At the American Cancer Society, we're leading the fight for a world without cancer. Our employees and 1.5 million volunteers are raising the bar every single day. We actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds including communities of color, the LGBTQ community, veterans, and people with disabilities. The greater the diversity of our people, the better we can serve our communities.

The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our lifesaving mission. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled.

The Program Manager for Hope Lodge plays a vital role in developing and implementing a comprehensive program framework aimed at promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness for participants, including guests staying at Hope Lodge and members of the local community that are living with cancer. This individual spearheads the development, implementation, and coordination of diverse programs and activities aimed at providing emotional support, promoting social interaction, and fostering a sense of community among guests.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Program Development: Collaborate with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive program framework that aligns with the mission and goals of the Hope Lodge Empower Program, focusing on promoting holistic wellness and support for participants.

• Activity Planning and Coordination: Plan, organize, coordinate, and host a variety of activities and events focused on Hope Lodge Empower’s core elements, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all participants.

• Community Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with local organizations, volunteers, and community members to facilitate the involvement of external resources and support for program activities, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

• Participant Support: Provide guidance, support, and resources to program participants, including guests staying at Hope Lodge and members of the local community, to promote their engagement and overall well-being.

• Volunteer Management: Recruit, train, and supervise lodge volunteers to ensure the successful implementation of activities and events, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.

• Evaluation and Reporting: Monitor and evaluate program outcomes and participant feedback to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement and prepare regular reports for program stakeholders and funders to demonstrate impact and accountability.

• Budget Management: Manage program budgets effectively, including allocating resources efficiently and seeking funding opportunities to support program sustainability and growth, ensuring fiscal responsibility and stewardship of resources.

• Partnership with ACS Departments: Support ACS departments in coordination of the operations of onsite events hosted by other ACS departments.

• Community Tours: Provide tours for key stakeholders of the lodge and all of its offerings.

FORMAL KNOWLEDGE

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, recreational therapy, or a related field is preferred.

• 2-3 Years experience in program coordination, event planning, or recreational therapy, preferably in a healthcare or nonprofit setting.

SPECIALIZED TRAINING OR KNOWLEDGE

• Strong organizational, planning, and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, collaborate with stakeholders, and engage with diverse communities.

• Knowledge of wellness principles, program development methodologies, and evaluation techniques, with a focus on promoting holistic well-being and support for participants.

• Experience in staff and volunteer management, including recruitment, training, supervision, and performance evaluation.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a passion for serving others and making a positive impact in the lives of program participants and their communities.

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS

• Program Development: Collaborate with stakeholders to design the Hope Lodge Empower Program, showing creativity, innovation, and strategic thinking.

• Activity Planning and Coordination: Organize diverse activities aligned with Hope Lodge Empower’s Core Elements, ensuring inclusivity and relevance to participants' needs.

• Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with local organizations and volunteers to support program initiatives and secure external resources.

• Participant Support: Provide guidance and resources to program participants with empathy and sensitivity to their individual needs.

• Staff and Volunteer Management: Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers, fostering a supportive team environment.

• Evaluation and Reporting: Monitor program outcomes and participant feedback to assess effectiveness and inform improvements.

• Budget Management: Allocate resources efficiently and seek funding opportunities to sustain program growth.

• Communication: Effectively convey information to stakeholders through clear verbal and written communication.

• Organizational Skills: Manage tasks and priorities to ensure smooth program operation.

• Problem-Solving: Identify challenges and develop creative solutions to optimize program effectiveness.

• Cultural Competence: Foster inclusivity and respect for diverse backgrounds among program participants.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work closely with stakeholders to achieve shared program goals

SPECIAL MENTAL OR PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Event Setup and Coordination: Depending on the nature of the activities and events organized as part of the program, the Program Manager may be involved in setting up equipment, arranging furniture, and preparing activity spaces, which may require lifting, carrying, and moving objects or materials.

• Site Visits: The Program Manager may need to conduct site visits to various locations, including Hope Lodge facilities, community centers, and event venues, to assess suitability, coordinate logistics, and ensure the smooth execution of program activities. This may involve walking,

• standing, and navigating different environments.

• Participant Support: Providing hands-on support and assistance to program participants, including guests staying at Hope Lodge and members of the local community, may involve physical tasks such as guiding individuals to activity locations, assisting with mobility or accessibility needs, and facilitating group interactions.

• Community Engagement: Engaging with community members, local organizations, and volunteers to build relationships and facilitate partnerships may involve attending meetings, events, or activities in the community, which may require travel, standing, and interacting with diverse groups of people.

• Emergency Response: In the event of emergencies or crisis situations, the Program Manager may need to provide immediate assistance or support to participants, staff, or volunteers, which may involve quick decision-making, physical coordination, and response actions.

The American Cancer Society has adopted a vaccination policy that requires all staff, regardless of position or work location, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (except where prohibited by state law).

ACS provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.