Program Manager na Town of Wake Forest, NC

About the Department

The Program Manager is a leadership role in developing and implementing high-quality programs and services that support active adults and their families throughout the Wake Forest area. This position oversees care management, information and referral services, and community outreach while ensuring the seamless coordination of daily operations, including staff and volunteer instructor supervision, scheduling, and facility activities. As part of an accredited, award-winning active aging center experiencing consistent growth in participation, the Program Manager is committed to operational excellence, budget management, and process improvements that enhance both efficiency and the participant experience. A key component of this role is overseeing and expanding fitness, wellness, and cultural arts programs including music, creative expression, and lifelong learning opportunities designed to promote active aging, physical health, and overall well-being. The Program Manager collaborates with instructors and community partners to develop engaging opportunities that align with the needs and interests of participants. This role requires a strong focus on balancing daily operational success with customer satisfaction, regularly soliciting participant feedback and incorporating insights into quarterly operational plans. The Program Manager works collaboratively to uphold the Center’s reputation for excellence and continuous innovation in active adult services. The Program Manager reports to the Center Director.

Employee Values: The Town of Wake Forest employees are expected to uphold and exhibit the Town’s shared employee values of caring, commitment, character, and collaboration.

Position Duties

Essential Duties and Tasks


Design and implement high-quality programs that meet the diverse needs and interests of active adults and their families in the Wake Forest area.
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Create and expand cultural arts, fitness, and wellness programs focused on promoting active aging, physical health, and overall well-being.
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Collaborate with instructors and community partners to develop programs that are engaging, relevant, and effective in addressing participant needs.
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Regularly review and update the program offerings to ensure they remain aligned with participant interests and trends in active adult health and wellness.
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Oversee care management services that help participants navigate available resources and support their health needs.
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Manage and enhance information and referral services, ensuring participants and their families have access to up-to-date resources and guidance.
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Ensure that participants and families are well-informed about programs, services, and benefits available to them.
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Lead community outreach efforts to expand awareness of the center’s programs and services.
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Build and maintain relationships with local organizations, businesses, healthcare providers, and other community partners to enhance the center’s offerings and services.

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Coordinate and facilitate partnerships with external agencies to expand resources and services available to participants.
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Oversee daily operations of the center, ensuring smooth coordination of programs, services, and activities.
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Supervise staff and volunteer instructors, providing support, guidance, and performance feedback.
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Manage staff schedules, ensuring adequate coverage for programs and events.
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Ensure that facility activities are running smoothly and that equipment and space are utilized properly.
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Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring financial sustainability and aligning with the center’s overall financial goals.
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Implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and participant satisfaction.
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Monitor and control expenses related to program delivery and ensure cost-effective use of resources.
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Regularly gather and review participant feedback through surveys, focus groups, and informal discussions.
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Incorporate participant insights into quarterly operational plans, adjusting programs and services as necessary to improve satisfaction.
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Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for participants, ensuring their needs and concerns are addressed promptly.
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Uphold the center’s reputation for excellence in active adult services, ensuring high standards for program delivery, customer service, and operational procedures.
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Actively participate in maintaining the center’s accreditation and support the achievement of any awards or recognitions.
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Monitor and assess the effectiveness of programs, making adjustments to ensure that goals are met and operations run smoothly.
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Contribute to the strategic planning of the active aging center by identifying trends, opportunities, and innovations in active adult services.
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Lead efforts to innovate programming and service delivery methods to meet the evolving needs of participants.
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Work collaboratively with the Center Director to align goals and strategies for growth and improvement.
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Ensure that all programs and activities are compliant with applicable regulations, safety standards, and best practices.
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Implement and monitor safety protocols to ensure a secure environment for participants, staff, and volunteers.
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May assist with additional assignments, as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in gerontology, recreation, physical education, or a related field, and some experience in aging, athletics or physical education programs, plus a minimum of three years’ experience in a leadership capacity.

Other Qualifications

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of reaching, talking, and hearing.
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Must be able to perform sedentary work, occasionally exerting up to at least 50 pounds of force and up to a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects of at least 50 pounds.
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Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, operate a computer terminal,