New Jersey Program Manager

Are you ready to directly impact the lives of first-generation college students and champion economic mobility for all?

About Us

Did you know that only 21% of low income, first-generation college students in the U.S. graduate within six years? Those who do graduate have a median household income 27% lower than their peers. While there are a multitude of college access programs for high school seniors and job assistance programs for low-wage earners, there are few programs that ensure first-generation students stay in school and build the skills necessary to prepare for long-term careers. This is where America Needs You (ANY) comes in.

ANY fights for economic mobility for ambitious, first-generation college students by providing transformative mentorship and intensive career development. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in New York City, ANY expanded to New Jersey in 2012, Illinois in 2015, and California in 2016, growing from serving 50 students to nearly 600 students annually. In 2021, ANY launched FirstGenU, a new virtual program designed to help 10,000 first-generation college students navigate their careers. Visit https://americaneedsyou.org/firstgenu/  to learn more.

Position Description

America Needs You - New Jersey was launched in 2012. The New Jersey program includes 24 Saturday workshops over two years, several additional transfer support sessions, and program events per year. This local site delivers professional development workshops to 180 Fellows (ambitious, first-generation college students) across two cohorts and their Mentor Coaches (accomplished professionals). The New Jersey team works with national staff on curriculum design and development, provides holistic career services support to Fellows, and recruits a new class of Fellows and Mentor Coaches each year.

 As Program Manager, you will work with the New Jersey Executive Director and manage Career Success Coordinators to ensure the successful implementation of the ANY-NJ program and to help manage and cultivate stakeholder relationships. The Program Manager assists the Executive Director with fundraising and special initiatives and events and helps ensure the quality and consistency of the program’s services and deliverables. The Program Manager liaises with the Associate Board and leads Mentor Coach Recruitment. The Program Manager helps develop and maintain formal partnerships with colleges, universities, and corporations to secure recruitment and in-kind support. The Program Manager also works with Career Success Coordinators to oversee case management and internship support for Fellows and Mentor Coaches. This role reports directly to the New Jersey Executive Director. The position is based in Jersey City, New Jersey, and is currently hybrid, requiring in-person attendance at the office some days of the week, in-person attendance at monthly Saturday workshops in Northern New Jersey, and in-person attendance at other work-related events/meetings, as needed.

Our Ideal Candidate:

• Is committed to ANY’s mission of supporting ambitious, first-generation college students
• Is excited about building their skills in facilitation, advising, career counseling and event planning        
• Is passionate about data and analytics to improve outcomes for first-generation college students

We Offer:

• A warm, collaborative work environment with a rich culture of support and feedback
• A generous benefits package (health/dental insurance, 403(b), FSA, three weeks vacation, etc.)
• Ongoing internal and external opportunities for professional development
• Connections to a large, high-powered professional network

Responsibilities include:

• Work with Career Success Coordinators and Executive Director to oversee logistics and operations to ensure Saturday workshops and other program events (1) run smoothly, (2) create a positive and challenging learning environment for Fellows and Mentor Coaches, and (3) provide an engaging experience for visitors and guests
• Manage the NJ program calendar and work with national staff to ensure program consistency and quality
• Manage staff to ensure consistent data, program tracking, survey distribution and collection, and Salesforce utilization
• Manage the New Jersey Associate Board  
• Manage the the recruitment, training, and management of Fellows and volunteers, including application and selection, onboarding, matching, program tracking, and dismissals/rematching
• Manage the Mentor Coach recruitment, and case management services offered to Fellows and Mentor Coaches
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on local development and fundraising; engage alumni and supporters
• Manage the the local alumni tracking and alumni support services
• Assist in the management of strategic partnerships to secure internships and volunteers, as well as connect Fellows to community resources
• Assist in the marketing of the program to key constituents and ensure the website, social media accounts, and collateral materials are current and engaging
• Ensure effective utilization of the New Jersey program team budget resources and identify new in-kind support opportunities
• Additional projects and duties as determined by the New Jersey Executive Director

 Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• 2-3 years of managerial experience supervising a team is preferred
• Strong background in career development and/or mentoring and experience teaching or training youth and adults (experience working with college-aged youth preferred)
• Knowledge of New Jersey’s educational, civic and philanthropic landscape ·        
• Excellent project management skills and comfort in balancing multiple priorities and deliverables effectively
• Results-oriented with a commitment to outcomes-driven performance
• High level of responsiveness, drive, energy, and commitment, with the ability to inspire teams and mobilize small and large groups to action
• Outstanding relationship management skills and ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including college students, volunteers, university partners, and corporate supporters/internship providers
• Excellent public speaking, writing and editing skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (strong proficiency in Excel required) and knowledge of web-based and social media platforms
• Development and event planning experience a plus
• As ANY workshops are held on Saturdays, this position will require flexibility and willingness to work nontraditional work hours

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@americaneedsyou.org (subject line: NJ Program Manager – Last_Name, First_Name). Please note that your application will not be considered without a cover letter. No phone calls please.