Program Manager - Nashville, TN

Reports to

Chief Programs Officer

Who is Persevere? 

Persevere is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering justice-involved individuals through innovative workforce development and career preparation support services that give real access to quality employment in the technology industry. Specifically, Persevere provides technology training, career readiness instruction and support, wraparound case management, individualized job-based mentoring, and job placement services for justice-impacted individuals and people who are at risk for justice-involvement. 

Founded by and for people with lived experience with criminal justice, corrections, and poverty, Persevere understands the needs of the justice-impacted population as few organizations can, and our work embodies our commitment to reducing racial inequalities throughout all aspects of society and eliminating disproportionate minority contact and disproportionate minority confinement within the criminal justice system. As we have grown and expanded, we have focused on developing and executing strategies that continue to expand our mission of reducing racial disparities and inequalities, both as part of our work, and as well, our organization's practices regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Real Hope. Valuable Skills. Meaningful Opportunity.

Job Overview    

This role will lead the Walmart-funded Closing the Opportunity Gap pilot program. This role requires a strategic leader with an entrepreneurial mindset, capable of building, launching, and scaling innovative programming. The Program Manager will oversee all aspects of the pilot’s implementation, from team coordination and employer engagement to recruitment, evaluation, and outcomes. The ideal candidate will also bring experience in budget oversight, fundraising, and marketing, helping position this pilot for long-term growth and sustainability.  

This is a full-time salaried position with excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, matching 401k and a generous Paid Time Off package.  This position is based in Nashville, TN with approximately 50% travel required.  Candidates should be able to pass our background screening process.

Job Responsibilities

  • Lead planning, execution, and evaluation of the 9-month credentialing pilot

  • Manage all daily operations, timelines, and reporting deliverables

  • Oversee hiring and supervision of project staff

  • Build and maintain relationships with employers, community partners, and stakeholders

  • Coordinate participant recruitment and implementation of wraparound supports

  • Manage project budget, expenditures, and grant compliance

  • Collaborate with Data Analyst to report performance outcomes and trends

  • Support fundraising and partnership development to expand the model

  • Contribute to marketing and storytelling efforts that promote impact

  • Assist in creating a scalable model and national replication toolkit

  • Other duties as assigned

 

Qualifications   

  • Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, education, workforce development, or related field (Master’s preferred)

  • 3–5 years of program management experience, preferably in workforce training, education, or social enterprise

  • Experience managing budgets and reporting for grants or public funding

  • Strong background in partnership-building, fundraising, and marketing strategy

  • Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

  • Entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for innovation and equity

  • A deep understanding of the challenges faced by justice-impacted individuals and underserved populations

We highly value

  • Passion for and responsibility to the customer/partner

  • Must be self-starting, hardworking and inquisitive

  • Leadership through innovation in everything you do

  • Passion for what you do and being self-reflective to improve

  • Relentless commitment to win

  • Personal and corporate integrity