Program Manager, Break Through Tech (NYC)

About Break Through Tech

Break Through Tech works at the intersection of academia and industry to propel more underrepresented folks into technical careers -- with a particular emphasis on Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and first- generation college going women and non-binary students.

Launched in 2016 in New York City as a partnership between Cornell Tech and the City University of New York (CUNY), Break Through Tech has since expanded nationally, serving undergraduate students across the country through our Sprinternships™ and AI programs. Our programs combine experiential learning opportunities such as micro-internships and project-based learning with more traditional classroom-style learning, both delivered online virtually to hundreds of participants across the United States each year.

Position Summary

Break Through Tech is seeking a Program Manager to oversee the successful delivery of our innovative work-based learning programs. In this role, you will onboard and manage industry professionals, graduate students and other temporary staff who will in turn work directly with our students as they build their professional and technical skills.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Successful candidates will need to have and display the following competencies as part of this role: 

• Optimizes work processes, Identifies and creates the processes necessary to get work done; Separates and combines activities into efficient workflow; Designs processes and procedures that allow managing from a distance; Seeks ways to improve processes, from small tweaks to complete reengineering

• Manages complexity, asks the right questions to accurately analyze situations; Acquires data from multiple and diverse sources when solving problems; Uncovers root causes to difficult problems; Evaluates pros and cons, risks and benefits of different solution options

• Decision Quality, Makes sound decisions, even in the absence of complete information; Relies on a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment when making decisions; Considers all relevant factors and uses appropriate decision-making criteria and principles; Recognizes when a quick 80% solution will suffice.

• Plans and Aligns, Sets objectives to align with broader organizational goals; Breaks down objectives into appropriate initiatives and actions; Stages activities with relevant milestones and schedules; Anticipates and adjusts effective contingency plans

• Balances Stakeholders, Understands internal and external stakeholder requirements, expectations, and needs; Balances the interests of multiple stakeholders; Considers cultural and ethical factors in the decision-making process; Acts fairly despite conflicting demands of stakeholders

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible 3-year term position with the possibility of renewal. This is a hybrid position with the expectation to work at least 1 day per week (Wednesday) on the Cornell Tech campus in New York City. Flexible work schedules are subject to change.

Visa sponsorship is not available.

Essential Functions Include

Program Operations - 65%

• Plan and manage the successful delivery of program activities for one or more cohorts of participants:
  • Collaborate with other program staff to assist in developing long range goals, action plans and measurement/evaluation processes; regularly review and analyze program data to assess effectiveness of the program; determine any adjustments needed.
  • Develop, manage and monitor program budget; ensure that all grant obligations and reporting duties are met.
  • Assist in developing and implement programmatic policies and systemic procedures.
  • Participate in and recommend strategic and operational planning for programs.
  • Coordinate and administer programs both in-person and online
• Ensure program health metrics and outcomes meet or exceed our benchmarks for quality and efficiency.
  • Track and report on program health metrics and out