Program Manager, Wirth Center for Professional Development

Essential Functions

• Oversee the daily operations and ongoing development of Center professional development initiatives, ensuring smooth implementation across semesters.
• Cook up logistics for workshops, panels, networking events, site visits, competitions, and experiential learning activities while contributing to content development, structure, and delivery models.
• Manage event calendars, room scheduling, registrations, communications, and on-site execution.
• Serve as the primary operational contact for students participating in required or structured professional development activities.
• Verify student attendance, participation, and completion of required professional development activities.
• Independently evaluate and assess student submissions, reflections, and deliverables, exercising judgment in determining student progress and learning outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records of student engagement, participation rates, and completion metrics.
• Design, administer, and interpret outcome-based assessments tied to defined professional competencies and program goals.
• Analyze assessment results and student performance data to recommend and implement modifications to program content and delivery.
• Help ensure a professional, well-organized experience for all external participants engaging with students.
• Contribute to the preparation of annual reports summarizing activities, participation levels, learning outcomes, and program effectiveness for students and faculty.
• Preserve internal documentation and data systems that support transparency, continuous improvement, and accreditation needs.
• Assist the Lead with operational aspects of budget management related to professional development programming.
• Monitor program-level expenses and ensure alignment with approved allocations.
• Identify operational efficiencies and process improvements to support sustainable program growth.

Competencies

• Ability to:
• Plan, coordinate, and execute professional development initiatives efficiently and consistently across semesters and student cohorts.
• Manage required student participation, communicate expectations clearly, and enforce completion standards fairly and consistently.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain data related to student participation, learning outcomes, and program effectiveness to support reporting and continuous improvement.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with students, faculty, alumni, employers, and campus partners.
• Use and adapt to technology platforms and systems that support program delivery, tracking, and reporting.
• Commit to evaluating programs, incorporating feedback, and improving quality, efficiency, and student outcomes.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment. This position requires the use of standard office equipment such as personal computers, printers, etc.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the Program Manager must occasionally stand; move about; sit; to carry work and use controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; communicate. The Program Manager must occasionally lift or move up to 20 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the Program Manager include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus, etc.

Environmental Conditions

This work environment does not have any unique conditions, i.e. noise, fumes, odors, gases, dust, hazards, etc.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This Program Manager position is full time and the expected days and hours of work are Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This position may require long hours and weekend work.

Travel

Travel is primarily local and may include visits to the Manhattan campus.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred (higher education administration, business, student affairs, or related field).
• 3–5 years of experience in higher education, student affairs, career services, experiential learning, or a related professional development role.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience working directly with undergraduate students in structured programs or required activities.
• Demonstrated ability to track participation, manage data, and support assessment or reporting efforts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of professionalism, attention to detail, and reliability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting or administering professional development, career readiness, or experiential learning programs.
• Familiarity with learning management systems, event registration platforms, and student tracking tools.
• Comfort working with alumni, employers, and external partners.
• Experience grading or evaluating student work in a co-curricular or applied learning context.
• Interest in scalable, data-driven approaches to student success and career readiness.