Manager, Program Strategy

Core responsibilities:

• Design, curate, and maintain high-quality curriculum resources across learning tracks, ensuring alignment with industry standards and learner needs
• Own execution of complex, cross-functional initiatives, including new track launches and major program updates, developing and managing project plans, timelines, dependencies, and risks
• Conduct and synthesize qualitative and quantitative research on learner needs, workforce trends, and program effectiveness to inform strategic decisions
• Analyze ongoing learner feedback and program data to assess current effectiveness and inform strategic decisions, ensuring curriculum and program models align with industry standards

This role creates pathways to family-sustaining careers for Americans stuck in low-wage work, helping break the poverty cycle and create upward mobility for low-wage workers through education and workforce development.

Required skills and qualifications:

• Experience designing, developing, or building curriculum or learning experiences with a learner-centered mindset
• Strategic project leadership across complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives with experience developing and managing project plans, timelines, dependencies, and risks
• Ability to synthesize data, research, and feedback into clear recommendations with experience conducting research and evaluating program effectiveness
• Strong cross-functional influence without formal authority and systems thinking across curriculum, coaching, operations, and learner experience

Compensation and benefits:

• Salary: $115,500
• 4-day work week (Fridays are an operating day if there is a holiday closure during the week)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (100% Paid Employee Only Coverage)
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account
• Dependent care Flexible Spending Account
• Health Reimbursement Account fully funded by Merit America
• Education reimbursement & personal development stipend
• Short and long-term disability
• Unlimited vacation (after a 90-day introductory period)
• Paid Parental Leave and Adoption benefits (after one year of employment)
• 11 federally recognized holidays
• 1-week office closure in July (week of July 4th)
• 2-week holiday office closure in December/January
• 401(k) retirement plan with automatic Merit America contribution
• Wellness Benefits/Wellness Resources
• Discount perks at work program
• Phone/technology stipend
• Home office setup stipend

Merit America is a national nonprofit that creates pathways to family-sustaining careers for Americans stuck in low-wage work through fast, flexible solutions built for working adults, combining flexible online learning with best-in-class coaching and job search support.