The Academy Group, Inc.

Compensation

Full Description

AG: Amplify - Detroit Program Director Job Description Who We Are The Academy Group (AG) is a unique social enterprise that leverages earned revenue from financial investments to create world-class opportunities for young people from the nation’s most resilient communities. The Academy Group demonstrates the promise of a new model for identifying, developing, and sustaining a diverse national pipeline of future leaders, employers, and change agents. We were founded based on a unique model. One that creates pathways for black and brown students, if they demonstrate relentless pertinacity, to build wealth and become socially just change agents, ideally through careers and leadership positions in our portfolio companies. No other organization in the world is built to do this. Organizational Information AG: Academy serves young people from 4th grade through employment. The core program offers a journey that guides members through an interdisciplinary exploration of colleges, careers, and wealth building. AG: Academy reinforces core skills that accelerate academic progress and put members on track to achieve success. In February 2019, AG: Amplify, driven by the same belief that talent is ubiquitous, was founded as an initiative under The Academy Group. Together, AG: Academy and AG: Amplify leverage economies of scale, shared learning, and cross-collaboration to expand opportunities and drive meaningful change. About AG: Amplify AG: Amplify is on a mission to close the racial wealth gap by equipping young adults with the skills, confidence, and networks to build generational wealth. We focus on 21- to 30-year-olds who have taken a non-traditional path, experienced trauma, and/or have been justice system-involved, and are now ready to unlock their limitless potential. Founded in 2018 under the umbrella of The Academy Group, AG: Amplify is driven by the belief that talent is ubiquitous, even if opportunity is not. After building a successful program in Chicago, AG: Amplify is expanding to Detroit—its first replication site—and seeks a dynamic, mission-driven Program Director to lead this new chapter. Position Summary The Program Director will be responsible for the successful launch, replication, and ongoing management of Amplify’s flagship program in Detroit. This leader will establish and operationalize Amplify’s Detroit office, build and manage community partnerships, and ensure that all aspects of the program—from recruitment to alumni engagement—are executed with excellence and impact. The ideal candidate is a strategic builder and relationship-driven leader with deep roots in Detroit, a proven ability to launch or scale programs, and a demonstrated commitment to empowering young adults to transform their lives and communities and build generational wealth. Key Responsibilities Program Launch and Leadership • Lead the full replication of the Amplify model in Detroit, ensuring fidelity to the mission while adapting for local context. • Establish the Amplify Detroit office, including securing administrative and program space, operational systems, and local vendors. • Hire, onboard, and supervise the Success Manager (Detroit) to support participant success and program implementation. • Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring all program goals and milestones are met on time and within budget. • Work in close partnership with the AG: Academy Detroit team, the AG Regional Team, and the AG Strategy Team to identify opportunities for collaboration, efficiency and goal acceleration. Community and Partnership Development • Build and maintain deep, authentic relationships with community-based organizations, employers, training providers, and local political and civic leaders. • Identify and secure partners and content experts who will: • Refer program candidates • Deliver certification & credential trainings (e.g. solar) and content instruction (e.g. math, financial advising) • Provide critical stability resources (e.g., therapy, housing, financial, legal supports) • Secure partnerships with local financial institutions to provide essential banking, investing and other financial supports • Build and leverage a local network of business and community partners for support and networking opportunities for Amplify talent. • Represent Amplify Detroit in community coalitions, events, and partnerships to build visibility and credibility. Program Delivery • Ensure a transformative participant experience that reflects Amplify’s values and mission. • Serve as the primary facilitator for the Amplify Foundations curriculum and experiential learning opportunities for each cohort. • Create and manage the program calendar and sequential implementation of all Amplify program elements. • In close partnership with the Success Manager (Detroit) ensure the successful transition from the 3-month Foundations stage to the Activation stage (months 4-12) and ultimately into the AG Alumni Network. • Design and execute events, workshops, and site visits that enhance participant learning and professional development. • Identify and secure partnership agreements with local employers willing to provide internships, apprenticeships and employment to Amplify graduates. Data, Evaluation, and Reporting • Oversee participant data collection and analysis using the Amplify Salesforce platform. • Generate data-driven insights to inform program improvements and report regularly to the Amplify and Academy Group teams. • Track key performance indicators to measure impact, participant outcomes, and program growth. Marketing & Communications • Partner with the Communications/Content Specialist and Senior Director of Programs to curate and manage a social media presence to highlight founders, mentors, events, and impact stories. • Develop content and communication strategies to elevate Amplify’s visibility and thought leadership in Detroit and nationally. Budget and Administration • Manage the Detroit program budget in collaboration with the Senior Director of Programs (Chicago), the Amplify CEO and the Academy Group’s Finance team. • Ensure compliance with organizational policies and reporting standards. • Coordinate with HR, Operations, and Strategy teams in Chicago for ongoing support and alignment. Travel • Monthly travel to Chicago for Amplify and Academy Group meetings, retreats, and professional development. • Occasional national travel (1–2 times per year) for events and stakeholder engagements. Qualifications Required • Deep, authentic knowledge of Detroit’s communities, culture, and ecosystem. • Proven ability to launch or scale programs, preferably within community, workforce, or youth development settings. • Exceptional ability to build transformational relationships with young adults aged 21–30, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds. • Strong leadership, facilitation, and communication skills. • Experience in partnership cultivation, budget management, and team supervision. • Demonstrated ability to make data-informed decisions and use technology platforms for program tracking (e.g., Salesforce). • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Preferred • Experience in workforce development, youth empowerment, or community organizing. • Familiarity with trauma-informed practices and/or reentry support. • Advanced degree in education, social work, nonprofit management, or a related field. Personal Attributes • Mission-driven and deeply aligned with Amplify’s values. • Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for building and replicating programs. • Empathetic leader who values collaboration, authenticity, and accountability. • Strategic thinker who can balance vision with disciplined execution. Location This position will be based in Detroit with travel to The Academy Group Headquarters (900 N. North Branch St, 2nd FL, Chicago, IL 60642) up to 2x per month for training, team meetings, etc. The role is hybrid when a cohort is not in session but is expected to be onsite daily during the Foundations 3-month cohort experience (Mon - Fri 8:30 - 4:30pm). The hybrid schedule during the Activation and Alumni Network stages of the program will be determined by the Senior Director of Programs (Chicago) based on the particular needs and opportunities of the Detroit program. Compensation And Benefits The Academy Group offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive medical, vision, dental, and 401 (k) package with employer match. The pay range for this position is $95,000-$115,000. In addition, our team is awarded 80 hours of Wellness Days and can accrue up to 120 hours of vacation per year. We encourage all employees to use Paid Time Off to promote work-life balance and support their mental and social well-being. To Apply Please send your resume to careers@theacademy.group