Master in Public Administration (MPA) Program Manager

The Master in Public Administration (MPA) Program at the City College of New York equips public service professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in diverse roles within nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and social impact organizations. The program’s core principles—Lifting Leaders, Shifting Power, and Transforming Society—align with the Colin Powell School’s mission to cultivate the next generation of global leaders.

The Program Manager will oversee all operational and programmatic aspects of the MPA Program to ensure its mission is fulfilled. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role will collaborate with Colin Powell School staff and coordinate efforts across City College. Key responsibilities include: driving strategic priorities, Overseeing student recruitment and support, managing program administration and operations, and engaging with key stakeholders. By effectively managing these areas, the Program Manager will contribute to the program’s success and the development of future public service leaders.

Program Administration and Operations

• Assist the Director with key operational tasks, including faculty hiring, program administration, new student onboarding, and managing MPA office and classroom operations.
• Manage day-to-day graduate program activities, including but not limited to: student support services, classroom and events management, IT coordination, work orders, and vendor relations.
• Supervise and delegate tasks to support staff, college assistants, and interns to maintain smooth operations.
• Manage office facility operations, including purchasing, procurement, and inventory, while ensuring all MPA classrooms remain fully functional with all assets and utilities in working order.
• Support program planning through budgeting, forecasting, and tracking expenses; process disbursements for scholarships, stipends, and vendor invoices; maintain an organized archive of disbursements.

Recruitment, Events, and Communications

• Execute MPA Program recruitment strategy by processing and reviewing applications, scheduling and participating in interviews, drafting decision letters, and responding to prospective student inquiries.
• Assist with planning and organizing program events, including: recruiting events, speaker engagements, community outreach, agenda planning, catering, and venue reservations.
• Contribute to and maintain program communications, including blog posts, newsletters, and outreach emails via Mailchimp.
• Ensure the program website is regularly updated and maintain an accurate program contact lists.
• Communicate relevant program information with key stakeholders (students, faculty, alumni, etc.) as needed.
• Organize or support career events, info sessions, and workshops to engage the MPA community.
• Contribute to enhancing the MPA program’s visibility and reputation on campus.

Relationship and Partnership Management

• Build strong relationships with students, alumni, prospective students, faculty, guest facilitators, and key external stakeholders and partners.
• Manage MPA Program’s portfolio of external partnerships.
• Collaborate with City College offices, departments, vendors, and partners to ensure smooth and effective program operations and events.
• Liaise with administrative offices to coordinate MPA activities and events.
• Develop connections with employers and recruiters and represent the program at external events.

Requirements

• 5 years of experience in high functioning operational roles, with familiarity in higher education and/or nonprofit administration practices strongly preferred.
• Proven project management skills, including budget development, expense monitoring, and program evaluation.
• Strong organizational, communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.
• Skilled in relationship building, with the ability to work creatively with diverse populations and stakeholders.
• Analytical and critical thinker with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive under pressure.
• Demonstrated commitment to high-level customer service.
• A sense of humor and humility.

Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership

The Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership includes all of the social science departments at CCNY as well as most of the core leadership development, business, and public service programs of the College. With 4,000 students and graduating the most CCNY students annually, the Colin Powell School promotes the values of service and engagement. The School supports a faculty of more than 250 tenure, tenure-track, and adjunct professors dedicated to the highest standards of research and to the university’s democratic and public obligations; the School is committed to disseminating research in usable forms, especially that which furthers equality, prosperity, stability, and peace for all people—in Harlem, in New York, and around the world.

EEO Statement

The Colin Powell School is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to equity and inclusion and strongly value the experiences of historically marginalized people and encourage them to apply. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.