POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Academy Programs Manager at the STARability Foundation oversees daily operations and direct support staff to ensure the effective, efficient, and high-quality delivery of academy programs. Working closely with the Director of Academy Programs, this role ensures alignment with organizational goals, standards, and best practices. The manager leads staff supervision, scheduling, performance evaluation, and coaching, while also addressing operational issues, managing resources, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements. A key focus of the role is providing direct support for all direct support staff while also providing guidance, coaching and support while out in the community with the groups.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• - Uphold STARability’s Core Values of Support, Teamwork, Awareness, and Respect. 

• - Direct and manage the daily implementation of the Academy Programs curriculum, scheduling, and service delivery to ensure a safe, engaging, and structured environment for participants. 

• - Leads and supervises the Program Assistants and Instructors, including shift planning, task delegation, performance feedback, coaching, and real-time support during participant interactions to ensure high-quality care and consistent adherence to program standards. 

• - Ensure person-centered support for all program participants, including behavior support, activity engagement, and individualized progress tracking aligned with each participant’s 

• - SMART goals while collaborating with the BCBA consultant as they develop behavior goals, which are tracked separately from the Individualized Activity Plans (IAPs). 

• - Coordinate participant group assignments to maintain appropriate ratios and continuity of care, adjusting as needed to accommodate attendance changes and program needs. 

• - Facilitate onboarding and training for program staff, ensuring adherence with safety procedures, medication administration protocols, participant plans, and STARability policies. 

• - Deliver and adapt curriculum plans in collaboration with Academy Program Specialists, ensuring alignment with program outcomes, participant interests, and abilities. 

• - Oversee accurate and timely data entry related to attendance, goal tracking, incidents, and daily activity logs to support quality assurance and stakeholder reporting. 

• - Maintain a safe environment by implementing established safety protocols, responding to emergencies, supporting staff during behavioral or mental health crises, and completing incident reports. 

  - Ensures the facility and program space's cleanliness, safety, and maintenance, including completing daily checklists and end-of-day reviews to prepare for next-day use. Manages vehicle fleet operations, including daily inspections, cleanliness, maintenance scheduling, fuel tracking, and compliance with safety standards. 

  - Provide guidance and support to direct support staff in communicating with families and caregivers, ensuring interactions are professional, consistent, and aligned with program values.

• -Act as a resource for navigating complex or sensitive situations, without serving as the primary point of contact in most cases. 

• - Conduct program tours and assist with participant intakes, eligibility documentation, and orientation in coordination with program specialists and clinicians. 

  - Support the planning and execution of community-based learning experiences and volunteer opportunities that promote skill development and social inclusion. 

  - Leads inclusive, skill-building community experiences by coordinating with community partners and advocating for participant growth. Provides on-site support and coaching to staff and participants to ensure meaningful engagement and continuous development. 

  - Report regularly to the Director of Academy Programs on operational performance, staffing needs, and participant progress; contribute insights for program evaluation and strategic improvements. 

  - Additional duties as assigned, including attending and participating in STARability social events and the fundraising gala. 

• PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

  • Stand or sit for long periods periodically. 

  • May occasionally lift at least 50 pounds unassisted and perform emergency physical interaction techniques, including lifting, bending, kneeling, stooping, reaching, blocking, and grabbing with or without assistance.  

  
  

  REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • - A Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, non-profit management, business management, psychology, recreational or occupational therapy, or a related field is required.

  • -  A Master’s Degree is preferred. Candidates should have at least 5 years of related experience in program operations, leadership, and human services management.  

  • - Knowledgeable and supportive of evidence-based practices and scientifically validated methodologies and approaches found to benefit individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. 

  • - Strong presentation, verbal, written, and communication skills, with the ability to give and accept feedback and interact effectively with the community. 

  • - Excellent time management, organizational skills, and ability to prioritize workload. 

  • - Proficiency in Word, Excel, and database systems. 

  • - Valid state driver's license with motor vehicle proficiency and ability to comply with legal driving requirements. 

  • - Competency in virtual platforms like Zoom and a willingness to learn new technology for educational instruction. 

  • - Employment offer is contingent on background checks, abuse registry, and reference checks. 

  
  

  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

  This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee filling this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by management.  Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this job description. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. 

  To apply, send your resume to hr@starability.org