Engagement and Innovation Program Manager

NEW YORK POWER AUTHORITY•City of White Plains, NY

3d•$128,000 - $170,000

About The Position

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is seeking an Engagement and Innovation Program Manager to drive initiatives that embed innovation mindsets and behaviors across the organization. Reporting to the Director of Culture of Innovation Programs, this role supports NYPA’s strategic transformation by empowering employees to contribute ideas, experiment with solutions, and continuously improve operations. Key responsibilities include leading innovation engagement programs and managing the intake, evaluation, and support of employee-submitted ideas. The Manager will facilitate workshops on human-centered design, lean experimentation, and creative problem solving. They will collaborate with HR, DEI, Talent Development, Communications, and business units to integrate innovation practices into onboarding, engagement, and performance programs. This role involves tracking progress and sharing results by defining and monitoring key metrics related to innovation participation and outcomes, and developing regular reports and communications to showcase progress. Additionally, the Manager will align cultural initiatives with NYPA’s broader innovation strategy and digital transformation goals, contributing to planning, maturity assessments, and capability-building initiatives. The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of innovation methodologies (e.g., design thinking, lean startup, agile), knowledge of cultural change and employee engagement, and skills in workshop facilitation and program management. Strong communication skills, the ability to build relationships and influence others, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and psychologically safe work environment are crucial. This position is central to NYPA’s Innovation Initiatives, ensuring a sustained culture of innovation that empowers employees at all levels. If you are passionate about driving cultural change and fostering continuous improvement, we invite you to apply.

Requirements

Strong experience as project or program manager of large and complex projects or programs.
Advanced knowledge of project and program management methodologies.
Understanding of the business and strategic goals.
Able to work with all levels of management internal and external.
Strong leadership and time management skills.
Knowledge of budgeting and resource allocations.
Ability to think strategically, to proactively understand stakeholder needs, and to provide solutions to overcome obstacles.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience delivering engaging, informative, well-organized presentations.
Strong understanding of innovation methodologies (e.g., design thinking, lean startup, agile).
Knowledge of cultural change and employee engagement.
Skills in workshop facilitation and program management.
Strong communication skills.
Ability to build relationships and influence others.
Commitment to fostering an inclusive and psychologically safe work environment.

Responsibilities

Responsible for daily management throughout the life cycle of the program.
Support the stakeholders in planning and development of programs and projects.
Define the controls, processes, procedures, reporting, etc. to manage the programs.
Strategize and prioritize resources.
Monitor progress to ensure that the milestones are being met across the various projects and programs.
Manage the risks and issues that arise during the program cycle as well as take measures to correct them.
Manage the program budget and identify internal and external funding sources.
Coordinate the project(s) and their interdependencies between various projects and programs within departments or business units.
Facilitate workshops on human-centered design, lean experimentation, and creative problem solving.
Collaborate with HR, DEI, Talent Development, Communications, and business units to integrate innovation practices into onboarding, engagement, and performance programs.
Track progress and share results, defining and monitoring key metrics related to innovation participation and outcomes, and developing regular reports and communications to showcase progress.
Align cultural initiatives with NYPA’s broader innovation strategy and digital transformation goals, contributing to planning, maturity assessments, and capability-building initiatives.