Vice President of Programs & Training

Pursuit • New York City, NY

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Pursuit is seeking a visionary, outcomes-obsessed Vice President of Program and Training (VPPT) to lead and scale our groundbreaking AI-native training program. This role offers an unprecedented platform to architect workforce strategy, expand a proven economic mobility engine, and build the foundation for the upcoming AI Jobs Institute to serve thousands of Builders. Reporting to the CEO, the VPPT will serve as the chief architect and operator of the training and job readiness lifecycle. You will have end-to-end ownership across recruitment, community partnerships, persistence, AI-driven curriculum, and candidate-side job readiness. Leading a rapidly expanding multidisciplinary team, you will combine private-sector operational rigor with a deep commitment to human flourishing. This is an invitation to solve one of the nation's most urgent workforce challenges. As VPPT, you will act as a national spokesperson and subject matter expert, setting the bar for what it means to build sustainable, scalable pathways into the future of work while ensuring underrepresented communities lead the AI revolution.

Requirements

• 12+ years of professional experience in fast-paced, outcomes-driven environments, with at least 5 years managing teams of 10+ people (ideally including managers of managers).
• Demonstrated success owning end-to-end program/project outcomes, ideally including community outreach, partner development, enrollment targets, retention, skill acquisition, and final job placements.
• Experience designing, shaping, and architecting learning models or programs at a curriculum or institutional level to ensure pedagogical rigor at scale.
• Proven track record of fostering critical thinking, professional behaviors, and applied technical skills in real-world, workforce, or adult-learning contexts.
• Skilled people leader adept at evaluating work quality against high standards, offering direct constructive feedback, building accountable teams, and developing talent in dynamic environments.
• Proficient in using data and building forecasting models to track KPIs, predict funnel metrics, surface risks, and drive ongoing program optimization.
• Scrappy, hands-on approach with the ability to thrive in ambiguity and actively implement (not just theorize) AI tools and tech infrastructure to improve daily team workflows and processes.
• Deeply motivated by Pursuit's mission of economic transformation through equity, tech access, and expanded opportunity for low-income and underrepresented communities.

Responsibilities

• Own the overarching vision, pedagogy, and architecture of Pursuit's AI-native training programs.
• Define and iterate on the curriculum, instructional design, and skill-acquisition model to reflect an evolving AI labor market.
• Establish replicable program delivery frameworks designed to rapidly scale capacity toward thousands of Builders annually.
• Define job-readiness standards for AI-adjacent roles in close alignment with employer expectations and labor market signals.
• Drive continuous pedagogical improvement using real-time performance data, Builder feedback, and industry trends.
• Partner with Product and Engineering to integrate Pursuit's AI-powered learning platform directly into the program model.
• Explore advanced growth models, including the licensing, franchising, or institutionalization of the AI Jobs Institute.
• Own the complete enrollment funnel, from community outreach and recruitment strategy through selection and onboarding.
• Build and manage strategic partnerships with community-based organizations, local institutions, and referral networks.
• Utilize data-driven recruitment campaigns to consistently meet cohort volume and quality targets for low-income Builders.
• Own Builder retention and persistence as core metrics, establishing early-warning systems and proactive intervention structures.
• Oversee the end-to-end Builder experience, cultivating a high-bar environment that balances rigorous challenge with support.
• Integrate industry leaders, volunteers, and corporate partners into fireside chats, capstone projects, and Demo Days.
• Maintain a relentless focus on final employment outcomes, ensuring tight alignment with candidate-side job placement teams.
• Cultivate a high-accountability culture driven by an obsession with outcomes, operational precision, and human flourishing.
• Oversee flexible program delivery schedules that accommodate non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Establish robust operating infrastructure, including forecasting models, KPI frameworks, and data-driven team rhythms.
• Manage team operational performance to maintain consistency, quality, and strict standards across all program touch points.
• Model AI-native workflows by directly implementing AI tools, automated processes, and tech infrastructure across team operations.
• Serve as a core member of the executive leadership team, shaping Pursuit's national expansion and growth strategy.
• Act as an internal and external spokesperson on what it takes to train, upskill, and place AI-native talent at scale.
• Synthesize program insights and workforce data to position Pursuit as a national authority on AI workforce development.
• Represent the program at milestone events, national conferences, and high-profile meetings with funders and partners.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and Chief Product Officer to align program direction with market demands and funding opportunities.

Benefits

• Full benefits package including vision and dental
• Unlimited PTO, plus an all-Pursuit summer break (last week of August) and a week-long holiday break (last week of December)
• 401k match
• Hybrid and flexible work policy with flexible hours
• Dedicated time to build in AI and develop your own AI skills
• Catered lunches once a week and snacks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed