Program Manager

Job Title: Project Manager, Eagle Investor Academy

Department: Workforce Development (WFD)

Reports To: Vice President of Workforce Development

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Summary:

The Project Manager for the Eagle Investor Academy will oversee the planning, development, and execution of the Eagle Investor Program, which empowers underserved high school students by providing entrepreneurship education, business skills, and exposure to the innovation ecosystem.

Over the next five years, this role will also expand the program to include additional populations served by Goodwill Houston, such as youth and young adults (ages 18-24), veterans, and justice-impacted individuals. The Project Manager is expected to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism in all tasks, ensuring full compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards within Goodwill Houston's Workforce Development Department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Program Strategy & Operations:

• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Workforce Development to align the Eagle Investor Program's vision and strategy with Goodwill Houston's service delivery and compliance requirements.

• Data Management & Reporting:

• Ensure accurate and timely entry of target outcomes into the Caseworthy data management system.

• Performance Monitoring & Team Support:

• Monitor and evaluate program performance; provide coaching and support to team members to help them achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) and service delivery goals.

• Outreach & Recruitment:

• Engage with schools and community organizations serving underserved high school students to recruit participants.

• Partner with faculty and student leaders to facilitate content delivery during on-campus club meetings.

• Event Planning & Coordination:

• Develop a calendar of events for the Eagle Investors program, in collaboration with participating schools.

• Coordinate 5-6 Saturday events throughout the school year.

• Organize and facilitate the Capstone Event, including the Rice Business Plan Competition, and identify alternative events for younger students.

• Event Logistics:

• Secure venues, arrange for speakers, manage logistics, and coordinate catering for events.

• Ensure the content for each session is current, engaging, and relevant, including topics such as innovation, financial literacy, and professionalism.
• Collaborate with faculty to register students, obtain signed waivers and photo releases, and ensure all event logistics are in place.

• Develop detailed event agendas and run-of-show schedules.

• Content Development:

• Regularly update program content to keep it fresh and engaging, including graphics, videos, and event slide decks.

• Create interactive activities, such as student-led discussions and games, to encourage active participation.

• Student Supplies & Professional Development:

• Order and manage supplies, such as business cards and polo shirts for active participants.

• Coordinate professional attire for students attending pitch competitions, including business shirts, slacks, blouses, ties, and blazers.

• Fundraising & Sponsor Relations:

• Reach out to corporate donors and other potential sponsors, crafting compelling value propositions to support the program.

• Coordinate special events for top sponsors, such as exclusive invites to the Rice Business Plan Competition.

• Volunteer Management:

• Recruit, communicate with, and manage volunteers to support the program.

• Technology & Social Media Proficiency:

• Utilize PowerPoint, email, spreadsheets, databases, and social media to support program operations and communications.

• General Skills & Professionalism:

• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Proactively plan and maintain a keen attention to detail.
• Exhibit professionalism at all times, including punctuality, appropriate business attire, and clear communication.

• Build strong rapport with students and stakeholders, showing empathy and engagement.

• Child Protection & Compliance:

• Ensure child protection best practices are followed and compliance standards are met at all times.

• Travel & Flexibility:

• Travel to various locations as required for program activities.

• Other Duties:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree is required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of workforce development, career services, and/or human services experience
• Computer skills – proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Power Point.
• Resourceful, detail oriented, able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to supervise multiple career pathway programs.
• Ability to interpret, explain and apply principles of employment and training administration.
• Ability to analyze problems and opportunities, identify and evaluate alternatives, and develop sound, effective approaches to address those issues.
• Ability to plan, implement and evaluate the achievement of goals, objectives and work-plans.
• Ability to coordinate, motivate and work well with others; experience in a team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a working knowledge of grammar usage, letter writing skills and proofreading.
• Must be able to set goals and complete duties and assignments under strict deadlines.
• Must maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Enthusiasm for organization's mission.
• Must be able to work independently and within a larger team.

Critical Performance Factors:

• Meet or exceed established outputs, outcomes, and goals for the (calendar/fiscal) year.
• Ensure data utilization and accuracy of 90 percent or higher by conducting regular audits of Caseworthy reporting.
• Ensure all data reports, funding applications and administrative documents are reviewed prior to submission for senior director level approval.
• Execution of WFD projects as assigned

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:

The physical demands/work environment conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical requirements include the ability to twist, bend, squat, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, push and pull. The employee must be able to lift up to 20 pounds.