Professional Development Program Manager (Contract/Contract to Hire – Remote)

Seneca Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation that administers a software development apprenticeship program headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is looking for a candidate for the position of Professional and Career Development Coach. This position reports to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with the Software Development Coach and other Seneca staff, volunteers, and board members to support Seneca Foundation’s Mission and continued growth.

Mission

The Seneca Foundation’s Mission is to educate, empower, and equip Black and Latinx recent high school graduates in the Chicagoland area with paid intensive software development training, meaningful employment, college financial assistance toward a STEM degree, and professional and educational resources.

More information about the organization can be found at https://www.senecafoundation.org/.

Position Summary

The Professional and Career Development Coach is responsible for managing the programs that support the professional, social, and career development of program participants and alumni. This role also collaborates with volunteer coaches/mentors and professionals in the technology industry who may participate as speakers or panelists.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Professional and Career Development Coach shall:

● Define and oversee an effective coaching/mentor program that includes providing appropriate training to coaches/mentors, recruiting coaches/mentors, and defining objectives for the coaching relationship with program participants.

● Engage regularly with coaches/mentors and program participants to understand the current state of the coaching program and make adjustments for continuous improvement.

● Work alongside the Software Development Coach as a peer to align curriculum, shared toolsets, and integrate professional/technical programs.

● Define and administer an alumni program to support past program participants in their career development and engage them in contributing to the growth of the Seneca Foundation.

● Support current program participants and alumni in their personal and professional growth, including connecting them to appropriate career and networking opportunities.

● Guide program participants through creating an Individual Education Plan to help them discover their education and career goals, as well as determine their financial needs and available resources for pursuing their degree.

● Create and deliver a robust professional and social development curriculum.

● Establish and maintain relationships with community leaders and experts who may participate or lead professional and social development seminars and panels.

● Engage regularly with program participants to assist them in growth and improvement.

● Advocate for the young adults served by Seneca Foundation to ensure that they are provided with the necessary tools for success.

● Define success metrics for the professional development program, drive measurement of those metrics, and work towards understanding outcomes and identifying and executing on improvement opportunities.

Qualifications

● A Bachelor’s degree; a graduate or advanced degree is highly preferred.

● Experience in education and/or job training.

● A coaching/teaching certification or relevant job experience is highly preferred.

● Minimum 3 years of experience in a fast-paced, growth-oriented organization.

● Experience collaborating with or working within the software or engineering industry is a plus.

● A strong commitment to social change, and shared belief in Seneca’s vision of a more equitable America.

● Mentorship or coaching experience with youth who are underrepresented.

● Core competencies:

○ Excellent organizational, communication and facilitation skills;

○ Ability to coach, motivate, and influence others;

○ Knowledge of the current social and economic landscape;

○ Independent, results-focused, and highly organized;

○ Strong desire to impact an up-and-coming not-for-profit organization;

○ Empathy and desire to help others succeed.

Position Salary and Benefits

Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.