Head of Program Launch

Purposelink Recruitment; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Purposelink Recruitment is seeking a Head of Program Launch in New York City, onsite, full-time. You will own the launch and scale of government-funded vocational programs, build employer partnerships, and craft operational playbooks to drive measurable impact.

You'll lead two program launches from concept to first cohorts, spearhead re-entry pathways for justice‑impacted individuals, and design workflows with AI and no-code tools, collaborating across teams to ensure success.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of business operations experience at an early-stage startup (founder, consultant, or first-10 hire preferred).
• Proven ability to build programs from 0 and execute in the field.
• Comfortable with hands-on outreach — cold calling, canvassing, and in-person meetings.

Responsibilities

• Launch two new workforce training programs from R&D to first enrolled cohorts.
• Build and lead direct-employment initiatives for formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Prospect, pitch, and close employer partnerships in industries like trucking, HVAC, and skilled trades.
• Design and refine operational workflows, playbooks, and automations using AI and no-code tools.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure program success and measurable impact.

Skills

Outreach (cold calling)

Program launch

Business operations

AI tools

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

No-code tools

Job description

Head of Program Launch

Location: New York, NY (On‑site, 5 days/week)Employment Type: Full‑TimeCompensation: $140,000–$165,000

About the Company

We're an early‑stage, mission‑driven workforce development technology company backed by $3.7M in seed funding. Our platform unifies government workforce programs — connecting recruitment, vocational training, and job placement — to help break cycles of poverty and incarceration. We partner directly with government agencies and employers to place individuals into sustainable, high‑paying careers.

Our culture is fast‑paced, hands‑on, and focused on impact. You'll join a small, high‑intensity team dedicated to building programs that change lives.

About the Role

As the Head of Program Launch, you'll take ownership of launching and scaling new government‑funded vocational training programs from concept to execution. You'll lead re‑entry employment pathways for justice‑impacted individuals, build employer partnerships, and design operational playbooks that drive measurable outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Launch two new workforce training programs from R&D to first enrolled cohorts.
• Build and lead direct‑employment initiatives for formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Prospect, pitch, and close employer partnerships in industries like trucking, HVAC, and skilled trades.
• Design and refine operational workflows, playbooks, and automations using AI and no‑code tools.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to ensure program success and measurable impact.

Qualifications/Requirements

• 3+ years of business operations experience at an early‑stage startup (founder, consultant, or first‑10 hire preferred).
• Proven ability to build programs from 01 and execute in the field.
• Comfortable with hands‑on outreach — cold calling, canvassing, and in‑person meetings.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. (Citizen or Green Card holder).
• On‑site in NYC (Harlem, moving to Midtown).

Preferred Background:

• Experience in direct service work (Teach For America, coaching, social work).
• Familiarity with workforce development, government contracts, or social impact startups.

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to build programs that directly change lives.
• Equity in a fast‑growing, mission‑driven startup.
• Collaborative, high‑impact environment with strong leadership support.

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