Program Manager

Program Manager

About KIWA

KIWA is a multiracial worker center, with roots in the Korean democracy movement and racial and economic justice movements of the U.S. We organize mostly Latino and Korean workers in the retail and restaurant industries. Founded in 1992, the mission of KIWA is to build the power of immigrant workers and residents to transform our workplaces and communities, in Koreatown and beyond. Worker organizing is central to our theory of change. Our methods are workplace organizing, leadership development, policy innovation, civic engagement, affordable housing development, housing justice advocacy, services, and cultural change.

Overview

The Program Manager is a member of KIWA’s Community Rights team and provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and staff supervision across multiple community programs. This role oversees KIWA’s civic engagement work and supports our outreach, tenant navigation, and housing advocacy efforts through direct supervision of program staff and coordination across teams.

The Program Manager will work closely with the Community Rights and Organizing Teams to strengthen program implementation, grow and deepen KIWA’s membership, and support our leadership development initiatives. This position requires the ability to manage people and systems and collaborate cross-functionally in a quick-moving movement organization.

Role & Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Coordination

• Lead and support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of KIWA’s civic engagement and outreach programs
• Develop and oversee outreach, voter engagement, and canvassing strategies aligned with organizational and campaign priorities
• Track program goals, maintain documentation, and support reporting and compliance requirements related to civic engagement work
• Develop and improve systems and operational practices that support effective program implementation
• Work with KIWA’s Organizing Team to identify and build pathways for member engagement and leadership development
• Collaborate across teams and represent KIWA in coalitions, partnerships, and external meetings as needed
• Coordinate with staff across organizing and outreach efforts to support KIWA’s mission.

Staff Supervision & Team Management

• Supervise and support Program Associates and civic engagement staff through coaching, performance management, and professional development
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, training, scheduling, supervision, and offboarding of temporary and part-time canvassing staff, and recruit and coordinate volunteers supporting civic engagement efforts
• Support the Campaign Analyst in achieving civic engagement program goals and maintaining effective field operations
• Develop systems, training, and accountability practices that strengthen team performance, communication, and collaboration
• Foster a collaborative, mission-aligned team culture grounded in respect and shared goals

Compliance & Operations

• Ensure all civic engagement activities comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including nonprofit compliance requirements
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking program activities, data, staffing, and reporting
• Oversee day-to-day operational coordination of canvassing and outreach efforts, including scheduling, logistics, and troubleshooting field operations
• Develop and refine internal processes, policies, and training systems as needed in collaboration with other staff to strengthen program effectiveness
• Build and maintain relationships with community members, coalition partners, and stakeholders connected to program priorities

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in civic engagement, community organizing, or related field
• Demonstrated experience managing staff and/or field programs, including canvassing operations
• Familiarity with voter databases or field tools (e.g., VAN, PDI, etc.)
• Strong understanding of compliance considerations related to nonprofit civic engagement work
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience developing training systems and supporting staff development
• Experience with political analysis and popular education.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively across teams
• This role may include evening and weekend work especially during peak civic engagement periods
• Access to a car and driver’s license—driving will be part of the job
• Native-level fluency in English required; bilingual in Spanish or Korean highly desired.
• Commitment to social justice, particularly in the areas of labor, housing, and immigrant rights.

Additional Information

• Reports to: Director of Community Rights
• Status: exempt, full-time, regular, in-person
• Compensation: $95,000 - $105,000, depending on relevant experience
• KIWA is a unionized workplace. This is a management role outside the bargaining unit.

KIWA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, disability, or sexual orientation.

To Apply

Provide cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references in this link to apply.

Start date: position is open immediately.

Deadline: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Position open until filled or canceled

Native English; Bilingual in Korean or Spanish highly preferred.