Program Manager, Career Development

Reel Works•Brooklyn, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reel Works is hiring a Program Manager to contribute to the design, development, and management of the MediaMKRS career development workforce program. This position requires candidates to be based in the New York City Metro area, with the flexibility of a hybrid office environment. The physical office is located in Brooklyn, NY. This is a full-time position with an estimated start date of July 20, 2026. Reel Works believes talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Founded in 2001, Reel Works encourages young people to share their stories through filmmaking and has expanded to help build a more inclusive media industry by providing emerging talent with the mentorship, skills, and professional networks needed to succeed. The MediaMKRS workforce development program, launched in 2019, aims to diversify the media landscape and create equitable solutions by educating and empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds through comprehensive training, hands-on work experiences, networking opportunities, and access to industry professionals.

Requirements

4+ years of program management experience, ideally within a non-profit, workforce development setting
Familiarity with the TV/film industry structure, including an understanding of entertainment unions, guild guidelines, and studio operations, is highly preferred.
Proven track record of managing direct reports, cross-functional teams, or on-site coordinators in fast-paced environments.
Strong experience creating, actualizing, and managing budgets, as well as navigating payroll and invoice processes.
High proficiency with CRM tools (Salesforce preferred), project management software, and data analysis.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to confidently present to studio executives and compassionately support program participants.
A deep, demonstrated passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a commitment to empowering individuals from underserved communities.
Eligible to work in the U.S.
Alignment with Reel Works' mission and core values: Growth, Accountability, Community, Self-expression, Equity, and Impact
Strong written and verbal communicator with good interpersonal skills; comfortable establishing and building good, productive working relationships with a variety of people (program applicants, industry professionals, staff at all levels, and various other internal and external stakeholders)
Personable, approachable, and demonstrates comfort in a people-facing role externally and experience in a team-based work environment
A true brand ambassador who is customer service-oriented, honoring commitments to internal and external stakeholders by providing helpful, courteous, accessible, responsive, and knowledgeable support
Effective organizational and time management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize
Natural ability to lead and operate independently, with an appropriate level of day-to-day guidance from management
Deep affinity for process, task management, and coming to the table with creative solutions
Highly organized and flexible with proven experience thriving in a fast-paced environment where you juggle many responsibilities with potential ambiguity
High degree of integrity, reliability, and trustworthiness, and can maintain a high level of professionalism

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the TV/film industry structure, including an understanding of entertainment unions, guild guidelines, and studio operations

Responsibilities

Lead the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of career development programs, ensuring they meet rigorous industry standards and organizational goals.
Own all logistical details for in-person and virtual training classes, managing equipment rentals, venue sourcing, insurance compliance, catering, and materials.
Partner with studio partners, industry professionals, and film union representatives to align training tracks with current industry needs, technological shifts, and hiring demands.
Oversee the entire lifecycle of training cohorts, from a rigorous three-round applicant recruitment process to final graduation and program wrap-up.
Directly manage and mentor the Career Development Senior Program Coordinator, Career Development Senior Recruitment Coordinator, MediaMKRS Accounting and Payroll Coordinator, and On-Site Coordinators, ensuring successful programming and team satisfaction.
Develop, actualize, and manage comprehensive program budgets, tracking all expenses to ensure absolute compliance with financial guidelines.
Oversee programmatic financial workflows, including invoice approvals, vendor payments, expense tracking, and the execution of union and non-union instructor payroll in close coordination with Accounting and Payroll Coordinator.
Oversee participant data collection and input into Salesforce to maintain precise records for programs, participants, instructors, stakeholders, and funders.
Collect comprehensive program feedback from graduates and instructors and synthesize program data to evaluate impact, track participant progress, and generate actionable insights for program improvement.
Maintain up-to-date alumni records in collaboration with the Career Success Program Manager to document long-term employment outcomes.