Program Manager - job 1 of 3

As a Program Manager at the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, your primary responsibilities will include reviewing and approving Discretionary contracts over $5,000 and ensuring accuracy in processing. You'll also conduct desk reviews and site visits, prepare reports, and assist community-based organizations with needs for technical assistance. Additionally, you will provide support to assigned staff, ensuring effective communication and project management.

To qualify for the Program Manager position at the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, candidates must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and have two years of relevant community work experience, or a high school diploma with six years of equivalent community work experience. Importantly, at least one year of experience in community work must align with the specified duties of the role.

The Program Manager role at the Department of Youth and Community Development significantly influences community services by ensuring that necessary contracts and resources are approved and processed efficiently. This role directly supports community-based organizations, helping them to access funding and technical assistance, ultimately enabling them to provide vital services to improve the lives of New Yorkers.

Essential skills for a Program Manager at the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development include strong organizational abilities, exceptional communication skills, and a solid understanding of community-focused initiatives. Proficiency in contract management and data reporting is also important, alongside the capacity for independent decision-making and a commitment to fostering inclusive diversity within the workplace.

The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development is an outstanding workplace for Program Managers due to its commitment to community upliftment and diversity. The organization offers a collaborative environment where ideas are valued, professional growth is encouraged, and employees can make a real difference in the lives of New Yorkers. You'll find yourself part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating opportunities and overcoming challenges together.

When discussing your experience in contract management during the interview for the Program Manager position, focus on specific projects where you successfully reviewed, approved, and processed contracts. Highlight the systems you used for tracking contract compliance and how you ensured accuracy and timeliness in all stages of the process.

In response to this question, emphasize your approach to communication and support. Describe how you would work collaboratively with the organization to identify challenges, provide the necessary technical assistance, and develop a plan to help them meet their contractual obligations effectively.

To ensure effective oversight of community programs as a Program Manager, outline your strategies for monitoring progress through regular desk reviews and site visits, implementing feedback mechanisms from stakeholders, and using data analytics to assess program performance and impact. Highlight the importance of building trusting relationships with community organizations.

When answering this question, showcase your organizational skills and methods for prioritizing tasks, such as using project management tools, setting clear deadlines, and regularly reviewing your workload. Give examples of how you've handled competing priorities in the past and maintained high-quality work standards.

In your answer, detail a specific community initiative that you successfully managed, including your role, the goals of the initiative, the resources you allocated, and how you engaged stakeholders. Discuss the outcomes and any learnings that emerged from the project that could be valuable in the Program Manager role at DYCD.

Describe your approach to fostering team collaboration as a Program Manager by highlighting your communication style, how you encourage input from team members, and any specific strategies you use to ensure everyone is aligned towards common goals. Provide examples of successful team projects where collaboration led to positive outcomes.

In addressing this question, emphasize the importance of inclusivity and diversity in your programming approach. Share your strategies for engaging diverse community voices in the planning process, evaluating the impact of programs on various demographics, and adapting services to meet the unique needs of underrepresented groups.

Discuss how data reporting is integral to the Program Manager role by explaining how it influences decision-making, accountability, and transparency. Share your experience with reporting systems you've used in the past and how you ensure that data is accurate and actionable for improving program outcomes.

Outline the criteria you use to assess the success of community programs, such as participant engagement, measurable outcomes, and feedback from stakeholders. Share your methods for gathering data and evaluating program impact, focusing on the importance of continuous improvement in community services.

When answering why you want to work at DYCD, express your passion for community development and your alignment with the organization's mission. Highlight your motivation to make a positive difference in New York City and how your skills and experience make you a perfect fit for the Program Manager role, amplifying the impact of community initiatives.