Program Manager

Town of Wake Forest•Center for Active Aging, NC

About The Position

The Program Manager is a leadership role responsible for developing and implementing programs and services that support active adults in the Wake Forest area. The position oversees coordination and daily operations for fitness, wellness, and cultural arts offerings, including music, creative expression, and lifelong learning opportunities that promote healthy aging, physical health, and overall well-being. The role emphasizes operational excellence, budget management, process improvement, and a positive customer experience. The Program Manager collaborates with instructors to develop engaging opportunities aligned with participant needs and interests, and balances daily customer experience with operational requirements. The position reports to the Center for Active Aging Director. Town of Wake Forest employees are expected to uphold and exhibit the Town’s shared values of caring, commitment, character, collaboration, and innovation. The Program Manager oversees the Technical Operations Specialist, provides feedback and performance evaluations to direct reports, and manages instructor and volunteer activities. The role also manages program budgets and staff schedules, supports outreach and effective use of program spaces, and works to keep offerings relevant, inclusive, safe, and responsive to the evolving needs of the community. Additional assignments may be required. The position requires education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in gerontology, recreation, physical education, or a related field; some experience in aging, athletics, or physical education programs; and at least three years of leadership experience. Candidates who receive an employment offer will undergo a thorough background investigation, including North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting. The work requires reaching, talking, and hearing; sedentary work; occasional exertion of up to at least 50 pounds and frequent or constant exertion of negligible force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects of at least 50 pounds. Visual acuity is required to prepare and analyze data, operate a computer terminal, read extensively, use measuring devices, and inspect others’ work.

Requirements

Education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in gerontology, recreation, physical education, or a related field.
Some experience in aging, athletics, or physical education programs.
A minimum of three years’ experience in a leadership capacity.
Ability to reach, talk, and hear.
Ability to perform sedentary work and occasionally exert up to at least 50 pounds of force; ability to frequently or constantly exert negligible force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects of at least 50 pounds.
Visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, operate a computer terminal, read extensively, use measuring devices, and inspect the work of others.
Candidates receiving an employment offer must undergo a thorough background investigation, including North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and evaluate high-quality programs that meet the diverse needs and interests of active adults and their families in the Wake Forest area.
Create and expand cultural arts, fitness, and wellness programs that promote active aging, physical health, and overall well-being.
Collaborate with instructors and local partners, such as Parks and Recreation or the Renaissance Center, to develop engaging, relevant, and effective programs.
Oversee the Technical Operations Specialist, providing guidance and support with daily responsibilities and professional development.
Ensure staff work is aligned with the Center’s vision and mission and that staff can effectively handle community inquiries and requests.
Provide ongoing feedback to direct reports and conduct performance evaluations.
Oversee the center instructor volunteer program, including recruiting and interviewing volunteers and maintaining schedules for new and existing volunteers.
Regularly review and update program offerings to align with participant interests and trends in active adult health and wellness.
Coordinate with the Community Engagement Manager and Technical Operations Specialist to promote active adult opportunities through the Senior Connect Guide.
Manage staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage for programs and events.
Coordinate with the Technical Operations Specialist to ensure effective use of space for programming.
Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability in alignment with the Center’s vision and mission.
Incorporate member insights into program planning to improve the customer experience.
Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment and ensure programming meets the needs of active adults.
Lead innovation in programming and service delivery to meet the evolving needs of the Wake Forest community.
Ensure instructors comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, safety standards, and best practices.
Assist with additional assignments as required.