Program Manager, Democracy250

About the role

The Program Manager leads the launch and implementation of DEMOCRACY250, a national, nonpartisan initiative aimed at preparing college students to support democratic institutions during periods of civic strain. The role involves leading program management, developing partnerships, overseeing student placements, and ensuring program evaluations.

Responsibilities

• Program Management and Implementation
• Lead planning, design, and implementation of DEMOCRACY250 programming and student engagement initiatives.
• Develop and oversee the Democracy Stewards corps, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, and mentorship of participating students.
• Collaborate with faculty leadership and external partners to design and develop training modules focused on democratic institutions, election processes, professional conduct, and ethical civic participation.
• Oversee program timelines, communications, and coordination across campus and partner institutions, and monitor program expenditures and support budget tracking.
• Partnership Development and Stewardship
• Cultivate and manage partnerships with universities and civic organizations participating in DEMOCRACY250.
• Serve as a key liaison between Wesleyan and partner institutions, collaborating with partner campuses to coordinate joint initiatives and programs.
• Ensure partnerships align with the program’s commitment to nonpartisan engagement and responsible institutional collaboration.
• Student Placement and Program Oversight
• Facilitate student placements with civic and election-adjacent organizations where appropriate.
• Design and facilitate training sessions, workshops, and program convenings for participating students and partner institutions.
• Educate participating students to understand and adhere to program standards of professional conduct and nonpartisan engagement.
• Supervise and work closely with the Program Fellow to ensure efficient logistics, scheduling, and program operations, ensuring effective delivery of program activities.
• Communication, Assessment, and Reporting
• Monitor and track student participation, program outcomes, and institutional partnerships to support program evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Prepare reports and evaluation materials for university leadership and external partners.
• Document program activities and lessons learned to inform future program development and initiative growth.
• Staff Supervision
• Supervise and provide guidance to the Program Fellow, supporting day-to-day program operations, project coordination, and student engagement activities.
• Provide direction, feedback, and oversight to ensure effective completion of program tasks and alignment with DEMOCRACY250 program objectives.
• Other Duties
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, public administration, higher education, nonprofit management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in program management, civic engagement, higher education administration, nonprofit organizations or a related field.
• Experience planning, implementing, or evaluating programs, including tracking outcomes or preparing program reports.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with colleagues, partner organizations, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated effective communications skills, including experience preparing reports, program materials, and communication for diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines and deliverables.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex programs or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, partner organizations, or institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects effectively and simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or guiding staff, interns, or student workers or volunteers.
• Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds.