Who We Are:ReadyCT is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to advance academic excellence and career-connected learning for all public school students in Connecticut through collaboration with business, civic, and education leaders. ReadyCT accomplishes its mission by offering dynamic career readiness programming in school buildings that, with intention, bridges the gap between public education and the employers who will, ultimately, hire their future workforce from our public schools. Businesses continue to respond well to the programming; last year, over 100 Connecticut businesses of all sizes and across all sectors worked alongside ReadyCT to inform our programming efforts.ReadyCT also maintains a presence in legislative circles, advocating for policies that systematically improve Connecticut public education, with an emphasis on advancing access and equity.ReadyCT has a formal affiliation with CBIA, the CT Business & Industry Association, which is the largest, most representative business organization in the state. CBIA members include businesses of all sizes from nearly all industries across Connecticut.What We’re Looking For:The Student 5.0 employer engagement program manager (program manager) reports to the director of Student 5.0. In partnership with the full Student 5.0 team, the program manager is responsible for connecting with employers and training providers -- including postsecondary institutions, workforce investment boards, and community-based organizations -- to connect students to work-based learning opportunities that align with their career interests and aspirations. Student 5.0, a mentor-based career launch program designed to work with current high school seniors and recent graduates who are undecided about their post-graduation plans. The program manager role will engage and collaborate primarily with industry and workforce development partners, as well as K-12, higher education, state agencies, and community partners to connect students to training and internship opportunities that can lead to direct employment.The program manager will work closely with the rest of the Student 5.0 and broader ReadyCT team to ensure a high-quality experience for all program participants.The program manager will work with colleagues and stakeholders to develop and oversee a program that (1) supports program participants in creating and implementing a postsecondary career launch plan, and (2) encourages participants to prepare for and engage with a continuum of work-based learning experiences inclusive of paid internship recruitment, preparation, placement, and ongoing monitoring for up to 100 participants per year.What You’ll Do:Specific responsibilities of the program manager include:In collaboration with the Student 5.0 team, informing the overall design, strategy, participant experience, staff experience, and scale up of Student 5.0 to various locations across Connecticut.Recruiting local employers to host interns throughout the greater Hartford region supporting multiple districts.Leading employer recruitment efforts to develop high-quality internship experiences for program participants with the goal of securing and placing at least 100 successful internships per year.Advancing a Student 5.0 employer advisory group and contributing in brainstorming and troubleshooting conversations that help to increase participant and employer engagement and retention.Cultivating and maintaining positive working relationships with key partners across Connecticut, including the Office of Workforce Strategy, the five workforce development boards (WDBs), and local chambers of commerce, among others.Establishing and maintaining strong referral partnerships with sector-based training providers and credentialing programs.Developing, curating, and sustaining a dynamic and responsive menu of high-quality learning experiences and activities to support the successful implementation of participant career launch plans.Working closely with career launch coordinators on the development and implementation of key partnerships with sector-based training/credentialing providers.Supporting the development and execution of a strategic marketing campaign to increase student awareness of, engagement with, and persistence in the Student 5.0 program.Developing systems to maintain a streamlined process for program participants and employer partners to monitor internship experiences to ensure we meet program goals.Tracking the progress and status of Student 5.0 participants throughout the duration of the program using both internal and external platforms.Supporting ongoing data collection, reporting, and analysis.Coordinating and assisting with ongoing program evaluation; using evaluation/data to inform continuous improvement of the WBL program design and delivery.Consistently seeking out or identifying career resources that provide student support and staff development opportunities.In addition, the program manager is expected to collaborate with ReadyCT staff by:Promoting other ReadyCT programs and/or activities that complement the Student 5.0 program.Participating and engaging in standing team meetings, professional development, and ReadyCT strategic planning conversations.Participating in CBIA & Affiliates meetings and events, as required.Desired Skills:A passion for education and developing the potential of ALL students.A bachelor's degree (required); master’s degree or higher (preferred).Direct experience with navigating multiple partnerships/stakeholder groups, with a focus on building relationships with local employers to host interns.Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.Excellent organizational and project management skills and record of delivering on-time results.Strong attention to detail.Active listening and strong facilitation skills.Strong interpersonal skills and the capacity to build new relationships with a wide range of stakeholders across all demographics.The ability to both work independently and collaborate with a team.Comfort with and aptitude for learning new technology systems.Demonstrated ability to “multi-task” and deliver high-quality work.Ability to adapt to new situations and remain customer-focused.The persistence and resourcefulness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.This is a grant-funded position that qualifies for ReadyCT benefits and is renewable contingent upon continued funding.Summary of Benefits:Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefitsHealthcare, dental, and vision plansRetirement plansShort-term disabilityLong term disabilityGroup Life insuranceReadyCT is an equal opportunity employer.