Program Director

Position Summary:

The Program Director is a full-time equivalent, exempt employee that reports directly to the Erie Center for Arts & Technology (herein ECAT) Executive Director. ECAT is a community-based organization that inspires, educates, and empowers people of all ages through adult workforce training & creative youth programming.

The Program Director shall be a dynamic and mission-driven leader responsible for the strategic oversight, successful implementation, and continuous improvement of ECAT's adult career training programs and afterschool arts programs. This individual will be a key contributor to ECAT's impactful work, ensuring that all programs align with our core values, meet the needs of the community, and deliver exceptional outcomes. The Program Director will embody ECAT's unique culture and commitment to creating empowering environments, while also demonstrating strong entrepreneurial spirit to advance the organization's mission and growth.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in education, social work, non-profit management, business administration, or a related field.
• Ability to secure & maintain FBI criminal background check clearance (Act 114), PA State Police Background Check (Act 34) and PA Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse Report (Act 151).
• Passion for the ECAT mission, core principles including but not limited to commitment to equity, inclusion, and strong ties to community.
• Minimum of 2 years of leadership experience in program management, preferably within a non-profit, educational, or workforce development setting is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, team building, and performance management.
• Proven track record of successful program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Exceptional communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation) with the ability to effectively engage diverse audiences.
• Strong management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Entrepreneurial attitude with a demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for growth, resource development, and innovative solutions.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence, servant leadership, and a hands-on approach to problem solving
• Familiarity with workforce development trends, adult education best practices, and youth development principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time and lift 20 pounds
• Occasional travel.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of all adult career training programs and after school arts programs, ensuring high quality and fidelity to the ECAT model.
• Develop, implement, and monitor program goals, objectives, and outcomes, regularly assessing program effectiveness and making data-driven improvements.
• Manage program budgets, resources, and staffing to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor program staff, fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team environment.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, policies, and grant requirements.

Curriculum Development & Innovation:

• Collaborate with instructors and community partners to develop and refine relevant, market-driven adult career training curricula that address current and future workforce needs.
• Guide the development of engaging and enriching afterschool arts programming for teens.
• Stay abreast of best practices, emerging trends, and innovative approaches in adult education, workforce development, and youth arts programming.

Community Engagement & Partnership Development:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders, including employers, educational institutions, government agencies, and other non-profit organizations.
• Identify and cultivate partnerships that enhance program offerings, create pathways to employment, and expand ECAT's reach and impact.
• Represent ECAT at community events, meetings, and conferences, acting as an ambassador for our mission.

Fundraising & Resource Development (Entrepreneurial Mindset):

• In partnership with the Executive Director, actively seek out and identify opportunities to generate financial support for ECAT's programs and mission.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and development team on grant writing, donor cultivation, and fundraising initiatives.
• Possess a proactive and innovative approach to identifying and pursuing opportunities for program expansion and sustainability.

Culture & Environment Stewardship:

• Champion and exemplify the "Environment Shapes Behavior, All People are Assets, and Creativity Fuels Enterprise" philosophy, fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering atmosphere for staff, students, and participants.
• Ensure that all program spaces reflect ECAT's commitment to dignity, respect, and high-quality learning environments.
• Act as a role model for positive interactions and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Misc

• 7.5 hour workday; 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday – Friday
• Location: in office within the adopted remote work policy
• Attendance & participation at various ECAT events, often after hours & weekends
• Additional hours to meet audit, grant, regulatory, etc. deadlines as needed

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive; It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of the job. Individuals may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those identified in this job description.

The Erie Center for Arts & Technology aims to promote equal opportunities, eliminate discrimination, and eliminate harassment by opposing all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. All employees, volunteers, and students are treated fairly and with respect. (Compensation & Benefits follow)

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: $62,000 - $72,000 annually; competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Benefits:
• (15) days PTO annually; (11) paid holidays
• (24) remote workdays annually
• Health insurance; domestic partner coverage
• Short Term Disability
• Vision; Dental; Long Term Disability; Life; Accidental Death/Disability available at employee’s expense through payroll deduction