Why This Work Matters
For more than 55 years, Philadelphia Academies, Inc. (PAI) has connected young people in Philadelphia to real pathways for postsecondary success, career mobility, and economic opportunity.
Founded in 1969, PAI partners with schools, employers, labor unions, higher education institutions, and the School District of Philadelphia to ensure students—particularly Black and Brown students across the city—have access to
career-connected learning experiences that change life trajectories.
Under new executive leadership, PAI has entered a significant period of growth and transformation. The organization has expanded its footprint to its largest in history, strengthened its financial position, launched five registered
pre-apprenticeship pathways, and deepened its role as a citywide leader in workforce development and student success.
Today, PAI is proud to be:
- The only youth-serving organization in Pennsylvania operating five registered pre-apprenticeship programs for
in-school high school students - A lead partner in Philadelphia’s nationally recognized Ninth Grade Success Network
- A growing force in middle grades career-connected learning and early pathway development
- A trusted intermediary between schools, industry, labor, philanthropy, and government
This is a moment of momentum. We are building the next generation of career-connected learning systems in
Philadelphia—and we are looking for leaders ready to help shape that future.
The Programs You Will Lead
The Senior Program Director provides strategic leadership across PAI’s core programmatic portfolio.
Ninth Grade Success Network (9GSN): The foundation of our high school success strategy, 9GSN helps schools improve 9th-grade on-track rates through coaching, professional development, and data-driven support. This
work has helped improve outcomes for Black and Brown students across Philadelphia and positioned PAI as a leader in
school-based student success.
Workforce Development & Pre-Apprenticeships: Our workforce portfolio ensures students graduate with
access to real economic mobility. Through internships, work, and professional-based learning activities, and five
registered pre-apprenticeship programs, students gain credentials and direct pathways into high-demand careers.
Middle Grades Career Exploration & Readiness: Our middle grades work is being reimagined to strengthen
career awareness, student identity, and readiness for high school and postsecondary pathways. This is one of PAI’s most important next frontiers for long-term impact.
The Opportunity
The Senior Program Director is the organization’s primary program operator—responsible for the leadership, execution, and performance of PAI’s core programmatic portfolio.
This leader oversees program staff, manages budgets, builds accountability systems, and ensures strong outcomes
across schools and partners. They also serve as PAI’s lead ambassador to partner schools, building strong relationships
with principals and ensuring our work is deeply integrated into each school community.
Reporting directly to the President & CEO and serving on the Senior Leadership Team, this role helps shape
organization-wide strategy, decision-making, and growth.
What You Will Own
You will be directly accountable for:
- Program quality and consistency across all schools and models
- Staff leadership, coaching, and performance management
- Achievement of programmatic goals and key performance indicators
- Strong principal and school-based partnerships
- Program budgets and financial stewardship
- Systems that drive accountability, data use, and continuous improvement
What Leadership Looks Like Here
- Lead and oversee Workforce Programs, 9th Grade Success Networks, and Middle Grades Programs
- Build strong management systems that ensure consistency, follow-through, and high performance
- Supervise program directors and managers with clear expectations and strong accountability
- Ensure timely, high-quality program and grant reporting across all departments
- Develop strong relationships with principals, school leaders, district partners, and workforce partners
- Manage program budgets in alignment with strategic priorities and grant requirements
- Use data to drive decisions, improve outcomes, and strengthen implementation
- Work cross-functionally with finance, external affairs, and strategy teams to ensure alignment and sustainability
This role requires someone who can walk into a school, earn trust quickly, align adults, and hold the line on excellence.
Who Will Thrive in This Role
The ideal candidate is a disciplined, strategic, and results-driven leader with deep experience in school-based programming, workforce development, and/or Career and Technical Education (CTE).
You bring:
- Strong understanding of how schools function and how decisions are made
- Credibility with principals and school leaders in urban education settings
- Experience coaching & developing professionals in a nonprofit and educational setting
- Experience leading workforce development, CTE, pre-apprenticeships, or career-connected learning initiatives
- A proven ability to build systems that drive accountability and strong execution
- Experience managing budgets, people, and multi-site programs
- Comfort using data to drive performance and decision-making
- A commitment to educational equity and a deep understanding of the lived experiences of Black and Brown students in Philadelphia
What You Bring
Required
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
- 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in education, workforce development, youth development, or nonprofit management
- Strong experience managing school-based programs and building trust with school leaders
- Familiarity with nonprofit operations, grant-funded programs, and external partnerships
- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
- Experience managing program budgets and overseeing program and grant reporting
- Strong communication skills and the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders
Preferred
- Experience with Career and Technical Education (CTE), workforce development, pre-apprenticeship programming, or career-connected learning
- Experience working with urban public school systems
- Experience serving on a senior leadership team or in school administration
- Familiarity with Philadelphia’s education and workforce landscape
Compensation & Benefits
The salary for this position starts at $96,000 annually, with final compensation commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership.
PAI offers a competitive benefits package, including health benefits, paid time off, retirement contributions, and the opportunity to lead transformational work that directly impacts students, schools, and the future of workforce development in Philadelphia.
How to Join Us
Please submit:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Your cover letter should help us understand your leadership approach, your experience managing school-based programs, and why this work matters to you.
We are looking for leaders who believe deeply in the power of opportunity—and who are ready to help build it.