Program Manager, Career Development

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $72k - $80k

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reel Works is hiring a Program Manager to contribute to the design, development, and management of the MediaMKRS career development workforce program.

Location: This position requires candidates to be based in the New York City Metro area, with the flexibility of a hybrid office environment. The physical office is located in Brooklyn, NY.

Reports To: Director of Workforce Programs

Compensation: Full-time 40 hours per week; $72k - $80k + Benefits

Estimated Start Date: July 20, 2026

Application Deadline: June 19, 2026

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Change the storytellers, change the world! At Reel Works, we believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Reel Works was founded in 2001 to encourage young people to share their stories through filmmaking. Our work has since expanded to help build a more inclusive media industry and provide emerging talent with the mentorship, skills, and professional networks needed to succeed. Our mission is to educate, train, and mentor emerging talent from all backgrounds to succeed in the media industry. Through the power of storytelling and workforce development, we remove barriers to entry, unlock creative potential, and equip young people and emerging professionals with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving media industry.

Our workforce development program, MediaMKRS, was launched by Reel Works in 2019 to address the crisis of inclusion in the media industry with a goal to diversify the media landscape and create equitable solutions. MediaMKRS educates and empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to succeed in the media industry through comprehensive training, hands-on work experiences, networking opportunities, and unparalleled access to industry professionals needed for a thriving career. To learn more visit reelworks.org and mediamkrs.org.

THE POSITION

Under the supervision of the Director of Workforce Programs, the Program Manager will support the mission and vision of Reel Works and aid in the overall design, curriculum development, budget creation, and implementation of career development programs, in collaboration with the Reel Works team, and union and employer partners. If you are highly organized, able to multitask and prioritize, comfortable with taking ownership of multiple projects, self-sufficient and able to manage small teams, experienced in TV/Film production, and are interested in our mission to provide job opportunities to underrepresented communities, we would like to meet you!

WHAT YOULL DO

Program Development and Management (60%)

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of career development programs, ensuring they meet rigorous industry standards and organizational goals.
• Own all logistical details for in-person and virtual training classes, managing equipment rentals, venue sourcing, insurance compliance, catering, and materials.
• Partner with studio partners, industry professionals, and film union representatives to align training tracks with current industry needs, technological shifts, and hiring demands.
• Oversee the entire lifecycle of training cohorts, from a rigorous three-round applicant recruitment process (in collaboration with the Senior Recruitment Coordinator) to final graduation and program wrap-up.

Administrative and Budget Management (25%)

• Directly manage and mentor the Career Development Senior Program Coordinator, Career Development Senior Recruitment Coordinator, MediaMKRS Accounting and Payroll Coordinator, and On-Site Coordinators, ensuring successful programming and team satisfaction.
• Develop, actualize, and manage comprehensive program budgets, tracking all expenses to ensure absolute compliance with financial guidelines.
• Oversee programmatic financial workflows, including invoice approvals, vendor payments, expense tracking, and the execution of union and non-union instructor payroll in close coordination with Accounting and Payroll Coordinator.

Data Management, Reporting & Evaluation (15%)

• Oversee participant data collection and input into Salesforce to maintain precise records for programs, participants, instructors, stakeholders, and funders.
• Collect comprehensive program feedback from graduates and instructors and synthesize program data to evaluate impact, track participant progress, and generate actionable insights for program improvement.
• Maintain up-to-date alumni records in collaboration with the Career Success Program Manager to document long-term employment outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS

THE SKILLS & EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE

• Experience: 4+ years of program management experience, ideally within a non-profit, workforce development setting
• Familiarity with the TV/film industry structure, including an understanding of entertainment unions, guild guidelines, and studio operations, is highly preferred.
• Proven track record of managing direct reports, cross-functional teams, or on-site coordinators in fast-paced environments.
• Strong experience creating, actualizing, and managing budgets, as well as navigating payroll and invoice processes.
• High proficiency with CRM tools (Salesforce preferred), project management software, and data analysis.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to confidently present to studio executives and compassionately support program participants.
• A deep, demonstrated passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a commitment to empowering individuals from underserved communities.

THE QUALITIES & ALIGNMENT YOU HAVE

• Eligible to work in the U.S.
• Alignment with Reel Works' mission and core values: Growth, Accountability, Community, Self-expression, Equity, and Impact
• Strong written and verbal communicator with good interpersonal skills; comfortable establishing and building good, productive working relationships with a variety of people (program applicants, industry professionals, staff at all levels, and various other internal and external stakeholders)
• Personable, approachable, and demonstrates comfort in a people-facing role externally and experience in a team-based work environment
• A true brand ambassador who is customer service-oriented, honoring commitments to internal and external stakeholders by providing helpful, courteous, accessible, responsive, and knowledgeable support
• Effective organizational and time management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize
• Natural ability to lead and operate independently, with an appropriate level of day-to-day guidance from management
• Deep affinity for process, task management, and coming to the table with creative solutions
• Highly organized and flexible with proven experience thriving in a fast-paced environment where you juggle many responsibilities with potential ambiguity
• High degree of integrity, reliability, and trustworthiness, and can maintain a high level of professionalism

Reel Works is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating and developing an inclusive staff team. BIPOC, people with intersecting identities - LGBTQIA+, women and non-binary people, people living with disabilities and others with lived experience being part of marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

To comply with government Equal Employment Opportunity and/or Affirmative Action reporting regulations, the application for all positions at Reel Works includes the option to respond to questions regarding gender, ethnicity, disability, and veteran status (learn more here). This information will not be used as selection criteria in connection with any employment decisions, and will be used solely as permitted by state and federal law. Self-reporting of personal identifiers is voluntary. While we appreciate your cooperation as we aim to ensure we attract a diverse candidate pool, we respect your right to decide whether to share your personally identifiable information. If you'd rather not share this information, feel free to select "Decline to Answer".

Reel Works is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. For information about when and why we collect personal information on candidates, and how we keep it secure see our privacy policy.