Program Manager
Reports To: CEO
Organization Overview
Zhang Sah is a very unique organization. Since it was founded in 1997 it has continually evolved and expanded its educational and martial art offerings. Today we are taking steps to further define two divisions of the operation aligning with the founder’s vision. We have the Martial Arts and Learning Centers and the Zhang Sah School. The Zhang Sah School is the 1st martial arts themed elementary academic institution in the USA. The Program Manager will direct the Martial Arts and Learning Centers. Zhang Sah Martial Arts and Learning Centers are committed to providing unique, high-quality educational and enrichment programming that supports the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Our martial arts themed early childhood and school-age programs are grounded in strong instructional practices, continual quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and a mission-driven approach that integrates education, enrichment, and community impact.
Position Summary
The Program Manager provides strategic leadership, supervision, and operational oversight for the (8) Philadelphia based early childhood education and school-age programs, including PHLpreK and Out-of-School Time (OST) programming. This role is to provide oversight to site based leadership and ensure program quality, regulatory compliance, curriculum fidelity, mission alignment, staff development, stakeholder engagement and positive outcomes for children and families.
The Program Manager reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and works collaboratively with organizational leadership, site staff, and external partners to ensure excellence across all education-based programming.
Reporting Structure & Accountability Alignment
- The Program Manager directly supervises and evaluates the site based leaders and assistants.
- The Program Manager serves as the primary point of accountability for regulatory compliance, curriculum fidelity, program quality, and site based leadership performance outcomes.
Primary ResponsibilitiesProgram Leadership & Oversight
- Provide leadership, direction and support for all Zhang Sah Martial Arts and Learning Center site directors and assistants.
- Monitor operations to ensure consistency, quality, compliance, contract requirements and alignment with organizational goals.
Licensing, Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Oversee and ensure regulatory compliance and specifically with all Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing regulations.
- Maintain compliance with Keystone STARS (4), PHLpreK, 21CCLC, and other applicable funding and regulatory requirements.
- Support and lead Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives across programs.
- Ensure HIPAA and FERPA compliance at all times.
- Oversee health, safety, food service, and emergency preparedness compliance.
Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
- Oversee the implementation and fidelity to the mission of Zhang Sah as well as of early learning curricula, including Teaching Strategies / Creative Curriculum and Brave Scholar’s Budo Shohin and Pre martial art curriculum.
- Provide oversight of curriculum planning, learning units, project-based learning (PBLs), and instructional materials.
- Oversee and monitor student assessments and academic benchmark reporting.
- Oversee and support all students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in collaboration with site leaders,families and service providers.
- Support data collection, analysis, and reporting related to student outcomes and program performance.
Staff Supervision, Coaching & Development
- Mentor, supervise, and support site based leadership.
- Review staff observations and provide constructive feedback to site leaderaship.
- Coordinate and facilitate professional development and required trainings for education staff.
- Serve as a substitute or float staff member as needed to maintain ratios and continuity.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Support stakeholder engagement: host sites, PTAs, and family engagement initiatives to ensure strong positive relations.
- Plan and support student culminating events and celebrations.
- Proactively monitor learning environments to ensure they are safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.
- Ensure high-quality, positive, and progressive interactions amongst stakeholders.
- Some conferences and travel are required
Grants, Reporting & External Partnerships
- Support grant compliance, documentation, and reporting requirements.
- Collaborate with leadership on grant-funded program implementation and sustainability.
- Assist with funder communication, reporting, and monitoring as required.
Leadership & Mission Alignment
- Model Zhang Sah’s mission, values, and organizational tenets at all times.
- Serve as a leader and ambassador for the organization internally and externally.
- Promote a culture of excellence, accountability, equity, and continuous improvement.
Accountability & Performance Management
- Address performance concerns promptly through coaching, corrective action, and documentation as needed.
- Collaborate with the CEO and executive staff on key staffing decisions, disciplinary actions, and program improvement strategies.
Primary Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- Extensive experience in early childhood and/or school-age education leadership.
- Demonstrated knowledge of DHS licensing, Keystone STARS, PHLpreK, and grant-funded programs.
- Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to meet all background clearances and regulatory requirements.
- Must have own car and valid drivers license
Priority Preferences
- multilingual
- martial arts experience
- growth mindset
- special education
Pay: $60,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Loan forgiveness
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Do you have martial art experience?
- What other languages do you speak?
- Do you have a certification, training or experience with special education?
Education:
Experience:
- Program management: 3 years (Required)
Language:
Ability to Commute:
- Philadelphia, PA 19147 (Required)
Work Location: In person
