Program Manager, Democracy250

WU Wesleyan University; United States; On-site; USD 63,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Wesleyan University, housed within the Allbritton Center for the Study of Public Life, seeks a Program Manager to launch and implement the DEMOCRACY250 initiative. The role focuses on preparing students to support democratic institutions during civic strain and to work with election administrators, civic organizations, and community partners.

The Program Manager will supervise the kickoff year, coordinate partnerships and student recruitment, and ensure nonpartisan civic engagement and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, public administration, higher education, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of program management and civic engagement experience.
• Experience planning, implementing, or evaluating programs with outcomes tracking.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with partner organizations and stakeholders.
• Strong communications skills for reports and program materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, design, and implementation of DEMOCRACY250 programming and student engagement initiatives.
• Develop and oversee the Democracy Stewards corps, including recruitment and onboarding.
• Collaborate with faculty leadership and external partners to design training modules on democratic institutions and civic participation.
• Oversee program timelines, communications, and campus/partner coordination; monitor expenditures and budgets.
• Cultivate and manage partnerships with universities and civic organizations.
• Coordinate student placements with civic/election-adjacent organizations; design training sessions and program events.
• Educate students on standards of nonpartisan engagement and professional conduct; supervise the Program Fellow.
• Prepare reports and evaluations for university leadership and external partners.

Skills

Program management

Stakeholder relations

Communication skills

Project coordination

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public policy/public administration/political science or related field

Master’s degree in related field (preferred)

Job description

Overview

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.

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Allbritton Center for the Study of Public Life, the Program Manager provides leadership for the initiative’s first year, managing partnerships, coordinating student recruitment and training, and ensuring that program activities reflect the highest standards of nonpartisan civic engagement and institutional stewardship.

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, monitoring program expenditures, and supporting 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, coordinating joint initiatives and programs, and ensuring partnerships align with the program’s commitment to nonpartisan engagement.
• 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 non‑partisan engagement; supervise and work closely with the Program Fellow to ensure efficient logistics, scheduling, and program operations.
• 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.
• 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: Perform 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Employment Details

This is a one‑year, on‑campus position. Relocation assistance to CT is available for those who qualify.

Compensation: $63,100.00 – $74,400.00

Work Location: On Campus

EEO Statement

The organization 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. It welcomes applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups.