Nebraska Leaders Program Manager

This position serves as the program manager for the Nebraska Leaders Program leading the day-to-day operations of the program at Creighton University through the John P. Fahey Career Center and Student Success division with a focus on student belonging, retention, personal development, graduation, and employment. The Nebraska Leaders Program is a statewide initiative designed to identify, cultivate, and retain top undergraduate talent across Nebraska. This position is responsible for the successful implementation of program strategy, oversight of the program budget, and management of relationships with employer partners and student participants. The Program Manager oversees all components of the program experience, including recruitment, marketing, and the application process, as well as career advising, mentoring, job and internship support, and long-term alumni engagement.

The role also manages program evaluation and continuous improvement through assessment development, data collection, annual reporting, and fulfillment of data requests for internal and external stakeholders. The position reports to and assists the Senior Director with career programs and services for students and alumni across all undergraduate colleges, employer outreach and relations, and timely promotion of program and career opportunities. This is a donor-funded position and subject to funding provisions.

Essential Functions:

Program implementation, strategy, and management - Oversee and execute Nebraska Leaders Program cohort programming that engages students in unique opportunities in Omaha and within the state of Nebraska. Provides individualized advising and coaching to maximize each student's potential. Lead planning, coordination, and execution of the program's annual cycle (recruitment, application promotion and assistance, onboarding, mentoring, internships, coaching, and graduation milestones). Develop and refine program curriculum and cohort experiences to align with strategic goals for talent retention and leadership development. Serve as primary point of contact for enrolled students, providing ongoing guidance and support throughout participation.

Career advising and professional development - Oversee leadership coaching, career advising, and professional development offerings for undergraduate students, including workshops, guest speaker series, strengths assessments, and career readiness activities. This includes but is not limited to interest and skills assessments, career/major exploration, career counseling, job and internship coaching, resume/cover letter writing, and practice interviews for employment opportunities. Assist with educating students on registration and use of LinkedIn and Handshake, the online career management system used by Creighton University students, alumni, and employers. Work with internal and external advisors, coaches, trainers, and consultants to support students' personal development, including the Center for Advising Resources and Support (CARS) and the Office of Student and Family Support.

Employer and partner engagement - Work with the Nebraska Leaders organization to cultivate and sustain relationships with employer partners and community leaders to expand internships, mentorships, and job opportunities for students. Work with top employers and industry partners across the state to help make a measurable impact on economic growth and student success. Assist in coordinating and participating in all career and employer programs offered through the Career Center including career fairs, campus recruiting, mock interview programs, employer information sessions, professional etiquette dinners, RSP (first-year student seminar) presentations, sorority and fraternity programs, Admitted Student Days, Summer Preview and Welcome Week programs, etc.

Program evaluation and continuous improvement - Establish measurable outcomes and metrics to track program success (retention, employment and internship outcomes, satisfaction, long-term impact). Collect data, analyze results, and prepare reports to inform decision-making and stakeholder updates. Initiate follow-up correspondence and contact with students via phone, e-mail, and written correspondence regarding the program. Provide more specific information about the Nebraska Leaders programs, activities, and events. Maintain ongoing communication with students once enrolled to assist with internships and opportunities in the Omaha metro area. Maintain contact with Nebraska Leaders alumni and engage them in future programming.

Administrative leadership - Develop and manage the program budget. Ensure compliance with any reporting requirements, program obligations, and organizational policies. Represent the program at recruitment events and public engagements. Work collaboratively across campus with various University stakeholders to maximize appropriate resources and programming across the University.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Education, Organizational Leadership, Human Resources, or related field required. Master's degree preferred.
• 2-5 years of program management, leadership development, career advising or human resources experience, preferably within higher education, nonprofit, or workforce development settings.
• Experience with program assessment and financial/budget management preferred.

Essential Functions:

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, writing, and relationship-building skills with diverse partners and participants.
• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder programs and events.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work productively in a collaborative environment.
• Passion for workforce development, leadership cultivation, and community impact.
• Ability to analyze data and make strategic improvements.
• Maintain confidentiality and student privacy under FERPA laws.
• Technical competence with social media, online databases and software programs, and internet resources required.