Cadet Program Manager - PPD

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

3d

About The Position

The Program Manager for the Philadelphia Police Department’s Police Cadet and Explorers Program is responsible for the daily management, coordination, and long-term success of both initiatives. The role provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and hands-on management to recruit and develop participants and prepare them for future law enforcement careers. The Program Manager serves as the central point of contact for program planning, staffing, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

The role oversees program operations, develops plans and procedures, manages candidate screening and onboarding in partnership with PPD Human Resources, supervises clerical staff, coordinates cadet rotations and preparation for the officer entrance process, tracks participant progress, evaluates outcomes, and manages the program budget. The Program Manager also serves as a liaison to internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Human Resources, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of progressively responsible experience in program management, workforce development, law enforcement, or a related area.
• Knowledge of program management and evaluation, workforce development and career pathway programming, law enforcement structures, cadet training, and officer entrance standards.
• Knowledge of recruitment, screening, and onboarding processes; civil service and exempt hiring practices; public sector budgeting and fiscal accountability; and program metrics, KPIs, and data analysis.
• Skills in strategic planning and program development, staff supervision and mentoring, data analysis and performance reporting, budget preparation and monitoring, and written, verbal, and presentation communication.
• Ability to oversee daily operations and multiple priorities, manage rotational assignments, collaborate with HR, academy, and leadership teams, ensure compliance with policies and background standards, monitor cadet progress, and handle sensitive and confidential information discreetly.
• Use of Microsoft Office Suite, HRIS, and tracking systems.
• Must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Police Cadet and Explorers Program in alignment with the Philadelphia Police Department’s mission and goals.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, policies, and procedures to support program growth and sustainability.
• Recruit, screen, and evaluate program candidates, coordinating background investigations with PPD Human Resources.
• Recommend qualified candidates for hire and coordinate onboarding.
• Supervise clerical positions, including providing direction, training, and performance feedback.
• Design and manage rotational assignment schedules that expose cadets to multiple PPD divisions and functions.
• Collaborate with the Police Academy and Recruitment Unit to prepare cadets for the officer entrance process.
• Track and evaluate cadet progress and maintain program records, reports, and performance evaluations.
• Collect, analyze, and report key performance indicators to assess program outcomes and progress toward goals.
• Manage the program budget, monitor expenditures, and recommend adjustments.
• Serve as a liaison to internal and external stakeholders and maintain partnerships that support program success.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Unlimited free public transportation through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Wellness program with eligibility for a discounted medical plan.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement savings options.
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships through partnerships with local colleges and universities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager