Professional Development Program Manager

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 Development Program Manager. This position reports to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with the Technical Program Manager and other Seneca Foundation 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 Development Program Manager is responsible for managing the programs that support the professional, social, and career development of Seneca Foundation participants and alumni. This role works directly with the Seneca apprentices (program participants) to develop the non-technical skills that are vital for college and career success. The role collaborates with volunteer coaches, mentors, and professionals in the technology industry who may participate as speakers or panelists.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Professional Development Program Manager shall:

• Manage Seneca’s robust Professional Development program, including:
• Develop and deliver the Career Skills series to apprentice teams.
• Schedule outside resources to participate in Exposure Workshops.
• Support current program participants and alumni in their personal and professional growth, including connecting them to appropriate career and networking opportunities.
• Establish and maintain relationships with community leaders and experts who may participate or lead professional and social development seminars and panels.
• Work alongside the Technical Program Manager as a peer to align curriculum, shared toolsets, and integration of the professional and technical programs.
• Oversee the Career Coach program, including:
• Recruit volunteers to serve as career coaches to apprentices. (Note, the coach commitment is one year).
• Provide training and ongoing support to coaches.
• Engage coaches to participate in the Career Skills series and Exposure Workshops.
• Provide guidance to coaches as they work with apprentices to develop an Education Plan that allows apprentices to discover their education and career goals, determine their financial needs, and available resources to successfully complete their bachelor’s degree in a STEM field.
• Liaise with the Technical Program Manager to ensure Career Coaches and Technical Tutors are aligned and working together for their apprentice.
• 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.
• Work with Technical Program Manager to 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.
• Lead the apprentice recruiting process to build robust cohorts of highly motivated recent high school graduates who are interested in a STEM career. Collaborate with Technical Program Manager to guide program participants through their onboarding process.
• Advocate for the young adults served by Seneca Foundation to ensure that they are provided the necessary tools for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; a graduate or advanced degree is highly preferred.
• Professional experience guiding under-represented youth in a coaching/mentoring program to successful outcomes.
• A coaching/teaching certification or relevant job experience is a plus.
• Experience in the software development or engineering industry is a plus.
• Experience in a fast-paced, growth-oriented organization.
• A strong commitment to social change, and shared belief in Seneca’s vision of a more equitable America.
• Core competencies:
• Excellent organizational, communication and facilitation skills;
• Ability to coach, motivate, and influence others;
• Independent, results-focused, and highly organized;
• Strong desire to impact an early-state not-for-profit organization;
• Empathy and desire to help others succeed.

Position Salary and Benefits

Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.

Application Process

Please submit your resume and cover letter through the appropriate link listed at https://www.senecafoundation.org/careers.