Program Manager

Town of Wake Forest; North Carolina; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Wake Forest is seeking a dynamic Program Manager for the Center for Active Aging to design and oversee programs that keep older adults engaged, healthy, and connected in the Wake Forest area. This leadership role coordinates fitness, wellness, and cultural arts programs, collaborates with instructors and community partners, and ensures outstanding customer experience and operational efficiency.

You will manage budgets, staff scheduling, and program offerings, while promoting

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in gerontology, recreation, physical education, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years’ leadership experience.
• Experience in aging, athletics or physical education programs.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate high-quality programs for active adults.
• Coordinate fitness, wellness, and cultural arts offerings.
• Oversee staff and volunteers; manage scheduling and performance.
• Develop and manage program budgets and operational improvements.
• Collaborate with instructors and community partners to meet participant needs.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and maintain excellent customer experience.

Education

Gerontology / Recreation / Physical Education

Job description

Our Center for Active Aging is more than a place to gather—it's a place where friendships grow, new adventures begin, talents are discovered, and lives are enriched.

We are seeking a dynamic Program Manager who brings creativity, enthusiasm, and a passion for people to the table. We want someone who can turn ordinary days into extraordinary experiences, create exciting opportunities, and inspire older adults to stay active, connected, and engaged.

If you are a natural motivator, an idea generator, an exceptional organizer, and someone who believes that life should always be filled with purpose, possibilities, and fun, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Come help us create a place where every day offers something to look forward to!

Program Manager

The Program Manager is a leadership role in developing and implementing programs and services that support active adults in the Wake Forest area. This position oversees the coordination and daily operations fitness, wellness and cultural arts including music, creative expression and life‑long learning opportunities designed to promote healthy aging, physical health, and overall well‑being.

The Program Manager is committed to the operation excellence, budget management, and process improvements that enhance both efficiency and customer experience. The Program Manager collaborates with instructors to develop engaging opportunities that align with the needs and interest of participants. This role requires a strong focus on balancing daily customer experience with operational requirements. The Program Manager reports to the Center for Active Aging Direcror.

Employee Values: The Town of Wake Forest employees are expected to uphold and exhibit the Town’s shared values of caring, commitment, character, collaboration, and innovation.

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Design, implement, and evaluate high‑quality programs that meet the diverse needs and interest of active adults and their families in the Wake Forest area.
• Create and expand cultural arts, fitness, and wellness programs focused on promoting active aging, physical health, and overall well‑being.
• Collaborate with instructors’ local partners such as Parks and Recreation or the Renaissance Center to develop programs that are engaging, relevant, and effective in addressing member needs.
• Oversee the Technical Operations Specialist, providing guidance and support in their daily responsibilities and professional development.
• Ensure staff purpose is aligned with Center’s Vision and Mission and equipped to effectively handle community inquiries and community request
• Provide on‑going feedback to direct reports and conduct performance evaluations.
• Oversee the center instructor volunteer program; recruit and interview volunteers, on‑going schedule for new and existing volunteers
• Regularly review and update the program offerings to ensure they remain aligned with participant interest and trends in active adult health and wellness.
• Coordinate with the Community Engagement Manager and the Technical Operations Special to promote active adult opportunities via the Senior Connect Guide.
• Manage staff schedules, ensuring adequate coverage for programs/events.
• Coordinate with the Technical Operations Specialist to ensure smooth and effective use of space for programming.
• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability while aligning the Center Vision and Mission.
• Incorporate member insights into program planning to improve the customer experience.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for members, ensuring programming meets the needs of active adults.
• Lead efforts to innovate programming and service delivery methods to meet the evolving needs of the Wake Forest Community.
• Ensure all instructors are compliant with all local, state, or federal regulations, safety standards, and best practices.
• May assist with additional assignments, as required.

Education & Experience

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in gerontology, recreation, physical education, or a related field, and some experience in aging, athletics or physical education programs, plus a minimum of three years’ experience in leadership capacity.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of reaching, talking, and hearing.
• Must be able to perform sedentary work, occasionally exerting up to at least 50 pounds of force and up to a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects of at least 50 pounds.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, operate a computer terminal, do extensive reading, utilize measuring devices, and inspect the work of others.