Engagement and Innovation Program Manager

New York Power Authority; City of White Plains (NY); On-site; USD 128,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is seeking an Engagement and Innovation Program Manager to drive initiatives that embed innovation mindsets and behaviors across the organization. Reporting to the Director of Culture of Innovation Programs, this role supports NYPA's strategic transformation by empowering employees to contribute ideas, experiment with solutions, and continuously improve operations.

Responsibilities include leading engagement programs, managing intake of employee-submitted

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with 6 years relevant work experience in project/program management.
• Or Associate's Degree with 8 years relevant work experience in project/program management.
• Or High School Diploma with 10 years relevant work experience in project/program management.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for daily management throughout the life cycle of the program.
• Support the stakeholders in planning and development of programs and projects.
• Define the controls, processes, procedures, reporting, etc. to manage the programs.
• Strategize and prioritize resources.
• Monitor progress to ensure that the milestones are being met across the various projects and programs.
• Manage the risks and issues that arise during the program cycle as well as take measures to correct them.
• Manage the program budget and identify internal and external funding sources.
• Coordinate the project(s) and their interdependencies between various projects and programs within departments or business units.

Skills

Project management

Program management

Leadership

Budgeting

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Associate's Degree

High School Diploma

Job description

Summary

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is seeking an Engagement and Innovation Program Manager to drive initiatives that embed innovation mindsets and behaviors across the organization. Reporting to the Director of Culture of Innovation Programs, this role supports NYPA's strategic transformation by empowering employees to contribute ideas, experiment with solutions, and continuously improve operations.

Key responsibilities include leading innovation engagement programs and managing the intake, evaluation, and support of employee-submitted ideas. The Manager will:

• Facilitate workshops on human-centered design, lean experimentation, and creative problem solving
• Collaborate with HR, DEI, Talent Development, Communications, and business units to integrate innovation practices into onboarding, engagement, and performance programs.
• Track progress and share results, defining and monitoring key metrics related to innovation participation and outcomes, and developing regular reports and communications to showcase progress.
• Align cultural initiatives with NYPA's broader innovation strategy and digital transformation goals, contributing to planning, maturity assessments, and capability-building initiatives.

The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of innovation methodologies (e.g., design thinking, lean startup, agile), knowledge of cultural change and employee engagement, and skills in workshop facilitation and program management. Strong communication skills, the ability to build relationships and influence others, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and psychologically safe work environment are crucial.

This position is central to NYPA's Innovation Initiatives, ensuring a sustained culture of innovation that empowers employees at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for daily management throughout the life cycle of the program.
• Support the stakeholders in planning and development of programs and projects.
• Define the controls, processes, procedures, reporting, etc. to manage the programs.
• Strategize and prioritize resources.
• Monitor progress to ensure that the milestones are being met across the various projects and programs.
• Manage the risks and issues that arise during the program cycle as well as take measures to correct them.
• Manage the program budget and identify internal and external funding sources.
• Coordinate the project(s) and their interdependencies between various projects and programs within departments or business units.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong experience as project or program manager of large and complex projects or programs.
• Advanced knowledge of project and program management methodologies.
• Understanding of the business and strategic goals.
• Able to work with all levels of management internal and external.
• Strong leadership and time management skills.
• Knowledge of budgeting and resource allocations.
• Ability to think strategically, to proactively understand stakeholder needs, and to provide solutions to overcome obstacles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience delivering engaging, informative, well-organized presentations

Education, Experience and Certifications

Bachelor's Degree with 6 years relevant work experience in project/program management

Or Associate's Degree with 8 years relevant work experience in project/program management

Or High School Diploma with 10 years relevant work experience in project/program management

The New York Power Authority is committed to providing fair, competitive, and market-informed compensation. The estimated salary range for this position is: $128,000 - $170,000. The salary offered will be determined based on the successful candidates' relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents and veterans to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, NYPA/Canals is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect communities across New York and enthusiastically serve them. We proudly celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race/color, creed/religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, military status, gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy and related conditions, familial/marital status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest/criminal conviction record or any other category protected by law.

NYPA/Canals will also provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process related to candidates' disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious observances/practices and/or domestic violence concerns. To request an accommodation, please email [e-mail].