Program Manager – Internships

Organization: PENCIL
Position: Program Manager, Internship Programs
Location: New York City, New York, USA
Employment Type: Full-time, Hybrid
Salary: $63,000–$66,000 per year
Application Deadline: Open until the position is filled

About PENCIL

PENCIL is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to expanding educational and career opportunities for students across New York City. Since 1995, PENCIL has brought together business professionals, educators, and students to help young people develop the skills, experience, and connections they need to achieve their ambitions.

The organisation works to bridge the gap between education and the workplace through practical programmes, including school partnerships, mentoring, internships, and immersive experiences such as Principal for a Day®. These initiatives connect students with professionals and employers, helping them explore career pathways and gain valuable workplace experience.

PENCIL is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that respects and values diversity. Candidates from the communities the organisation serves are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the role

PENCIL is seeking a Program Manager, Internship Programs to lead the ongoing development, implementation, and improvement of its internship programme. The successful candidate will oversee programme activities, coordinate student recruitment and placements, strengthen relationships with schools and employers, and ensure that internship opportunities are delivered effectively.

This is a full-time position within PENCIL’s Programs team. The Program Manager will work closely with the Associate Director of Internships, senior leadership, programme colleagues, corporate partners, and community organisations to maintain programme quality and support future growth.

The role also involves developing and implementing additional projects as PENCIL expands its internship model through new partnerships. The successful candidate should have experience in public education, workforce development, youth programmes, or a related field, along with strong project management, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Design and Development

The Program Manager will contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of PENCIL’s Internship Program. Responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with senior leadership and the Associate Director of Internships to implement grant and contract requirements related to the programme.
• Developing and introducing programme enhancements tailored to the developmental needs and industries of specific intern groups.
• Organising and delivering supplemental internship activities, industry-specific site visits, training sessions, and enrichment opportunities.
• Working with the Program Associate and other Program Managers to coordinate programme implementation.
• Contributing ideas and strategies to expand the programme, strengthen existing operations, and achieve organisational goals more effectively.

2. Student Recruitment and Outreach

The Program Manager will coordinate recruitment activities to ensure that eligible students are aware of and able to participate in internship opportunities. Key duties include:

• Designing and delivering information sessions for schools and community partners to recruit internship applicants.
• Building and maintaining relationships with community organisations that support student recruitment.
• Tracking applications and student participation to ensure annual recruitment targets are achieved.
• Monitoring student representation to ensure alignment with programme commitments and participation goals.

3. Internship Training and Preparation

The successful candidate will oversee the planning and delivery of training activities that prepare students for workplace experiences. Responsibilities include:

• Providing oversight and support for pre-internship training sessions and required meetings.
• Coordinating training content, communication strategies, staffing arrangements, and event logistics with programme colleagues, senior leadership, and the development team.
• Serving as the lead staff member during training events and overseeing the delivery of sessions.
• Delegating responsibilities and ensuring that training activities run effectively and meet programme objectives.

4. Application Review and Internship Placement Management

The Program Manager will support students throughout the application, preparation, and placement process. Responsibilities include:

• Organising and supporting programme staff in reviewing applications and applying established assessment criteria.
• Helping students complete their résumés, prepare for interviews, and overcome barriers that may prevent them from participating in internships.
• Matching students with appropriate internship placements based on their skills, interests, and potential career pathways.
• Coordinating communication between students and employers throughout résumé reviews, interviews, and placement confirmation.
• Supporting payroll-related logistics for interns.
• Organising and conducting site visits to assess placement quality and the success of individual internships.

5. Program Improvement and Quality Assurance

The Program Manager will monitor programme implementation and identify opportunities to improve the experience and outcomes of students and employers. Duties include:

• Identifying and resolving challenges affecting interns or individual internship placements, escalating significant concerns to organisational leadership when necessary.
• Recommending improvements to internship training to align with workforce competencies, employer needs, and available corporate partner resources.
• Reviewing and improving programme systems and procedures related to applications, training, student matching, and evaluations.
• Developing new programme ideas and enhancements to improve student outcomes, participant satisfaction, and overall programme effectiveness.

6. Partnerships, Communication, and Reporting

The role also involves maintaining strong relationships with employers, funders, and public-sector partners. Responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with colleagues to develop and maintain relationships with business mentors and funders supporting the Internship Program.
• Communicating regularly with the development team to respond to employer enquiries and requests.
• Working with staff from the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) to provide updates on programme implementation.
• Collaborating with the Associate Director of Evaluation and Organizational Learning to assess programme impact.
• Supporting accurate data collection, programme monitoring, and reporting across PENCIL and DYCD databases.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates should demonstrate the following qualifications and competencies:

• Relevant experience: Four to six years of experience working in a nonprofit or public-sector environment, preferably in education, youth development, workforce development, or related programmes.
• Programme operations: Strong operational skills and a proven ability to manage complex programmes involving multiple stakeholders, activities, and deadlines.
• Project management: Demonstrated project management experience. Event management experience is an advantage.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with students, employers, colleagues, and external partners.
• Data management: Experience managing programme data and maintaining accurate records. Familiarity with Salesforce is preferred.
• Youth development: Strong skills and experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Facilitation: The ability to lead training sessions, facilitate discussions, and coordinate group activities effectively.
• Organisation and time management: Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a high volume of responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaboration and leadership: The ability to work independently, collaborate across teams, and build relationships that support successful programme delivery.
• Adaptability: A willingness to respond to changing organisational needs and contribute to the growth of an evolving programme.

Experience working with New York City public schools or the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) is preferred.

Candidates should also be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends when programme activities require it.

Work Arrangement and Location

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in New York City. The role requires in-person attendance at PENCIL’s office or designated training locations, depending on programme activities and organisational needs.

PENCIL currently requires all staff members to work from the office at least one day per week. Additional in-person attendance may be necessary for training sessions, site visits, meetings, and other programme responsibilities.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position ranges from $63,000 to $66,000 per year, depending on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

PENCIL offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance for employees, their spouses or domestic partners, and dependants.
• A retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
• Commuter benefits and flexible spending plans.
• A professional development stipend.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid family leave.

Application Process

Interested and qualified candidates should apply through PENCIL’s official application form.

Application deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Application website: Visit the official PENCIL website to locate the current vacancy and access the application form.

Important eligibility requirement: Applicants must be authorised to work in the United States.

Equal Opportunity Statement

PENCIL is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. The organisation encourages applications from candidates who represent the communities it serves.

Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organisational needs, without unlawful discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

PENCIL also encourages candidates to apply even if their experience does not align perfectly with every qualification listed. Applicants who are enthusiastic about the role and its mission may bring valuable skills and perspectives to the organisation.