Program Manager in Los Angeles, California at Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

Program Manager

Wallis Annenberg GenSpace | Los Angeles, CA

Reports to: Director, GenSpace

Direct Report(s): Program Coordinator

Salary Range: $89,000-$94,000 annually

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

Wallis Annenberg GenSpace is a project of the Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation dedicated to reimagining aging through creativity, lifelong learning, wellness, and connection. Inspired by philanthropist Wallis Annenberg's vision of a society where older adults are valued, supported, and empowered to live fully, GenSpace creates welcoming spaces and innovative programs that celebrate longevity, foster meaningful relationships, and challenge outdated assumptions about aging.

Our flagship Koreatown location serves nearly 400 members and delivers approximately 120 scheduled class sessions weekly across six program areas. GenSpace recently expanded to the Collins & Katz YMCA in West Los Angeles, offering approximately 24 additional weekly sessions. Our structured, cohort-based approach encourages sustained participation, skill development, and meaningful connections among members.

We are seeking an experienced, creative, and highly organized Program Manager to lead and shape GenSpace's dynamic portfolio of in-person and virtual programs. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys bringing people and ideas together, creating exceptional learning experiences, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults.

Working closely with the Director, the Program Manager will oversee our program calendar and network of instructors while helping develop innovative new offerings in collaboration with academic partners, subject matter experts, and creative professionals. Supported by a Program Coordinator, student interns, and Operations colleagues, the ideal candidate is a confident, hands-on leader who combines operational excellence with creativity, initiative, and a passion for lifelong learning.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead the planning and execution of GenSpace's monthly program calendar, coordinating classes, instructors, program spaces, and virtual offerings across locations.

· Ensure consistent, high-quality program delivery, proactively addressing instructor availability, scheduling conflicts, and program-related challenges, while coordinating with Operations on facility, staffing, member services, and other site operational matters.

· Analyze registration, attendance, waitlists, and member feedback to independently adjust schedules, capacity, and offerings based on demand and organizational priorities.

· Lead GenSpace's monthly member co-creation process, incorporating member ideas and feedback into program planning.

· Identify opportunities to expand successful programs, improve or discontinue underperforming offerings, and strengthen program management processes in collaboration with Operations staff.

· Lead recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, supervision, and performance management of GenSpace instructors and facilitators.

· Build and maintain a strong instructor network, establishing clear expectations for reliability, professionalism, and program quality.

· Observe programs, evaluate instructor performance, and provide timely feedback, coaching, and corrective action as appropriate.

· Supervise and develop the Program Coordinator, delegating responsibilities for scheduling support, program administration, and communications.

· Supervise and coordinate the day-to-day programmatic assignments of student interns involved in GenSpace programming, working in collaboration with the Manager, Operations & Innovation, who works with the Director of GenSpace on institutional internship partnerships and administrative requirements.

· Partner with the Director to develop, pilot, and launch innovative programs aligned with GenSpace's mission, member interests, and strategic priorities.

· Collaborate with instructors, academic partners, and external experts to develop engaging offerings, including evidence-informed programs and structured curricula.

· Occasionally facilitate workshops or pilot activities to support program innovation and engage directly with members.

· Evaluate new initiatives and recommend opportunities to refine, expand, or replicate successful programs.

· Develop and coordinate engaging program-related content for social media, newsletters, the GenSpace website, and other communications channels, working closely with the Program Coordinator and under the direction of the Director, consistent with established organizational communications and approval processes.

· Identify opportunities to highlight GenSpace's programs, instructors, members, and impact, supporting the Director and external communications partners in developing compelling stories that advance organizational visibility.

· Monitor participation, satisfaction, and program performance, providing regular reports and actionable recommendations to leadership.

· Manage program-related spending in collaboration with the Director, including instructor compensation, supplies, and resources.

· Support the Director in the programmatic development and implementation of initiatives with academic and community partners, coordinating with the Manager, Operations & Innovation on operational requirements, institutional processes, and logistical support.

Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience required.

· Five or more years of relevant experience in program management, education, recreation, community programming, or a related field.

· At least two years of experience managing multiple instructors, facilitators, or program staff, including scheduling, supervision, and performance management.

· Demonstrated ability to independently manage a complex, high-volume program calendar while maintaining quality and addressing operational challenges.

· Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with experience using participation data and feedback to inform decisions.

· Creativity, initiative, and experience developing engaging programs or improving existing offerings.

· Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, with experience overseeing content for social media, newsletters, or other public-facing channels preferred.

· Experience working with older adults or in nonprofit, education, arts, wellness, or community-based programming preferred.

· Enthusiasm for GenSpace's mission of reimagining aging.

Work Schedule & Location

This is a full-time position based in Los Angeles, with a hybrid work schedule:

· Monday–Thursday: Onsite at GenSpace's Koreatown location during regular business hours (generally 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.), with visits to the Collins & Katz YMCA in West Los Angeles as needed.

· Friday: Remote work, supporting virtual programming, planning, coordination, and administrative responsibilities.

Occasional schedule flexibility may be required for special events or organizational needs.

Benefits and Perks:

· 100% paid medical insurance, dental and vision for employee + family.

· Life and disability insurance

· Employer contribution to FSA

· We also offer a 403(b) retirement plan with 10% company contribution after 1 year of employment.

· Vacation & sick days.

· Company paid holidays.

· Annual Professional development allowance.

· Opportunity for an annual performance bonus (discretionary and not guaranteed).

· Gym membership.

· Free Pet adoption.

· Generous retail discount.

· The organization invests in employee well-being through wellness initiatives and meaningful celebrations.

Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation, PetSpace, is a company that respects the uniqueness of each employee and offers everyone the means to find their place and thrive. We promote initiatives aimed at supporting professional equality for everyone. We strive to go above and beyond purely symbolic measures by building a culture focused on meaningful strategies aimed at creating an inclusive workforce.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at Recruiting@walf.org.