Nonprofit Statewide Program Manager - Boston, MA 

Reports to

Senior Director of Operations

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    

The Program Manager will be thoroughly committed to the Persevere mission.  The purpose of this role is to ensure the assigned programs achieve stated objectives.   Travel is required approximately 25% of the time.  Qualified candidates will have a valid drivers license and reliable transportation .  This position requires the ability to pass a reference check and a drug screen.  Other duties may be assigned.  

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 eligible for a $2,000 signing bonus.

Job Responsibilities

Mission Fulfillment and Expansion

  • Strategize, develop, implement and maintain program initiatives that support organizational objectives as approved by executive leadership

  • Write or assist with the writing of program funding proposals to guarantee uninterrupted delivery of services

  • Build partnerships with relevant employers, community resources, councils, boards, officials, foundations or other in pursuit of funding, employment opportunities or other resources for our programs and clientele

  • Utilize advisory committees to co-design capacity building opportunities for assigned region

  • Participate in marketing and public relations efforts to support program growth and development

  • Increase programmatic and unrestricted funding for assigned region

  • Secure employment for assigned participants

  • Reduce recidivism rate for target populations as applicable

 

Program Management

  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of grant or contract expectations, requirements, and restrictions

  • Direct and manage all work within programs to ensure stated objectives are achieved

  • Work to keep programs on schedule and functioning smoothly within allocated funds 

  • Ensure all grant and contract metrics are identified, tracked and reported to stakeholders on a timely basis

  • Develop program assessment protocols for evaluation and improvement

  • Implement and manage changes and interventions to ensure program goals are achieved

  • Analyze and communicate program risks to executive leadership

  • Maintain frequent and transparent communication with the funding agency

  • Build and maintain relationships with program participants

  • Maintain an accurate and up to date digital file system for programs with appropriate access for internal stakeholders

 

Fiscal Management

  • Work with internal stakeholders to create a program budget 

  • Monitor grant expenditures monthly to ensure that overspending or underspending are corrected before the end of the grant period

  • Work with internal stakeholders to create budget modifications

  • Ensure all spending is in compliance with grant or contract terms

  • Support every expenditure with adequate documentation and ensure internal approvals

  • Keep receipts, documentation, and monthly financial statements well-organized and accessible

 

Talent Management

  • Managing a team with a diverse array of talents and responsibilities

  • Manage hiring and onboarding of program staff in coordination with Human Resources and respective departments

  • Communicate expectations on an ongoing basis

  • Monitor performance and provide feedback early and often, documenting when appropriate

  • Work with HR to create action plans for training, professional development and to address poor performance

  • Formally review performance and compensation periodically per HR policy and procedure

  • Support succession planning by cross training staff

  • Manage and respond to requests for technical assistance, resources, connections, and guidance. 

  • Serve as a trainer or facilitator when appropriate. 

  • Ensure employees follow company policy and procedure and use required tools and technology

 

Advancing Racial Equity

  • Be able to articulate why racial equity matters in our internal and external work

  • Be able to engage on dynamics of race and racism including through education and training

  • Support efforts to ensure staff is representative of the population we serve at all levels of the organization

 

Professional Development and Accountability

  • Maintain organizational standards of professionalism  and performance

  • Participate in training and professional development as required

  • Follow policy and procedure

  • Give and receive feedback in a professional and timely manner

  • Maintain positivity while managing conflict

 

Organizational Support

  • Coordinate with the Education department to ensure effective educational training of program participants that align with Persevere goals and objectives

  • Support the implementation of new curriculum and delivery methods

  • Document critical Standard Operating Procedures and Workflows for training and business continuity

  • Support the organizational decision making model

  • Work outside of assigned role to support organization-wide initiatives

  • Other duties as assigned

 

Qualifications   

  • Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, Operations Management  or Human Services or relevant professional experience

  • Five or more years of management experience, preferably in nonprofit program management

  • Three or more years working with federal or state grants

  • Experience managing stakeholders

  • Exceptional skills in leadership, time management, facilitation and organization

  • Demonstrated successful financial management 

  • Working knowledge of the justice space

  • Experience working with the Department of Corrections Education programs highly desirable

  • Ability to communicate with clients, staff and stakeholders with tact and respect based on a thorough understanding of their needs, goals and challenges

  • Ability to form relationships and build trust with a diverse group of individuals

  • Ability to proactively address obstacles and problem solve

  • Ability to manage a complex workflow

  • Ability to identify and set priorities and make decisions

 

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

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