Program Initiative Manager

The Program Initiatives Manager plans, implements, and manages program initiatives and special projects, including directly and indirectly managing cohorts of AmeriCorps members. The Manager collaborates effectively with Ampact staff, contractors, and key external partners to successfully implement program initiatives and special projects. This position collaborates with the Program Team to recruit, select, and place members in their assigned initiatives, ensuring that the project reaches critical recruitment milestones. The position is also responsible for initiative performance management, compliance, and retention, and providing members, service sites, and Ampact with the support and consistent problem solving necessary to implement program initiatives. The Program Initiatives Manager will ensure a successful and meaningful experience for members and partner organizations, while developing and managing programming to meet the intended outcomes of the project. This position will observe confidentiality of all member, program and organizational information.

Program Initiative and Special Projects Management: Work collaboratively with ServeMinnesota, RMI leadership, program staff, operations staff, and learning and training staff to plan for and manage program initiatives and special projects. Collaboratively build the project's design, implementation plan, infrastructure, and documentation while keeping stakeholders informed about the initiative. Manage the logistical and program support of the program initiative, including materials management and transportation, managing and monitoring training attendance, staffing training, and supporting coaches and staff. Keep all stakeholders informed of project timelines and respond quickly to needed changes.
1. Site Partnerships: Develop and maintain productive partnerships with sites. Conduct in person site visits at least monthly (regional travel required). Work closely with all partners to ensure open, effective communication with clear understanding of program model leading to successful implementation with strong participant outcomes. Work collaboratively with the staff to respond to challenges and issues that may arise at the site. Collaborate with Program Specialists regarding timely collection of data from sites. Proactively source potential new site partnerships. Provide insight to the Director of Partnerships about the challenges and opportunities in maintaining site partnerships; provide support, as needed, to develop tools related to site partnerships.
2. Cohort Management: Oversee the management and supervision of AmeriCorps members serving within assigned program initiatives, either through direct cohort management or by working with Program Managers and Senior Managers assigned to manage AmeriCorps members. Create an exceptional service experience, striving to retain 100% of members during their service year and obtaining a high rate of members returning for a subsequent term of service. Work closely with the member's on-site supervisor, to provide supervision and proactive support to members which includes performance management through affirmation, coaching, and corrective action as necessary. Document member performance issues and improvement plans, as necessary. Provide staffing and input for member professional development over the course of the program year. Ensure members have a thorough understanding of their work and are supporting the initiative's goals. Provide insight to the Director of Service Experience about the challenges and opportunities in supporting AmeriCorps members; provide support, as needed, to develop tools related to supporting members during their term of service.
3. Compliance and Grant Administration: Ensure compliance with program, organization and AmeriCorps rules and regulations. Monitor completion of member requirements and provide support and follow-up as necessary to each member to ensure requirements are met on a timely basis (e.g. eligibility documentation, pre-service paperwork, enrollment and exit deadlines, mid-term and end-of-term performance evaluations, required training attendance, performance documentation). Ensure member time sheets are submitted on time. Ensure the hours recorded on member time sheets are allowable. Ensure members are not engaging in any prohibited activities during their service.
4. Full-Cycle Recruitment: With direction from the Director of Talent Acquisition, Director of Programs, and Senior Program Manager or Director of Program, implement a comprehensive member recruitment strategy to successfully recruit quality, diverse AmeriCorps members, with the goal of filling all positions in designated geographic region by member start date. This includes: (1) building healthy applicant pipelines through site-based strategies and grassroots sourcing activities; (2) developing networks and maintaining partnerships with local colleges/universities and other community organizations. Responsible for application preparation, sourcing candidates, screening applications, conducting phone and final interviews, making offers, and ensuring successful member enrollment and onboarding.
5. Training and Scheduling: Develop programming and train members as needed for assigned initiatives and special projects. Staff regular member and coach training sessions to cultivate commitment, motivation, and reinforce relationships. Assist with training session logistics and support. Train members on program orientation. Work with the training team to ensure initiatives have a cohesive training plan that meets program requirements. Provide exceptional customer service at all times.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Minimum Experience

• Previous program management experience with Ampact. preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in creating partnerships and working in a collaborative environment.
• Proven interpersonal skills including the ability to build relationships, lead teams, solve problems, mediate conflict, and exercise sound judgment.
• Experience managing, selecting, and recruiting staff.
• Experience recruiting, building, and sustaining partnerships.
• Experience with complex project management, including troubleshooting and continuous improvement.
• Ability to structure and prioritize tasks, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced evolving environment. Ability to set, meet, and manage goals and deadlines.
• Commitment to supporting all members and service recipients enrolled in our programs.
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
• Commitment to develop equity skills and cultural competence of self and others.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and written communication skills characterized by active listening, respectful two-way communication, and timely and results-oriented communication. Public speaking experience preferred.
• Proven initiative, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong technical skills with MS Office, Excel, Quickbase, and Google Docs. Ability to utilize video conferencing effectively. Ability to troubleshoot technology issues and identify solutions to technology challenges.
• Ability to travel 10-20 percent of the time to a variety of locations.

Physical Requirements

Ampact. is committed to compliance with the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable accommodations as possible to enable employees to perform the essential function of their positions.

This position requires the ability to:

• Travel locally and statewide as needed to attend meetings
• Communicate effectively with people/groups in multiple settings within and outside the organization
• Effectively utilize existing and emerging technology to achieve required results

Transporting of moderately heavy objects up to 25 pounds

Ampact offers an excellent benefit package including Medical, HSA, Dental, Vision, FSA, Life, Disability, PTO and 401(k).

Ampact will not discriminate for or against any AmeriCorps service member or applicant on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, familial status, military service, or any other category protected by law. Reasonable accommodations provided upon request.