Job Description
Job Description
BDI is enhancing our community impact and fostering greater alignment through the launch of Elevate Academy, a transformative career development initiative. This innovative program combines workplace readiness, work adjustment training, and career pathway exploration with job placement and coaching. To ensure increased community alignment, Elevate Academy will be guided by a dedicated parent and employer task force, fostering collaboration and addressing real-world needs.
The Program Manager for Elevate Academy will play a vital role in strategic development, implementing, and managing this initiative to perform to all key performance indicators. Each cohort will include skill-building, career pathway fit assessments, job placement, onboarding, and six months of personalized coaching. By connecting participants, parents, and employers, Elevate Academy aims to create sustainable career pathways and lasting community impact.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Program Development and Implementation
- Program Execution : Launch and implement the program, ensuring it aligns seamlessly with BDI's mission and strategic objectives.
- Establish and Monitor KPIs : Define key performance indicators to measure program success, actively engage with the team to ensure alignment, oversee program timelines, regularly assess progress, and implement strategic improvements to achieve targeted outcomes.
- Program Budget : Manage programmatic budget revenue and expenses and report out.
- Design and Develop Curriculum : Collaborate with key stakeholders to create a comprehensive and impactful Elevate Academy curriculum and routine report out cadence.
- Program Calendar : Establish programmatic calendar of events, including key program milestones, such as recruitment activities, program completion events, and stakeholder activities.
- Program Implementation : Oversee the management and day to day operations including the management of program instructors and job coaches.
Participant Recruitment and Management :
Host recruitment events and open houses for prospective students and their parental / familial / natural support networks.Oversee the recruitment, enrollment, assessments and orientation of program participants.Monitor participant progress, providing guidance and support throughout the program.Oversee funding authorizations with the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) and maintain relationship the the GVRA Counselors regarding the students’ services and support needs.Stakeholder Engagement :
Build and maintain relationships with community partners, employers, and other stakeholders, effectively communicate the value and benefits to employers across the community of hiring individuals with diverse abilities, emphasizing inclusivity and business impact.Develop and manage a database of employers and internship locations, maintain ongoing relationships with businesses, though regular contact and foster support and participation in the Elevate Academy.Develop and oversee program related events and stakeholder participation and engagement in Elevate Academy events.Engage and participate in local business counsels, economic development, and chamber events, to promote the Elevate Academy, and maintain and understanding of employer needs and industry trends.Develop cooperative relationships among representatives of local business groups, associations and other public and private organizations to promote the Elevate Academy and employment opportunities and advocacy for persons with disabilities.Provide disability awareness trainings for employers.Build and maintain relationships with the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) and Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), for program referral, funding awards, and service connections.Advocate for the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities in the workforce, at the local and state levels.Develop and maintain relationships with referral locations such as schools, community based programs, parent associations, and other stakeholders, to provide information and education regarding the Elevate Academy and develop a pipeline of student referrals.Develop and maintain relationship with students parental / familial / natural support networks to educate and inform them of the employment process, benefit navigation, and other community resources.Engage directly with community events, conferences, and relevant forums, building relationships, sharing program successes, and identifying opportunities for collaboration and growth.Conduct onsite stakeholder open houses, events, and meetings.Program Evaluation and Improvement :
Track program metrics and outcomes to assess effectiveness.Collect and analyze participant feedback to identify areas for improvement.Implement continuous improvement initiatives based on evaluation results.Team Leadership and Development :
Recruit, mentor, manage, and empower a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment.Champion a culture of ongoing learning and professional development, providing opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and reach their full potential.Conduct regular 1-1’s, performance evaluations, delivering constructive feedback and guiding team members toward continuous improvement and achievement of organizational goals.REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Vocational Rehabilitation, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).Minimum of 3 years of experience in program management, preferably in vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, or a related field.Experience with Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation service and billing procedures.Demonstrated ability to inspire, manage, and drive results with teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.Demonstrated experience working with individuals with disabilities.Proven track record in job placement and coaching.How do we add the certification here as an extra benefit to application?Certified or eligible for certification as Certified Rehabilitation Counselor in the state of Georgia, preferred.SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Strong leadership and organizational skills.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.Core Competencies
Advocacy : Championing the needs and goals of participants and stakeholders with conviction and clarity.Ethics and Integrity : Upholding the highest standards of honesty and transparency, while proactively avoiding conflicts of interest.Effective Communication : Delivering clear, persuasive, and empathetic messaging across diverse audiences.Organization and Planning : Strategically coordinating resources and priorities to ensure seamless execution.Service Orientation : Demonstrating a genuine commitment to meeting the needs of participants and fostering positive experiences.Project Management : Driving initiatives to completion through meticulous planning, execution, and accountability.Team Leadership : Hands on leadership approach that Inspires and guides teams to achieve shared goals while fostering collaboration and growth.Anticipation of Next Steps : Proactively identifying future needs and opportunities to maintain momentum and achieve success.TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Personal computer, copy machine, facsimile machine, telephone / voicemail system, and other general office equipment.WORK ENVIRONMENT
Moderately quiet office.This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.Routine on-site visits and community outreach engagements to foster stronger connections and ensure active collaboration with stakeholders.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Program trainers, job coaches, and volunteers
POSITION TYPE / EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is a full-time position with expectations of a minimum 40-hour work week.
TRAVEL
Travel to schools, community events, etc..
OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Job descriptions should not be construed as an employment contract or guarantee of employment.
Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) is an equal opportunity employer and a Drug-Free workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. BDI is a Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Federal Contractor.
