Cadet Program Manager - PPD

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

4d • $75,500 - $94,500

About The Position

The Program Manager for the Philadelphia Police Department’s Police Cadet and Explorers Program manages the initiatives’ daily operations, coordination, and long-term success. The role provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and hands-on management to ensure participants are recruited, developed, and prepared for future law enforcement careers. The Program Manager is the central point of contact for program planning, staffing, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Human Resources, or a related field, and at least four years of progressively responsible experience in program management, workforce development, law enforcement, or a related area. The City welcomes diverse experiences and flexible qualifications, and encourages candidates who meet some of the key criteria to apply. The successful candidate must become a Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Human Resources, or a related field.
• At least four 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 and officer entrance standards, recruitment and onboarding, civil service and exempt hiring, public-sector budgeting, and program metrics and data analysis.
• Skills in strategic planning, program development, staff supervision and mentoring, data analysis and performance reporting, budget preparation and monitoring, communication, and relationship building.
• Ability to oversee daily operations and multiple priorities; manage cadet rotational assignments; collaborate with HR, academy, and leadership teams; ensure compliance with policies and background standards; monitor cadet progress; foster teamwork and professionalism; and handle confidential information discreetly.
• Use of Microsoft Office Suite, HRIS, and tracking systems.
• Must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
• Submit a cover letter and resume.

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, including coordinating background investigations with PPD Human Resources.
• Recommend qualified candidates for hire and coordinate onboarding.
• Supervise clerical positions, 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 accurate program records, reports, and performance evaluations.
• Collect, analyze, and report key performance indicators to assess outcomes and determine whether goals are met.
• 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.
• Eligibility for a discounted medical plan through the wellness program.
• 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