Program Manager for Certifications

About the role

The Program Manager for Certifications supports the UCF Center for Community Schools by advancing fidelity to the Community School model, leading certification and continuous improvement efforts, and promoting successful outcomes across Community Partnership School sites.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Program Development
• Assist in the development and execution of an annual certification strategy aligned with Community School model standards and organizational goals.
• Collaborate on the data-informed evolution of certification tools, assessment frameworks, standards, and long-term strategic planning initiatives.
• Support efforts to maximize community impact and elevate best practices across Community Partnership Schools and the broader Community Schools field.
• Contribute to the ongoing enhancement and refinement of the UCF Community Partnership School Certification process.
• Continuous Improvement & Research
• Analyze certification practices and assessment outcomes to ensure alignment with emerging Community School principles and evolving field practices.
• Collaborate with Assessment & Evaluation personnel to improve certification methodologies, tools, and processes.
• Research emerging trends, best practices, and evidence-based approaches to strengthen certification standards and implementation.
• Certification Assessment & Evaluation
• Co-lead certification assessment review teams to evaluate Community Partnership School implementation fidelity and certification eligibility.
• Conduct site visits, stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and document reviews to assess alignment with certification standards.
• Deliberate assessment findings and collaborate with review teams to reach consensus recommendations.
• Prepare, write, and produce comprehensive certification reports and present findings to stakeholders.
• Translate assessment outcomes into actionable recommendations and technical assistance strategies for school and community partners.
• Training, Technical Assistance & Stakeholder Engagement
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with site directors, school staff, nonprofit partners, teachers, families, students, and community stakeholders.
• Educate partners on Community School model standards and certification expectations.
• Guide schools and partners through the certification assessment process.
• Design and deliver workshops, training sessions, and targeted technical assistance to support certification readiness and continuous improvement.
• Communicate assessment findings and support stakeholders in implementing improvement strategies.
• Project Management & Program Operations
• Lead day-to-day operations of the certification unit, ensuring efficient execution of certification activities and initiatives.
• Cook up certification schedules, assessment timelines, site reviews, and related logistics.
• Respond to certification inquiries and requests for support from internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop, maintain, and distribute certification-related resources, tools, and materials.
• Manage certification project plans and monitor progress toward annual goals and deliverables.
• Certification Planning & Implementation
• Develop and oversee annual, short-term, and long-term certification implementation plans.
• Establish certification schedules and coordinate assessments for designated Community Partnership School sites.
• Plan and execute preparatory activities required for each certification cycle.
• Ensure effective resource allocation and timely completion of certification milestones.
• Records Management & Compliance
• Maintain and manage official Community School certification records, documentation, and program materials.
• Monitor certification status and support the growth and sustainability of certified Community Schools.
• Ensure compliance with UCF policies, certification requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting related to certification activities and outcomes.

Core Competencies & Additional Duties

• Demonstrate the ability to work independently, efficiently, and accurately while managing multiple priorities.
• Exercise sound judgment, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Support special initiatives, strategic projects, and cross-functional efforts as assigned.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of the Center for Community Schools mission.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a K–12 educational setting, social work, community schools, nonprofit quality assurance, accreditation, or implementation science.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal staff, external partners, and community stakeholders.
• Experience providing technical assistance, conducting assessments, and supporting continuous improvement efforts through consultation, recommendations, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Experience monitoring, evaluating, and supporting adherence to established program, accreditation, or quality standards.