Program Director, STRIVE Houston in Austin, Texas at Strive International Inc

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

STRIVE is a national leader in workforce development solutions, empowering individuals to discover their best future selves through innovative, evidence-based career training and holistic, lifelong support. STRIVE partners with employers, funders and community organizations to close gaps in workforce needs and help local economies thrive. Founded in East Harlem, NY, in 1984, STRIVE has grown from its roots to now offer programs in locations across the country.

For more than 40 years, STRIVE has been a catalyst for economic change and prosperity in underserved communities. Our tuition-free skills and job readiness training, one-on-one support and lifetime personal coaching prepare students for careers in high-growth industries such as healthcare, construction and logistics. With a proven pathway to possible, 80% of STRIVE students graduate, 76% attain employment and 70% retain employment long-term.

Looking to the future, STRIVE has embarked on an ambitious ten-year growth plan to increase its impact in more locations nationwide, aiming to serve up to 10,000 individuals each year by 2033.

We meet individuals where they are, providing free programs tailored to adults 18+, including those impacted by the justice system. At STRIVE, there is always a path forward.

See why STRIVE has been the pathway to possible for more than 40 years in our 3-minute mission video.

POSITION SUMMARY

We seek a results-oriented and social justice-minded leader with program, performance, and team management experience to support the expansion of our Houston office. The Program Director will provide leadership to develop and grow the Career Path program, ensure its sustainability, and support STRIVE Houston program participants in successfully developing the skills, attitudes and behaviors needed to realize self-sufficiency and upward mobility.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Hiring, supervising, and supporting a diverse, high-performing program team to serve students and achieve program outcomes (including career readiness and occupational skills training completion, successful job placement of participants and long-term job retention) through disciplined data analysis, coaching, and training and development.
• Continue to grow STRIVE’s presence in the workforce development community within greater Houston by cultivating relationships in partnership with Executive Director with workforce boards, funders, local social service agencies, faith-based institutions, parole and probation bureaus and other program referral sources.
• With the support of Houston’s Executive Director and STRIVE’s Team, develop and support leading the implementation of STRIVE Houston’s career pathway program.
• Developing strong partnerships with local organizations that offer supportive services for our participants including benefits access, financial literacy, housing counseling, mental health, and career advancement.
• Researching workforce and labor market data and trends and employer insight to inform the development of sectoral pathways for implementation. Identify and secure training providers to meet program goals.
• Develop Memorandums of Understanding and contracts with partners and vendors.
• Develop and maintain program flow-charts, manuals, systems, and policies and procedures.
• Innovation to meet the dynamic and changing needs of target population and staff.
• Managing invoicing, data collection and program reporting, file maintenance and other operational duties.
• Ensure that STRIVE Houston obtains enough enrolled students to fulfill contract obligations, while reaching retention and advancement milestones as developed by Executive Director.
• Responsible for reporting to program funders and other key stakeholders.
• Use Apricot, student tracking system to run necessary reports and closely monitor data.
• Additional duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS· Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent professional and/or lived experience required.

• Five (5) years’ experience in workforce development or sector-based training
• Experience in or understanding of business development preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of youth development, programming and current issues, trends and best practices in the field
• Familiarity with career-focused education and workforce development programs
• Excellent management and leadership skills; able to motivate staff and implement strategies to meet and exceed service level expectations
• Intermediate skill level of Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment a must; and
• Must have strong and polished interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Experience in a start-up company or program preferred

Location: This position may initially be fully remote and will transition to fully in-person, Monday through Friday, at STRIVE’s Houston office once a permanent office location is established. The role will also require occasional fieldwork and travel. STRIVE considers applicants for all positions without regard to: race; color; religion; gender; national origin; age; sexual orientation; marital or veteran status; the presence of a medical condition, genetic information or handicap, unrelated to performing the tasks of the job; or any other legally protected status.

STRIVE offers a rich benefits package that includes:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Pre-tax Commuter Benefits Program
• 401k with employer match
• 20 days of PTO (pro-rated for part-time employees)
• Sick leave
• Up to $500 annual professional development reimbursement
• Paid holidays (including week of Christmas)
• Early closing each Friday during the summer

STRIVE considers applicants for all positions without regard to: race; color; religion; gender; national origin; age; sexual orientation; marital or veteran status; the presence of a medical condition, genetic information or handicap, unrelated to performing the tasks of the job; or any other legally protected status.