Program Manager, Placement Services

FORTUNE SOCIETY INC•New York, NY

5d•$70,000 - $72,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Fortune Society is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Program Manager, Placement Services to join our Employment Services team. Reporting to the Director, Employment Business Services, this role is central to advancing our mission of securing sustainable employment opportunities for individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. The Program Manager will provide direct supervision and support to Employment Specialists, guiding their efforts to connect participants with meaningful career pathways across a range of industries. This position is responsible for ensuring the team meets contractual placement goals while maintaining the highest standard of service to the individuals we serve. Key responsibilities include cultivating and sustaining employer partnerships, overseeing day-to-day operations, and leading staff onboarding, training, and professional development. The Program Manager will also oversee data collection and internal audits, prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports, manage task allocation across the team and represent the program in both internal and external meetings. This is an exciting opportunity for a results-driven leader with a passion for workforce development and a commitment to supporting individuals as they build careers and reenter their communities.

Requirements

Minimum two year’s experience in a supervisory position, overseeing workforce development initiatives is preferred.
Minimum Associate’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
Proven work experience as a Employment Specialist or in a similar role, with a record of accomplishments and quality placements.
Familiar with working in a quota-driven environment and having significant cross-sector job placement experience.
Strong knowledge of recruitment and placement techniques, including sourcing strategies, candidate assessment, and interview techniques.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with employers and candidates.
Adequate computer skills; working knowledge of Microsoft, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Must be willing to work in a fast-paced environment with varying demands and achieve set goals.
Ability to obtain and maintain Department of Correction clearance is a plus.
Proficiency in using data systems and other recruitment software.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus.
Attending workforce networking events and training to remain informed.
All other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

Provide direct supervision, coaching, and professional development to Employment Specialists and placement staff, ensuring team members have the guidance, tools, and support needed to perform effectively and meet program goals.
Conduct regular one-on-one supervision meetings with direct reports, deliver constructive feedback, set clear performance expectations, and complete formal performance evaluations in alignment with organizational timelines and standards.
Lead staff onboarding and training initiatives, ensuring new and existing team members are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources to deliver high-quality placement services.
Oversee the allocation of participant caseloads and placement tasks across the team, ensuring equitable distribution and alignment with each staff member's capacity and areas of focus.
Facilitate regular team meetings and case conferences to review participant progress, coordinate services across Employment Services, and strengthen individualized employment and career development plans.
Model and promote trauma-informed practices, professional workplace behaviors, and a respectful, inclusive team culture that reflects The Fortune Society's mission and values.
Oversee day-to-day operations of the Placement Services team, ensuring workflows, processes, and service delivery are efficient, consistent, and aligned with contractual obligations and organizational standards.
Take primary accountability for meeting contractual placement goals, monitoring team-wide performance metrics, and implementing corrective strategies when targets are at risk of not being met.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of participant engagement, employer interactions, job placements, and outcomes in CaseWorthy and other designated databases, ensuring all records are complete and accessible for reporting and compliance purposes.
Prepare and submit weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports on placement activities, participant progress, employer engagement, and program effectiveness for internal leadership and external funders.
Track and analyze employment outcomes and labor market trends to assess program performance, identify service gaps, and inform data-driven decision-making.
Support internal audits and quality assurance reviews, ensuring the team's documentation and service delivery practices meet all compliance requirements.
Cultivate, build, and sustain relationships with employers, industry partners, and community organizations to identify job opportunities and expand employment pipelines for participants.
Promote program services to employer partners and educate them on the value and benefits of hiring from The Fortune Society's candidate pool.
Plan, coordinate, and host monthly onsite hiring events, managing all logistics including employer recruitment, participant preparation, and post-event follow-up to maximize successful placements.
Develop and implement a quarterly networking engagement activity that creates meaningful connections between participants, employers, and professional contacts, supporting long-term career development and community integration.
Actively participate in workforce development convenings, employer panels, and external networking events to expand job opportunities and strengthen the program's employer partnership network.
Oversee candidate sourcing and screening processes, including reviewing resumes, conducting interviews, and ensuring participants are matched effectively with appropriate job opportunities based on skills, experience, and cultural fit.
Support Employment Specialists in providing participants with job readiness assistance including resume development, cover letter writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
Coordinate and support participation in on-site and off-site job fairs, hiring events, and workforce development activities, ensuring participants are well-prepared and employers are effectively engaged.
Monitor participant progress during and after placement by supporting post-placement retention strategies, addressing workplace challenges, and collaborating with case managers and internal teams to ensure continued support.
Apply trauma-informed practices in all participant interactions, fostering a respectful, supportive, and empowering environment that honors participants' experiences and promotes their long-term success.
Stay informed about labor market trends, workforce development resources, and best practices in employment services to continuously strengthen program effectiveness and service delivery.
Participate in internal and external trainings, professional development opportunities, and industry convenings to enhance knowledge and expand employer and community networks.
Collaborate across Fortune Society departments to ensure integrated, holistic service delivery for participants, and contribute to organization-wide initiatives and priorities as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.