Program Manager, Congressional and Professional Development

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here Is What We Offer

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture
  
  

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

Basic Function

The purpose of this position is to manage the placement and support of approximately 45 Rangel Graduate fellows per year in internships with Members of Congress during the first summer of their program. This involves research into congressional offices that have relevant responsibilities, outreach to congressional staff, consolidating an outreach list for congressional offices, preparation of placement request letters, doing orientation sessions for the fellows, arranging professional development sessions for the fellows to supplement their internships, troubleshooting problems in the internships, collecting evaluations from fellows and supervisors, and doing reports on the results of the internship. The position will also involve supporting program recruiting efforts with congressional offices, organizing fellow professional development programming, managing databases for the program participants for the program.

Supervisory Accountability

Responsible for supervising congressional outreach, internship placements, developing and implementing programming, monitoring implementation of internships, and overseeing evaluation, analysis and reporting in this area. This is a complex undertaking that requires the ability to work with Members of Congress and senior congressional staff to find placements in areas that are relevant to the work of the Foreign Service and will provide substantive responsibilities. Will also organize fellow professional development programming and manage program databases.

Nature And Scope

Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, staff and students both within the Bunche International Center and University-wide, including the Office of External Affairs. External contacts include congressional offices and committees, Rangel Fellows, consultants and contractors, and the sponsoring government agency.

Principal Accountabilities

• Develop and coordinate a strategy to identify relevant congressional offices, develop working relations with congressional offices that lead to placement opportunities, and arrange placements for 45 or more Rangel Fellows each year.
• Analyze congressional committee placements, interests of specific members on foreign policy issues, and committees that work on issues of international affairs, appropriations, and related public policy issues in order to develop target lists of host offices.
• Analyze the incoming cohort of Rangel Fellows to determine their substantive interests, home congressional districts, and other issues of relevance to congressional placements.
• In close coordination with the Office of External Affairs, work with the Rangel Program's congressional sponsor to gain support from other offices, write and distribute placement letters, and troubleshoot issues as needed.
• Match incoming fellows with congressional offices, including providing resumes to congressional offices, following up regularly, arranging interviews, and finalizing all arrangements through communications with offices and fellows.
• Prepare orientation information on congressional operations, Congress' role in foreign policy, and the Rangel congressional internship guidelines and procedures.
• Arrange other meetings on Capitol Hill to supplement learning opportunities for the fellows.
• Monitor progress of internships through communication with the fellows and their supervisors. Troubleshoot problems, as needed.
• Distribute and collect evaluations for the fellows and supervisors to assess the impact of the congressional internship. Provide evaluations to Rangel Program Director. Follow up on any issues of concern with the fellows or the congressional office.
• Prepare reports, including regular updates on placements and a final report evaluating the impact of the congressional internship.
• Manage program databases, support recruiting, and contribute to social media outreach.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with diverse stakeholders, including Members of Congress.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work with other.
• Ability to multi-task efficiently.
• Skill in the operation of computers, related software applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and standard office equipment.
• Skills in database management and social media.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and 5-7 years of related work experience. 12 years of related work experience may be substituted in lieu of educational qualifications; experience working with selection processes, outreach, and State Department desirable.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $72,727 - $80,000