Innovation Program Manager Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

The Program Impact Learning Innovation Manager leads the design, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the organization's learning and program experiences. This role sits at the intersection of curriculum design, instructional technology, and data analytics, translating program outcomes and learner insights into evidence-based improvements to how Program Impact delivers learning at scale. 

Working in close partnership with the Education and Program Development Manager, this role ensures that curriculum and program design decisions are grounded in rigorous data and that technical platforms, including Canvas LMS and the organization's web-based conferencing platform, effectively support high-quality learning experiences. The role also works closely with the Workforce Development team to develop training courses and materials that align program learning with employment outcomes. 

• Partners with the Education and Product Development Manager to design, refine, and evaluate curriculum and instructional materials that align with program goals and learner needs. 
• Applies instructional design best practices (e.g., backward design, adult learning theory, UDL) to develop scalable, engaging learning content. 
• Leads pilot testing of new curricula or program models, gathering feedback and iterating quickly. 
• Builds and maintains style guides, templates, and quality standards for instructional content across Program Impact. 
• Works closely with the Workforce Development team to develop training courses and materials that connect program learning to job readiness and employment outcomes. 
• Owns administration, configuration, and optimization of Canvas LMS, including course shells, enrollment, gradebook setup, and reporting. 
• Manages the organization's web-based conferencing platform for live instruction, ensuring reliable setup, facilitator support, and troubleshooting during sessions. 
• Evaluates emerging edtech tools and innovations, including AI-enabled learning tools, and pilots' new technologies that improve program delivery or learner outcomes. 
• Serves as the primary liaison with Canvas and conferencing platform vendors and internal IT on integrations, upgrades, and troubleshooting. 
• Trains and supports program staff and facilitators in effective use of Canvas and the conferencing platform. 
• Designs and maintains frameworks for measuring program impact, learner outcomes, and engagement across offerings. 
• Builds dashboards and reporting tools that translate program and Canvas data into actionable insight for leadership and program teams. 
• Conducts regular data analysis to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for program improvement. 
• Partners with Business Operations to align impact metrics with organizational KPIs and funder/stakeholder reporting requirements. 
• Serves as a strategic thought partner to the Sr. Director of Business Operations on how learning innovation and data insight can inform organizational strategy. 
• Collaborates closely with the Education and Program Development Manager to ensure tight alignment between curriculum development, delivery platforms, and outcome measurement. 
• Partners with the Workforce Development team on course design, scheduling, and materials that support employment pipeline goals. 
• Represents program learning and impact priorities in cross-departmental planning and budgeting conversations. 
• Other duties as assigned.

To perform the essential functions of this position successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Demonstrated experience with instructional design methodologies and curriculum development. 
• Hands-on experience administering Canvas LMS or a comparable learning management system, plus web-based conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams, WebEx). 
• Strong data analytics skills, including experience building reports/dashboards and translating data into actionable recommendations. 
• Strategic and analytical thinking, with the ability to move fluidly between data, design, and technology. 
• Strong project management skills and comfort managing multiple priorities simultaneously. 
• Innovative mindset with a bias toward testing, learning, and iterating. 
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and presentation communication skills, with proven ability to partner cross-functionally. 
• Familiarity with AI-enabled learning tools and emerging edtech trends. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Instructional Design, Data Analytics, or a related field — or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• 5+ years of experience in program development, instructional design, learning innovation, or a related field. 
• Experience with SQL/Excel/BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and survey or assessment platforms preferred. 
• Experience working in a nonprofit, education, or mission-driven program environment preferred. 
• Master's degree in Education, Learning Design, Data Science, or a related field preferred.