Program Manager, Democracy250

Wesleyan University; City of Middletown (NY); On-site; USD 63,100 - 80,125; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive group insurance

Wellness programs

Generous paid time off

Retirement plans

Flexible work schedules

Tuition programs

Job summary

Wesleyan University seeks a Program Manager for the DEMOCRACY250 initiative, aimed at preparing students for civic engagement. The role involves program management, partnership development, and oversight of student activities.

Ideal candidates should have a relevant bachelor’s degree and five years of experience in program management or civic engagement. Strong organizational, communication skills, and the ability to foster collaborative relationships are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, public administration or related field.
• Five years of experience in program management, civic engagement, or higher education.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and implementation of DEMOCRACY250.
• Cultivate partnerships with universities and civic organizations.
• Monitor and track student participation and program outcomes.

Skills

Program management

Civic engagement

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Housed within the Allbritton Center for the Study of Public Life, the Program Manager leads the launch and implementation of DEMOCRACY250, a national, nonpartisan initiative designed to prepare college students to support democratic institutions during periods of civic strain. The initiative reflects a growing recognition that colleges and universities can play a constructive role in strengthening democratic infrastructure by preparing students to work alongside election administrators, civic organizations, and community partners. Through advanced training in election processes, professional conduct, and ethical public service, students will be prepared for responsible roles such as poll workers, civic monitors, and other forms of civic engagement that reinforce public trust in democratic processes.

Responsibilities

Program Management and Implementation

• Lead the planning, design, and implementation of DEMOCRACY250 programming and student engagement initiatives, translating program goals into structured plans, timelines and coordinated activities.
• Develop and oversee the Democracy Stewards corps, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, and mentorship of participating students.
• Collaborate with faculty leadership and external partners to design and develop training modules focused on democratic institutions, election processes, professional conduct, and ethical civic participation, ensuring consistent program delivery and alignment with initiative objectives.
• Oversee program timelines, communications, and coordination across campus and partner institutions, and monitor program expenditures and support budget tracking to ensure responsible use of program resources.

Partnership Development and Stewardship

• Cultivate and manage partnerships with universities and civic organizations participating in DEMOCRACY250, serving as a key liaison between Wesleyan and partner institutions.
• Collaborate with partner campuses participating in the Democracy Stewards network to coordinate joint initiatives and programs.
• Ensure partnerships align with the program’s commitment to nonpartisan engagement and responsible institutional collaboration.

Student Placement and Program Oversight

• Facilitate student placements with civic and election-adjacent organizations where appropriate.
• Design and facilitate training sessions, workshops, and program convenings for participating students and partner institutions.
• Educate participating students to understand and adhere to program standards of professional conduct and nonpartisan engagement.
• Supervise and work closely with the Program Fellow to ensure efficient logistics, scheduling, and program operations, ensuring effective delivery of program activities.

Communication, Assessment, and Reporting

• Monitor and track student participation, program outcomes, and institutional partnerships to support program evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Prepare reports and evaluation materials for university leadership and external partners.
• Document program activities and lessons learned to inform future program development and initiative growth.
• Oversee program timelines, communications, and coordination across campus and partner institutions.

Staff Supervision

• Supervise and provide guidance to the Program Fellow, supporting day-to-day program operations, project coordination, and student engagement activities.
• Provide direction, feedback, and oversight to ensure effective completion of program tasks and alignment with DEMOCRACY250 program objectives.

Other Duties

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, public administration, higher education, nonprofit management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in program management, civic engagement, higher education administration, nonprofit organizations or a related field.
• Experience planning, implementing, or evaluating programs, including tracking outcomes or preparing program reports.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with colleagues, partner organizations, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated effective communications skills, including experience preparing reports, program materials, and communication for diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines and deliverables.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex programs or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, partner organizations, or institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects effectively and simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or guiding staff, interns, or student workers or volunteers.
• Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, political science, higher education, or a related field.
• Experience working with college students in leadership, public service, or civic engagement programs.
• Familiarity with election administration, democratic institutions, or civic learning initiatives.
• Experience managing multi-institutional programs or partnerships.

Compensation: $63,100-$80,125. Work Location: On Campus. Position is based on campus. Relocation assistance to CT is available for those who qualify. All offers to external applicants are contingent on completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University. Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify. Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups.