Program Manager Jobs in Sanford, ME (NOW HIRING)

Location: Friends Forever International Headquarters, New Hampshire

Position Type: Full-Time, In-Office Only

Friends Forever International (FFI) is searching for a dedicated and resilient Program Manager who will relentlessly pursue program excellence and transformative outcomes. This role requires a commitment to being present and engaged, as it involves hands-on, intensive work both in the office and directly with program participants. Working closely with the Executive Director and as a core member of a close-knit team, the Program Manager will design, deliver, and evaluate programs that reflect FFI’s mission to develop empathetic young leaders across diverse communities.

FFI’s primary programming serves youth ages 14-18, fostering leadership and community-building skills. In addition, the Program Manager will support programs for elementary and middle school-aged students, seniors, and professional exchange participants from abroad, bringing a multi-generational and cross-cultural approach to FFI’s programming.

Role Overview

This is a challenging role that requires the Program Manager to be available on-site, with no remote work options. This individual will be responsible for the autonomous management of program design and implementation, serving as the primary driver behind all FFI programming. The role involves extensive national and international travel, including immersive, overnight residential work lasting one week or more multiple times a year. Additionally, the Program Manager will be expected to work several weekends throughout the year. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic, fast-paced environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities, maintaining a collaborative spirit and positive outlook at all times.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Management

• Autonomous Program Ownership: Take full initiative in developing, implementing, and evaluating all youth and alumni leadership programs. This includes complete responsibility for designing curricula, creating program materials, and setting both short-term and long-term program goals. It also includes oversight/management of alumni facilitators and site coordinators.
• Intensive Residential Engagement: Oversee and participate in overnight, immersive programming with youth participants, often for a week or longer, multiple times a year. During these sessions, you will serve as both mentor and manager, ensuring that program goals are met in real-time.
• National and Global Program Delivery: Travel nationally and internationally throughout the year to deliver programs, lead workshops, and support FFI’s global initiatives, establishing partnerships and adapting programming to local contexts. This includes delivering programs at our FFI’s campuses in Northern Ireland and Belize.
• Data-Driven Programming: Continuously analyze program metrics, attendance, and participant feedback to improve impact and align with FFI’s mission. Prepare comprehensive reports and maintain meticulous records for all program-related data.
• Curriculum Development and Expansion: Lead the development, writing, and ongoing refinement of program curriculum to ensure they are engaging, inclusive, and aligned with organizational goals. Collaborate closely with the New Hampshire Department of Education and Departments of Education in other states to align programs with state standards and support successful expansion beyond New Hampshire.

Stakeholder Engagement and Public Representation

• Community Relations: Engage with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including youth, parents, alumni, community members, and international partners. This requires exceptional interpersonal skills, open-mindedness, and a commitment to engaging with respect and neutrality, showcasing empathy for diverse perspectives.
• Positive Team Member: Work collaboratively within FFI’s team, fostering a supportive environment, maintaining a positive attitude, and embodying FFI’s values of respect and open-mindedness, even in high-pressure situations.
• Apolitical Stance: Represent FFI in public forums and in private interactions with a commitment to remaining unbiased, apolitical, and open to varying perspectives.
• Public Representation: Act as a spokesperson for FFI at public events, workshops, and in media engagements, consistently advocating for FFI’s mission and sharing program successes.

Event and Fundraising Support

• Special Event Leadership: Play a leading role in planning and executing FFI’s fundraising events, including managing logistics, budgets, and event deliverables.
• Fundraising and Grant Writing: Contribute to securing funding through grant proposals, sponsorships, and cultivating donor relationships, supporting the overall financial sustainability of FFI’s programs.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in program management, curriculum development, youth engagement, or a related field.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in program management, curriculum development, or youth engagement.
• Teaching Certification: Active certification to teach in the state of New Hampshire or another state.
• Location: Demonstrated capacity to reside in New Hampshire or southern Maine immediately upon hire.
• Flexibility and Resilience: Ability to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and a willingness to travel frequently, including internationally.
• Driver of Programming: Highly self-motivated and able to take full ownership of programs with minimal supervision, making critical decisions and adjusting on the fly as program needs evolve.
• In-Office Commitment: This is an on-site position with no remote work flexibility. The Program Manager must work from FFI’s headquarters and engage directly with team members and program participants on a daily basis.
• Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check and possess a valid driver’s license in good standing.

Preferred Skills

• Program Design and Workshop Facilitation: Demonstrated ability to create engaging, impactful programs and lead workshops that inspire and challenge participants.
• Educational Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with the New Hampshire education system and Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) programs.
• Fundraising Experience: Experience with grant writing, sponsorship solicitation, and managing community partnerships.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret data, evaluate program effectiveness, and implement changes based on feedback.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $65,000 annually, including a comprehensive health, vision, and dental plan.
• ETO: 15 days of leave accrued throughout the year which increases annually, plus flexible 10 holidays that can be used at any time
• Additional Benefits: Flexible scheduling, international travel, and retirement plan options after six months.

Next Steps

• Application: Submit your resume and a cover letter which details your understanding of the organization and also any ideas you have for programs.
• Due Date: This is a rolling application and will be filled when we find the best candidate
• Submission: Send to office@ff.international. In addition, if from out of state, outline your plan to secure housing if hired.