Strategic Programs and Initiatives Manager

GENERAL PURPOSE:

The Strategic Programs and Initiatives Manager leads a team responsible for planning, delivering, and evaluating Summer Youth, High School Career Express, and other assigned programs. This position oversees staff, program operations, budgets, partnerships, and results to provide meaningful career exploration, career readiness, and work experiences. The role may expand to include additional organizational programs and initiatives beyond core workforce service delivery.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this job title. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the job title. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position. Program Planning and Delivery: Lead Summer Youth, High School Career Express, and other assigned programs from planning through completion. Establish goals, schedules, staffing plans, and procedures that support organizational priorities.

Team Management: Supervise assigned employees, assign work, provide training and coaching, and evaluate performance. Set clear expectations, monitor progress, and address performance and personnel concerns in coordination with leadership and Human Resources.

Participant Recruitment and Engagement: Oversee outreach, recruitment, application processing, and participant communication. Coordinate with schools and community partners to reach intended participants and support participation and completion.

Career Exploration and Work Experiences: Oversee career exploration activities, employer visits, career readiness activities, and internship coordination. Work with internal teams, employers, and vendors to align opportunities with participant interests and program requirements.

Budget and Resource Management: Develop proposed program budgets, monitor expenditures, and coordinate purchasing, invoices, and payments with Finance and other responsible teams. Maintain activities within approved budgets and funding requirements.

Partner and Vendor Coordination: Serve as a primary program contact for schools, employers, community organizations, and vendors. Clarify responsibilities, coordinate deliverables, and resolve issues with appropriate internal teams.

Program Quality and Compliance: Ensure assigned programs follow applicable funding requirements, organizational policies, and participant safety procedures. Oversee required documentation, protect confidential information, and address service delivery concerns.

Performance and Reporting: Track enrollment, participation, completion, work experiences, and other program outcomes. Maintain accurate records and provide timely updates on results, expenditures, risks, and needed decisions.

Events and Logistics: Oversee program orientations, field trips, workshops, employer activities, and recognition events. Coordinate schedules, transportation, materials, staffing, and communications as applicable.

Risk Management and Improvement: Identify staffing, scheduling, partner, and operational risks early. Develop contingency plans, escalate concerns, and use participant feedback and program results to improve future delivery.

Additional Programs and Initiatives: Lead the launch and delivery of additional assigned programs. Develop implementation plans, coordinate resources, and integrate new responsibilities into team workloads.

SUPERVISION:

Supervision Received: Work is performed independently under limited supervision with latitude to exercise initiative and judgment within established policies, approved budgets, and assigned authority. Supervision Performed: Directly supervises assigned program staff, including temporary or seasonal employees as applicable.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in business administration, social sciences, education, or a related discipline; supplemented by a minimum of two (2) years of experience in program management, youth workforce development, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience. At least one (1) year of experience supervising staff is required and may be included in the required experience.

Minimum qualifications for combination:

• High School Diploma or GED combined with a minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience, including at least one (1) year supervising staff.
• Associate degree or equivalent coursework from an accredited institution in a related field combined with a minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience, including at least one (1) year supervising staff.

Position is required to attain state required Tier 1 certification within the completion timeframe. After the first year, incumbents must maintain current Tier 1 certification by completing the minimum number of continuing education units (CEUs) annually. *Accreditation confirmed by USDOE Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/GetDownLoadFile.aspx

STRATEGIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

ANALYTICAL

• Analyze and evaluate complex plans and strategies related to workforce, business, finance, agreements and/or public partnerships
• Skilled in market analysis, planning and feasibility
• Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model
• Skill in examining, developing, reengineering, and recommending business and operational policies and procedures
• Ability to use critical thinking to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Solid ability to prioritize and plan work activities, use time efficiently, and develop realistic action plans

COMMUNICATION

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to represent the organization externally across a wide range of stakeholders and constituencies
• Skilled in consensus building and public speaking
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally in meetings, presentations or individually with staff; communicate effectively in writing
• Excellent interpersonal skills coupled with a demonstrated ability to relate to people at all levels; Strong relationship building with the ability to find common ground, build consensus and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders
• The ability to quickly establish credibility and serve as an advocate of the organization
• Utilize negotiation skills to advance the revenue options for the organization

DECISIVE

• Ability to meet or exceed established performance goals and quality standards
• Ability to make timely decisions, and exhibit sound and accurate judgment that could lead to major community or organizational consequences
• Ability to oversee numerous projects and initiatives through direction and delegation
• Ability to successfully navigate in a dynamic, fast-paced, outcome-driven environment

LEADERSHIP

• Ability to formulate and initiate policies and procedures that result in a highly effective workforce services of excellence system, with continuous eye towards quality improvements
• Ability to develop and interpret budgets, contracts, personnel and financial reports
• Ability to effectively manage staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement
• Have leadership abilities including the ability to effectively work with community, staff, and peers
• Demonstrate organizational values in actions, words and attitude of Purpose-Driven, Innovation, Integrity and Fun
• Demonstrated commitment to values of diversity, inclusiveness, and empowerment
• Possesses a strong business acumen and commitment to service of CSCF staff and community
• Understand CSCF, the workforce development system and various programs operated by the organization
• Models CareerSource Central Florida’s core values
• Maintains workplace culture by demonstrating the highest level of standards as defined by CSCF’s Trust Creeds and core values

PROBLEM-SOLVING

• Ability to synthesize complex information, analyze data, and forecast trends related to CSCF workforce and the labor market it serves
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with a diverse workforce and community

TECHNICAL

• Extensive knowledge and experience in business and financial practices in either public, non-profit and/or private organizations, along with community program development experience
• Strong working knowledge of partnerships, revenue diversity strategies, and business models
• Knowledge of public administration principles and practices in Central Florida
• Ability to manage a budget effectively and efficiently within a department or division
• Provide project focused support to CSCF’s organizational strategic goals and objectives, such as preparing for key internal and external meetings and conducting the necessary follow-up
• Proficient in the use of technology, including Microsoft Office applications and web-based platforms

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Position involves occasional travel, and applicants should have reliable transportation. CareerSource Central Florida provides reimbursement for business-related travel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Tasks entail light physical effort, including some standing and walking, or occasional light lifting of fewer than 10 pounds. Minimal dexterity is required for the operation of office equipment. The role may involve extended periods of sitting at a workstation and utilizing a keyboard.

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position has a hybrid work schedule based on business needs. Work is generally performed indoors, with occasional activities at schools, employer sites, and community locations. Some program activities may occur outdoors and involve exposure to weather conditions.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

Some tasks require manual dexterity, while others demand visual and hearing acuity. Tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors. Effective oral communication skills are essential. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between CareerSource Central Florida and the employee and is subject to change by CareerSource Central Florida as the needs of the organization and requirements of the job change. CareerSource Central Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with United States Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines and the Americans with Disabilities Act, CareerSource Central Florida provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.