Program Manager

First Student•Cincinnati, OH

About The Position

The Program Manager, Student Services is responsible for implementing and executing initiatives that positively affect student behavior, customer relationships, and transportation for general and special education students, including First Serves. The role implements strategic safety and growth initiatives and manages ongoing quality improvement and location support by developing and deploying program materials and enhancement plans. It requires a decisive, results-oriented, innovative thinker who can develop and coach others and manage relationships. The Program Manager works with internal and external stakeholders to improve programs and initiatives, supports locations in achieving desired outcomes, and manages program activities, training, customer presentations, reporting, and special projects. The role also keeps informed about developments in student behavior support and transportation for students with diverse needs, including students with disabilities, and ensures program activities comply with organizational policies and relevant regulations. The position requires English proficiency and willingness to travel up to 50%. Compensation is $90,000–$100,000, depending on experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent industry experience.
Passion for students and their success.
Ability to manage and lead cross-functional initiatives and drive process and performance improvements.
Experience managing implementation of complex projects; formal project management credentials are not required.
Proficiency with Microsoft applications, including PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel.
Proficiency with virtual delivery platforms such as Zoom.
Ability to collaborate closely with colleagues and work interdependently within a team structure.
Ability to build and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple projects simultaneously with accuracy and attention to detail and organization.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements.
Willingness to travel up to 50%.
English proficiency.

Nice To Haves

Experience in special education and/or the transportation industry.

Responsibilities

Define expectations for locations and provide ongoing support to help them achieve desired outcomes.
Support students with diverse needs, including students with disabilities.
Partner with internal and external stakeholders on continuous program and initiative improvements.
Manage program activities, content, and execution, including action items, risk identification, and risk abatement plans.
Coordinate and execute training, ensuring presentation materials, technology, and presenters are prepared.
Coordinate and execute customer presentations with location and growth teams.
Collaborate with internal teams to develop, execute, and maintain metrics on program and initiative usage, efficacy, and impact.
Create, maintain, and share reports and metrics with senior leadership, demonstrating impact and opportunities.
Manage relationships with subject matter experts and organizations contracted to support or develop programs.
Mentor others in the use of program tools and best practices.
Stay informed about developments in student behavior support and transportation for students with diverse needs, including students with disabilities.
Create, support, and manage the use of program materials, including About Me Forms, Location Enhancement Plans (LEPs), on-bus collateral, and slide decks.
Ensure program activities follow organizational policies and relevant external regulations.
Manage special projects as required.