Manager of Strategic Initiatives
About The Position
The Cornell Prison Education Program (CPEP) is seeking a highly qualified Manager of Strategic Initiatives. This is a grant-funded, full time, term-limited position through December 31, 2028. This opportunity offers remote work; however, the successful candidate will be required to work on campus at least once per month, with additional on-site presence as needed. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance is not available for this position. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager of Strategic Initiatives plays a critical senior leadership role in advancing the mission and long-term sustainability of the Cornell Prison Education Program. If chosen for this position, you will partner closely with the Executive Director and senior leadership to design and execute high-impact initiatives that strengthen CPEP’s academic programs and other initiatives, expand access to higher education in prison, and support innovation across the organization. In this position you will lead complex, cross-functional projects across CPEP’s portfolio of initiatives including but not limited to the launch of CPEP’s Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) program, the execution of two strategic initiatives called the Education Justice Tracker (EJT) and the Partnership for Advancing Prison Education Research (PAPER), and the establishment of a NYC advisory community, as well as other operational and financial initiatives that will promote the long-term sustainability of the Cornell Prison Education Program while ensuring alignment across internal teams and external partners. Success in this role would mean that the Cornell Prison Education is able to grow, the Ascendium grant deliverables are executed on time and CPEP improves its path to sustainability by the end of the term. Who we are: The Cornell Prison Education Program supports a regional collaboration that brings together Cornell faculty and graduate students to teach a college-level liberal arts curriculum to a select group of students at nearby correctional facilities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required
- 5+ years of experience in strategy, operations, program management, consulting, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives from concept through implementation
- Proven ability to translate organizational vision into actionable plans, with strong attention to execution, accountability, and results
- Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working in prison education, nonprofit organizations, or mission-driven environments strongly preferred
- Master’s degree in business, higher education administration, planning, or aligned field would be preferred
- 10+ years of experience in strategy, operations, program management, consulting, or a related field
Responsibilities
- Partner closely with the Executive Director and senior leadership to design and execute high-impact initiatives that strengthen CPEP’s academic programs and other initiatives.
- Expand access to higher education in prison, and support innovation across the organization.
- Lead complex, cross-functional projects across CPEP’s portfolio of initiatives including but not limited to the launch of CPEP’s Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) program, the execution of two strategic initiatives called the Education Justice Tracker (EJT) and the Partnership for Advancing Prison Education Research (PAPER), and the establishment of a NYC advisory community, as well as other operational and financial initiatives that will promote the long-term sustainability of the Cornell Prison Education Program while ensuring alignment across internal teams and external partners.
Benefits
- comprehensive health care options
- generous retirement contributions
- access to wellness programs
- employee discounts with local and national retail brands
- health and personal leave
- three weeks of vacation
- 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
- two additional floating holidays
- tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
- tuition aid for external education
- Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
