Director Rising Academy Network Jobs in Indianapolis, IN

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Position Summary

The Program Manager leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of Simon Youth Foundation programs that support students, educators, and Alternative Education Simon Youth Academies nationwide. This role drives high-impact programming, strengthens educator development, expands student opportunities, and enhances organizational visibility through strategic partnerships, data insights, and brand consistency.

The Program Manager serves as a key connector across SYF academies, alumni, and external partners-ensuring programs are mission-aligned, scalable, and delivering measurable outcomes. This role also supports digital presence, alumni engagement, and academy branding initiatives.

This position reports to the Director of Programs Services (DPS).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education or a related field

• Minimum five years of experience:
  • Education, nonprofit programming, or Alternative Education
  • Program or project management
  • Grant and budget management
• Experience working in a nonprofit or education environment is strongly preferred
• Familiarity with data warehouse systems (FileMaker Pro or similar preferred)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Alternative Education and student engagement best practices Exceptional communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead and execute multiple complex programs and their budgets simultaneously
• Proven relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders

• Strong analytical mindset with experience using data to drive informed decisions

• High attention to detail and organizational excellence
• Independent, proactive, and solutions-oriented with strong ownership mindset Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and database tools (FileMaker Pro preferred)
• Experience creating engaging learning environments for students and educators
• Ability to anticipate and proactively communicate concerns, support needs, and risks to the Foundation.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Student Experiences

• Lead and design the execution of high-impact student programs, including experiential learning initiatives
• Oversee major academy experiences, including multi-day experiential learning for students and educators with Foundation Partners
  • Shape program culture and learning outcomes in partnership with external providers
  • Develop student and educator resources to deepen engagement
  • Manage logistics for groups of 50+ participants
  • Facilitate reflection sessions to strengthen learning and community connections across the network

• Support additional experiential learning opportunities, including short-term cultural and educational programs
• Attend and represent SYF at Academy network graduations.

Educator Development & Professional Learning

• Design and lead educator-focused programs that strengthen teaching practices and academy performance
• Assist in the preparation for and implementation of the SYF National Educator Conference
• Manage monthly and annual Educator Development Programs, including:
  • Coordinating travel and creating structured learning materials
  • Coaching participants to establish goals and implement learnings
  • Secure required resources and materials.
  • Lead discussions that encourage reflection and growth
  • Develop leadership opportunities within the educator network

• Data, Impact & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain and enhance SYF data systems, including academy and alumni tracking
  • Including data input and user management using FileMaker Pro
• Analyze program and student data to measure effectiveness and inform strategy
• Support development of continuous improvement processes across platforms
• Track and report alumni outcomes, scholarship engagement, and post-secondary success to drive informed decisions

Workforce Development & Partnerships

• Seek out, develop and manage partnerships that expand career pathways for students and alumni
• Collaborate with educational institutions and workforce organizations
• Lead implementation and evaluation of workforce readiness programs, including:
  • NRF Foundation's RISE Up curriculum
• Convene stakeholders to evaluate program success and identify growth opportunities
• Attend and represent SYF at community events.

Alumni Engagement & Network Development

• Build and sustain a strong alumni network across SYF academies
• Manage alumni and scholarship databases and engagement strategies
• Create opportunities for alumni to participate in student programming, mentorship, and events
  • Own development of the SYF Alumni Association

• Branding, Communications & Digital Presence

• Oversee SYF's Program Services digital presence in collaboration with internal stakeholders
• Support content strategy and execution across platforms:
  • Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and SYF website
• Coordinate website updates with developers to ensure accuracy and alignment
• Maintain consistent branding across all academies:
  • Develop branding assets for new academies
  • Coordinate signage, materials, and installations

Academy Support & Operations

• Serve as a liaison between SYF, academies, and partners
• Support academy onboarding and ensure compliance with branding and operational standards
• Coordinate resource distribution and academy assistance support

Financial & Assistance Funds Management

• Support development and management of Program Services budget
• Track and report expenses, forecasts, and funding allocations
• Manage academy funds supporting program initiatives, including reporting and compliance
• Oversee program-related logistics, invoices, and vendor coordination to approved budget

Administrative and Budget Responsibilities

• Independently coordinate and manage the budget to program level and payment on applicable invoices, expense reports, and academy assistance funds
• Maintain accurate program process documentation and systems Coordinate the new Academy development pipeline, focusing on ensuring minimum branding standards are implemented and maintained for all Academies
• Identify risks and propose solutions to improve efficiency and outcomes Represent Program Services in internal and external meetings and events

Additional Responsibilities

• Support college and career readiness initiatives
• Assist with planning and execution of SYF conferences, Foundation Fundraising campaigns, and events Maintain high standards of professional ethics and organizational values
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Travel as required

Reporting Relationship

• The Program Manager reports directly to the Director of Program Services
• Works cross-functionally with Advancement, Finance, and Operations
• Engages with educators, school district partners, local and national educational partners, various government officials, Simon Property Group employees, and others as deemed appropriate