Program Manager

Program Manager

Location: Milwaukee, WI.

Reports to:  Executive Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Date Prepared: 2/20/23

About Inner-City Computer Stars (i.c.stars):

Since 1998, i.c.stars has been running intensive 16-week technology and leadership boot camps to break the cycle of oppression for inner-city adults. Our project-based learning approach – rooted in systems thinking and problem-solving – is core to how we develop Technology and Community Leaders. Our programs transform lives and strengthen communities. Our graduates’ earnings increase average is 300%, with an 83% placement rate and 90% industry retention rate after one year. Furthermore, many of our graduates go on to become homeowners and advocates for change. One of our 1,000+ alumni summed up the impact in this quote: “i.c.stars allows space for CREATORS to architect their career, their lifestyle, and even more deeply consider generational wealth…”

Position Summary:

i.c.stars is hiring a Program Manager to join our organization at an exciting time of organizational growth. Reporting to the Milwaukee Executive Director, the Program Manager is core to the planning, delivery, success, and evaluation of our 16-week programs. This position is responsible for leading and managing  cohorts of 20-25 participants (interns) in preparation for their placement into technology related jobs after graduation. Successful outcomes for this role include intern program retention, skills progression, satisfaction, and job retention post a cycle graduation.

Ideal candidates will bring excellent communication, administrative, and management skills as well as the ability to interface with interns, functional departments, and outside stakeholders as we work to achieve our mission. The Program Manager will also support and guide interns as a professional skills coach, learning facilitator, and advocate, participating in creating and sustaining a positive environment, with trust among interns, outside stakeholders, and staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Daily program leader and manager of 20-25 interns for each program cohort
• Facilitate leadership workshops and assist with coordination of career readiness training
• Coordinate with ED and Technology Training Manager to identify and bring external subject-matter experts in as instructors of Business, Leadership and/or Technology workshops/workshop series
• In partnership with the Technology Training Manager, work with the Project Sponsor (Client) to identify an appropriate project concept/scope and associated learning objectives and outcomes
• Conduct client business reviews and plan, monitor and execute client action plans
• Lead client project meetings and debrief sessions with interns, and ensure client project meets timeline
• Coordinate efforts and schedules for intern activities while maintaining a positive group dynamic among both staff and interns
• Work collaboratively with ED and other i.c.stars offices, as needed, to ensure alignment, awareness, and consistency across functional program areas
• With support of the ED, ensure all intern program activities are planned, organized, and executed with high quality
• Provide guidance for self-directed learning and provide one-on-one coaching if needed and constructive feedback on task assignments
• Participate in partner training sessions to learn curriculum and implement specialized trainings
• Work across organization to refine and document the leadership and business curriculum components
• In collaboration with Technology Training Manager and team, evaluate each cohort and present findings to staff Report on the success of client project work to leadership and clients
• Stay well-informed of current market circumstances and client needs for intern training
• Support the reciprocity and “give to get” i.c.stars ethos as it pertains to community involvement and alumni engagement post program graduation
• Support the recruitment process by participating in panel interviews
• Track, evaluate, and report on interns’ aptitude for and understanding of business, leadership and technology, and their readiness for job placement
• Manage the learning environment successfully, adhering to the i.c.stars’ intern handbook guidelines and expectations

PERSONAL SKILLS/ATTRIBUTES: 

• 5+ years of experience in a project management, training and client relationship management
• A hands-on leader with integrity and a desire to work in a dynamic environment
• Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision operationally
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills
• Passion for developing entry-level talent with demonstrated ability to motivate and mentor
• Superior management and organizations skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and to administrate multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, prioritizing and delegating as needed
• Interest in working a fast-paced, dynamic, complex start-up and/or entrepreneurial environment
• Coaching ability and high comfort level in having one-on-one coaching conversations with staff and interns alike
• Proven ability to make good, proactive decisions in potentially emotionally charged situations and/or in the absence of complete clarity; comfortable taking risks
• Sound judgment, maturity, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Experience with student assessment; and talent to continuously evaluate the curriculum to identify what is working and what improvements can be made
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude, with a willingness to be flexible
• Available for occasional weekend or evening events

WHY WORK HERE? 

We believe our staff is the heart and soul of the organization. Our workplace culture is challenging, supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven. We take a genuine interest in career paths and work-life balance, and welcome contributing ideas from staff at all levels. Working at i.c.stars means working somewhere full of engaging, savvy, diverse people who care deeply about pushing our work forward. If you want to work in a progressive organization, where you can build something meaningful and have fun while doing it, we would love to hear from you.

i.c.stars’ strives to deliver an equitable compensation and benefits package to support the financial, mental and physical wellness of our staff. This includes a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage to employees and dependents; FSA plan; a 401(k) plan; company-paid life and accidental insurance; and STD & LTD; a generous Paid Time Off policy and Holidays.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance (i.c.stars covers >90% of premium)
• 401(k)
• Dental Insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance