Program Manager, JA Discovery Center
Position Concept: The Paychex JA Discovery Center at Kodak Center in Eastman Business Park will be a hands-on, project-based, “capstone” learning experience for students in middle and high school. The Paychex JA Discovery Center (“JADC”) will be home to an authentic simulation, where students will put to the test lessons learned in the classroom in JA’s Biz Town and Finance Park programs. The JADC is an unprecedented collaboration of industry, business, government, education, and non-profit and will serve more than 12,000 students at full capacity. Alongside the Director, the Program Manager of the JADC will be responsible for the continued development of the simulation experience at Kodak Center, working closely with donors, “storefront” sponsors, and educators, and will be an integral part of the team that will officially launch the JADC in January 2024. Upon opening, the Program Manager will be responsible for all aspects of the operations and programming at the JA Discovery Center as well as program growth and expansion.
Key Areas of Responsibility:
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Develop expertise in the JA Biz Town and JA Finance Park curricula and on-site simulation.
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Continually design and execute a best-in-class learning experience during JA Biz Town and JA Finance Park visits, by ensuring the simulation meets district curriculum learning objectives and provides real-world application opportunities through its sponsors. By monitoring the student, sponsor, and volunteer experience daily, recognize and ensure that the simulation experience is meeting the goals of all stakeholders. Make recommendations and adjustments accordingly to provide the best return on investment for all parties.
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Manage on-site engagements of up to 125 students per day (4-5 hrs.). This includes coordinating the daily simulation schedule and other logistics (making adjustments both ahead of time and on the fly when necessary), prepping program resources and all essential materials to ensure completion of the simulation and efficacy of programming. Collect required reporting, evaluations and record other daily reporting in a timely manner.
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Emcee the on-site simulation the days students are present. Must exhibit showmanship and a natural stage presence in front of 5-12th grade students and adults.
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Facilitate on-site volunteer training and provide support throughout the simulation to 20-30 volunteers a day, to help them coach students and apply their personal experiences within the context of the simulations.
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Ensure the facility is in a constant state of operational readiness, including all program preparation as well as preventative maintenance and timely repairs.
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Be an expert in all onsite emergency and safety procedures. Prioritize constituent safety at all times.
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Provide technical support and troubleshoot common issues with simulation software, storefront technology, and other resources.
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Support events, tours and other meetings, ensuring that partners and guests have a best-in-class experience, including after hours and on weekends.
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In the first few years of operation, the site will not have students present every day and summers will have down time. On non-simulation days, provide prospecting and stewardship of educators and volunteers. Utilize non-program days to innovate and elevate the current student experience. Continually work toward storefront/sponsor backlog.
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Work hand-in-hand and cross train with the Director of the JA Discovery Center.
Education/Experience Required:
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Candidates of all degree and academic certification levels will be considered.
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Must be able to make quick decisions and enjoy working in a fast-paced, student/mentor- based environment. Strong critical thinking/risk mitigation skills as it relates to on-site youth programming.
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Facilitation, coaching, and/or presentation experience necessary.
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Listening and creative skills a must.
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Proven history of working successfully in a team environment.
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High attention to detail and customer service, and ability to demonstrate management of multiple priorities.
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Past experience managing youth programs a plus, and strong critical thinking/risk mitigation skills as it relates to on-site youth programming. Ability to problem-solve in a fast-paced work environment a must.
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Strong technology skills.
Physical and other Requirements: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to: sit, walk, occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, continually required to talk or hear, occasionally required to bend, lift, or climb, frequently required to lift and carry light weights (25-50 pounds), and specific vision abilities include: close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust or focus. In addition, a driver’s license and access to a car are required, as is travel throughout the 25-county region.
Compensation: $40-55k, based on experience. Benefits to include health/dental insurance, life insurance,401(k) plan, PTO and hybrid/flexible work environment on non-simulation days.
To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to info.jacuny@ja.org.