Employment Services Program Manager (Volunteer)
About Blind Professionals Network (BPN)
Blind Professionals Network (BPN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals to achieve professional success. We provide free career development, specialized training, entrepreneur support, and a vital peer network to break down employment barriers.
Position Summary
The Employment Services Manager is a leadership role responsible for the day-to-day operations and strategic execution of BPN’s employment support initiatives. This individual manages the team of Employment Services Specialists (volunteers) and ensures that all career coaching, document development, and advocacy services are delivered consistently and effectively. The Program Manager acts as the operational "glue," balancing volunteer capacity with member demand while continuously improving the program's infrastructure to ensure BVI job seekers receive high-quality support.
Key Responsibilities
Team Management & Leadership:
- Volunteer Supervision: Direct and support a team of Employment Services Specialists, providing guidance on complex cases and ensuring they adhere to BPN’s service standards.
- Recruitment & Training: Lead the onboarding and training of new employment volunteers, ensuring they are well-versed in BVI-specific employment nuances and BPN’s internal processes.
- Performance Management: Conduct regular check-ins with specialists to review case progress, provide feedback, and address any volunteer burnout or capacity issues.
Operations & Workflow Management:
- Intake & Case Assignment: Manage the member "waitlist" and intake process, strategically assigning BPN members to specialists based on career goals, industry expertise, and current volunteer bandwidth.
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Develop and maintain standardized templates, coaching checklists, and "best practice" guides for resumes, cover letters, and interview prep to ensure a uniform member experience.
- CRM & Documentation Oversight: Ensure all specialists maintain accurate records of member progress, employment outcomes, and coaching hours within BPN’s tracking systems.
Program Quality & Strategy:
- Service Evaluation: Monitor the effectiveness of employment interventions through surveys and data collection; identify gaps in the service model and implement solutions.
- Resource Curation: Maintain a centralized library of accessible career resources, assistive technology updates, and employer leads for the specialist team to utilize.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with the Mentorship and Technology Program Managers to ensure a holistic "wrap-around" support system for members.
Advocacy & High-Level Support:
- Complex Case Consultation: Act as the primary point of escalation for members or specialists dealing with high-stakes workplace discrimination, complex ADA negotiations, or systemic barriers.
- Employer Engagement: Support the Program Director in vetting potential employer partners to ensure their internal software and HR portals meet accessibility standards before referring members.
Qualifications
- Management Experience: Proven experience managing teams, projects, or programs, preferably in a remote or volunteer-led environment.
- Domain Expertise: Professional background in Vocational Rehabilitation, HR, Career Counseling, or Talent Acquisition is a plus.
- Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel,) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Forms) are required for data tracking and document creation.
- Leadership Soft Skills: Ability to motivate volunteers, manage conflicting priorities, and communicate with empathy and professional clarity.
- Operational Proficiency: Strong organizational skills with the ability to build processes and use data to track program health.
- BVI Community Knowledge: Deep understanding of the specific barriers faced by the blind and visually impaired community in the modern workforce.
Reporting Structure
This position reports to the Program Director.
Time Commitment
This is a volunteer position requiring an estimated commitment of 5–8 hours per week. This includes time for operational oversight, team management, and participation in monthly leadership meetings.
Application
If you believe this position aligns with your skills, experience and career goals, please follow these steps to begin the application process:
- Submit Your Credentials: Send your resume and a letter of interest to Training@BlindProNet.org. In your letter, please detail your relevant professional experience and your specific motivation for joining the Blind Professionals Network Team.
- Complete the Interest Form: After submitting your application, finalize your application by completing the BPN Volunteer Application.
Important Note: Completing both of these steps is essential to initiate our onboarding process and helps us ensure a mutually beneficial placement within the organization.