant and enduring housing surveys in the nation.

This is a temporary position contingent on program funding and availability. The program will run until August 31, 2026

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Program Development (30%)

• Support the Director in planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating the NYCHVS Mission Program to meet both employer needs, student learning goals and operational needs.

• Collaborate with CUNY campuses, faculty, and other partners including the Census Bureau and the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) to support survey preparation and execution.

• Oversee implementation of program policies, procedures, and documentation from recruitment through post-program reporting.

• Conduct site visits, student check-ins, and surveys to monitor student experiences and ensure program quality.

Communication Partnerships (25%)

• Serve as primary liaison between CUNY, Census, HPD, and other stakeholders connected to the 2026 NYCHVS.

• Review and approve internship applications; oversee placement processes to align student skills with survey needs.

• Host information sessions, orientations, and training workshops to prepare students for roles in housing research and survey administration.

• Meet regularly with students, agency, and program stakeholders to ensure compliance with project guidelines and fiscal accountability.

• Provide high-quality customer service to students, supervisors, faculty, and agency representatives.

Student Support Personnel Management (20%)

• Provide job coaching, professional development guidance, and mentorship to interns before and during survey deployment.

• Monitor student performance, attendance, and adherence to program and agency policies.

• Coordinate onboarding, training, and weekly check-ins with interns.

• Oversee payroll and timesheet processes; troubleshoot issues and ensure accuracy in reporting.

• Address performance concerns, implement corrective actions, and provide ongoing operational support.

Data, Reporting, and Outreach (20%)

• Manage program data systems, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity of student records and survey-related documentation.

• Prepare reports on student participants and outcomes to the 2026 NYCHVS for internal and external stakeholders.

• Support survey-related outreach and recruitment efforts, including CUNY career fairs and community information sessions.

• Assist in budget tracking and ensure compliance with funding requirements.

Other (5%)

• Collaborate with OCIP and the CIP Director and other team members on occasional initiatives that align with both the unit and NYCHVS's mission.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Educational background in fields such as Public Policy, Urban Studies, Sociology, Political Science, or related fields.

• Two or more years of experience in workforce development, higher education, public policy, research administration, or related program management.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to adapt quickly and exercise sound judgment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office/365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams) and comfort learning new systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree strongly preferred (fields such as Public Policy, Urban Studies, Sociology, Political Science, or related areas a plus).

• Familiarity with CUNY, RF CUNY, CRM platforms, or student recruitment platforms (e.g, Handshake) a plus.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• This position is based in a professional office environment and follows a hybrid work schedule: 70% in-person (7 days) and 30% remote (3 days) during each two-week payroll cycle.

• A laptop and other necessary equipment may be provided to support remote work.

• While performing these duties, the employee may be required to:

• Sit for extended periods

• Use a computer and other office equipment

• Occasionally lift or move items up to 20 pounds

• Reasonable accommodations will be provided to individuals with disabilities or other needs in accordance with RFCUNY policies and applicable laws.

• Ability to travel to other CUNY sites as needed.

Pay Range:

RFCUNY Benefits
RFCUNY Employee Benefits and Accruals

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.