Program Manager

Title:                              Program Manager

Unit:                              Employment Services

Reports to:                    Director, Workforce Development

Salary Range:               $35.71 - 38.46 per hour [Approximately $65,000 - $70,000 annually]

Status:                           Full Time- Regular/Exempt

Location:                       Long Island City

Days/Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week

Organization Overview

The Fortune Society, Inc. (Fortune) has been working for over 57 years in service to our mission: to support successful reentry from incarceration and promote alternatives to incarceration, thus strengthening the fabric of our communities. The organization has evolved into one of the nation’s preeminent reentry and justice-informed service organizations, providing formerly incarcerated people with the skills and wrap-around services needed to break the cycle of crime and incarceration and to build productive lives in their communities.

Fortune has grown steadily over the years to an agency just under $79 million in annual budget with just under 600 staff. We anticipate that we will keep growing, both in size and in depth of service. Fortune has a dual mission: both advocacy and service. The advocacy portion of our mission focuses on building a more just criminal legal system and reducing the barriers to reentry into society. The service side of Fortune has evolved to encompass a broad range of programs that started with employment and education and now includes a robust array of services, among them: alternatives to incarceration, supervised release, court advocacy, discharge planning within correctional facilities, licensed substance use and mental health treatment, a housing continuum ranging from emergency and transitional through permanent congregate and scattered site housing, assistance in obtaining benefits, a care management unit, HIV services, a food and nutrition program, and an arts program. Each service we provide is informed by the needs of the population we serve. Fortune currently serves approximately 14,000 people a year. Our participant population mirrors the incarcerated population in being approximately 85% male and over 90% people of color. Our program models are recognized, both nationally and internationally, for their quality and innovation.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Director, Employment Business Services, the Program Manager (PM) will oversee the development, implementation, and management of our internship program. The PM will play a critical role in designing program objectives and establishing key partnerships. These include educational institutions, employer host sites, and industry partners. The PM will maintain strong partnerships with Bloomberg, NBC Universal, and other organizations to increase internship placements. They will also provide intentional case management support to interns, ensuring a valuable and rewarding experience. The Program Manager will oversee our Corporate and Traditional Programs. These include our Bloomberg Fellowship, NBC Apprenticeship Program, and Fortune’s Transitional Work Program (TWP).

Mission, and Fit

The Program Manager must embody the values and mission of the Fortune Society. This includes meeting our participants where they are, demonstrating our values through compassion and understanding; and affirming that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done.

Results Driven

The Program Manager collaborates with the Director of Employment Business Services to manage contracts, ensuring deliverables are met, and leads ongoing program improvements, maintaining a commitment to meeting and exceeding program deliverables. The Program Manager anticipates, identifies, and effectively addresses issues and/or risks, planning for contingencies to manage challenges, and follows through on plans established. They will also manage projects and tasks successfully from inception to delivery. This includes designing Alumni Networking events for past interns and fellows. These projects will support the long-term success of Retention and provide a Wellness check of past program participants.

Supervision

The Program Manager should be able to communicate the vision to direct reports and ensure that the team understands and strives towards defined performance goals. The Program Manager carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding, coaching, and mentoring employees; addressing employee relations and resolving problems.

Effective Judgement and Decision Making

The Program Manager will demonstrate their ability to apply the principles of management, effectively communicate, engage and motivate team members to meet the milestones required for the program. The Program Manager is a leader that can make effective and efficient decisions and encourage prudent risk-taking. They will also illustrate excellent interpersonal skills.

Stakeholder Collaboration

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders (e.g., program managers, career counselors) and external partners (e.g., employers, community organizations, corporate internship partners) to facilitate collaboration, resource sharing, and program sustainability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategic plans and objectives for the internship program in alignment with organizational goals and talent development strategies.
• Ensure effective oversight of the Transitional Work and Retention Specialist by monitoring and guiding the execution of internship-related tasks as outlined below.
• Oversee internship program structures, including recruitment processes (that will include reviewing applications, selecting intern candidates, creating, and issuing acceptance and rejection notifications, developing, implementing selection criteria, orientation sessions, training modules, and evaluation mechanisms, to ensure a positive and enriching experience for interns.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with Community Based Organizations (CBO’s) and Faith Based Organizations (FBO’s) to promote internship opportunities, recruit top talent, and facilitate collaboration on program initiatives.
• Cultivate relationships with industry partners, employers, and professionals to identify internship placements, projects, and mentorship opportunities that align with participants education and career interests and abilities, visit and vet hosting sites.
• Coordinate internship recruitment efforts, including facilitating presentations, screening applicants, conducting interviews, and matching interns with suitable placements based on their skills, interests, and career goals. Review and submit attendance records/information.
• Develop and deliver orientation sessions, workshops, and training activities to prepare interns for their roles, enhance their professional skills, and foster a sense of community and belonging within the organization.
• Provide ongoing support, guidance, and mentorship to interns throughout their internship experience, serving as a primary point of contact for questions, concerns, and feedback.
• Monitor intern attendance and performance, track project milestones, and conduct evaluations to assess learning outcomes, skill development, and overall program effectiveness.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including case managers, employment specialist, treatment services, BLC, supervisors, managers, and HR personnel, to integrate interns into departmental activities, projects, and initiatives, and ensure alignment with organizational needs and priorities, as well as providing progress reports and necessary support.
• In collaboration with employment services team, organize networking events, career fairs, and professional development opportunities to facilitate networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing among interns, employees, and external partners.
• Collect and analyze feedback from interns, supervisors, and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement, implement best practices, and enhance the internship program experience.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and other communication materials to communicate program achievements, outcomes, and impact to senior management, stakeholders, and partners.
• Stay informed about trends, developments, and innovations in internship programs, talent development, and higher education to continuously enhance program quality and relevance.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies related to internships, employment, and equal opportunity practices.

Qualifications:

•    Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Business Administration, Education, or related field; master’s degree preferred.
•    Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in talent development, internship program management, or related field, with a proven track record of success in designing and implementing internship programs.
•    1 – 2 years of supervision experience strongly preferred.
•    Strong understanding of internship program best practices, recruitment strategies, talent management principles, and student development theories.
•    Excellent communication, interpersonal, networking, and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with students, faculty, employers, and industry professionals.
•    Demonstrated leadership abilities with the capacity to motivate, inspire, and mentor interns, staff, and stakeholders to achieve program goals and objectives.
•    Organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with internship management platforms, applicant tracking systems (ATS)- Case Worthy (CW), or other technology tools to support program administration and data management.

Travel Requirements:  
•    Travel between Fortune Society offices.
•    Travel to offices for meetings and/or training. 
•    Required to travel throughout the 5 boroughs using public and/or personal transportation. 

Physical Demands:
•    Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time. 
•    To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities and requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensing, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable Accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

The Fortune Society is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
We value and respect the unique perspectives and contributions of all individuals. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications, experience, and interest in the position.

The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of conviction history, race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status. We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission. Relevant personal experience is a plus.