Senior Program Manager

THE OPPORTUNITY:

The Senior Program Manager serves as a key member of the leadership team dedicated to program design and delivery in support of a portfolio of custom learning and development programs. This role works in close partnership with the Program Director(s) and other key stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of executive development programs across Chapel Hill, various U.S. locations, global sites, and virtual platforms. The Senior Program Manager provides strategic oversight and guidance to the program delivery team, directly managing Program Managers responsible for day-to-day program execution and delivery. Through collaborative leadership, this position drives operational excellence, fosters innovation, and upholds the organization’s commitment to high-quality client engagement.

Central to the Senior Program Manager’s responsibilities is the pursuit of customer service excellence. Acting as the primary operational point of contact for high-level client executives and stakeholders, this role leads efforts to continuously and consistently deliver programs with their team, strengthen client relationships, and ensure that every program meets or exceeds expectations. The Senior Program Manager plays an integral part in shaping the overall direction of program operations delivery, internal process development and improvement, and driving initiatives to enhance program impact and participant satisfaction within the program portfolio they manage and alignment with the rest of the program delivery teams.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own day-to-day HR operations across the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, benefits administration, employee records, policy administration, and offboarding
• Develop, document, and refine HR processes and workflows to promote consistency and clarity
• Lead and continuously improve the recruiting process, including ATS management, candidate experience, and communications
• Support the execution and ongoing enhancement of performance management and goal-setting processes 
• Identify opportunities to streamline work and implement scalable improvements through tools, automation, and thoughtful process design 
• Maintain HR policies and ensure compliance; proactively identify and mitigate potential risks
• Contribute to employee engagement efforts, including surveys, analysis, and follow-up actions 
• Coordinate annual HR activities, manage projects, and partner closely with the Associate Director of HR to advance key initiatives 
• Manage HR systems to ensure data accuracy, integrity, and reliable reporting
• Draft and manage internal HR communications with clarity and care
• Monitor and analyze key people metrics (e.g., hiring, headcount, turnover, performance), and share insights to inform decision-making
• Serve as a trusted point of contact for employees and managers, providing responsive and thoughtful support
• Manage and support HR student staff
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of Program Managers while ensuring high-quality delivery of a particular subset of Executive Development client programs through multiple modalities (on campus, off-site, virtual, or hybrid)
• Oversee your program team’s client program deliveries to drive the highest level of customer service across all areas
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance the operational skills and capabilities of your program team
• Maintain and enhance relationships with clients and participants to ensure operational excellence and client satisfaction while also addressing client concerns and operational challenges promptly
• Coordinate with program faculty and Program Directors to drive the planning process before, after and during program deliveries
• Work closely with Program Directors to develop and refine operational strategies to enhance program delivery efficiency
• Prepare materials for needs analysis, high-level design, detail design and program walkthrough meetings
• Lead program participant follow-up processes and develop program websites for use in distributing logistical information and materials
• Ensure program operations tie into the overall content by understanding the program objectives and expected program outcomes across the program portfolio
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of program deliveries
• Standardize best practices across the team to ensure consistency in operational activities and further share and manage alignment of those practices across other program portfolios
• Oversee financials for your program team, managing accounts payables and receivables, and tracking program expenses to stay within an established budget
• Contract and negotiate with appropriate suppliers to obtain meeting space, lodging, meals, and program materials
• Collaborate with Program Directors to prepare evaluation data for annual client/portfolio reviews for senior management
• Demonstrate effective internal communication, accountability and confidentiality with colleagues, vendors, and partners
• Facilitate communication and collaboration with internal teams (including Finance, Program Operations, and Program Directors), external stakeholders, and the client to ensure transparency and alignment on portfolio activities to ensure cohesive program delivery from an operational standpoint.
• Facilitate special projects as assigned and fill in for your program delivery team in the classroom as needed

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate will have the ability to effectively lead and manage a team and possess strong project management, strategic thinking, financial management, organizational communication, and decision-making skills. Candidates should demonstrate strong prioritization focused on program needs, team collaboration on behalf of the program delivery function, adaptability to changing priorities, and the ability to thrive in an ambiguous environment.

Minimum qualifications include an undergraduate degree, five years of program/project management experience, or equivalent experience in a related area and three years of direct management experience with a proven track record of team growth and sustainability. Experience in event management, corporate customer service, virtual learning platforms, training and development, and financial tracking desired. Strong command of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required; experience with Salesforce and project management software, specifically Asana, is a plus.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Job Type: Full-time

FLSA Status: Salaried, Exempt

Work Arrangement:

• Hybrid (mix of in-office and remote work)
• Some evening and weekend work during program deliveries required
• Must be within commuting distance to office
• Potential domestic and international travel (up to 25% of time)

Benefits:

• Group health, dental and vision plans
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Life & disability insurance provided and funded by the LLC
• Flexible spending account options
• Paid holidays and time-off
• Paid parental leave and other leave programs
• Professional development opportunities

TO APPLY:

A resume and cover letter are required to complete the application. The deadline to apply for this position is Friday May 1, 2026.

The Senior Program Manager is an employee of the Kenan-Flagler Business School Executive Education, LLC, an affiliated organization of UNC-Chapel Hill. This position is not a University or State of North Carolina position.

Kenan-Flagler Business School Executive Education, LLC is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran. EOE M/F/D/V.