Cadet Program Manager - PPD
City of Philadelphia · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.
What we offer
- Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.
- Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
- Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
- Benefits - We care about your well-being.
Agency Description
The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) is the nation's fourth largest police department, with over 6300 sworn members and 800 civilian personnel. The PPD is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for serving Philadelphia County, extending over 140 square-miles in which approximately 1.5 million reside. Geographically, the Department is divided into twenty-one police districts (each headed by a captain), which comprise six police divisions (Northwest, Northeast, East, Central, Southwest, South - each headed by a Divisional Inspector), into two major sections of the city, Regional Operations Command North (ROC North) and Regional Operations Command South (ROC South), each headed by one Chief Inspector under Patrol Operations. Personnel are assigned to work in 55 different locations throughout Philadelphia, with Police Headquarters located in the 6th Police District, in Center City, at 400 North Broad Street.
Position Summary
The Program Manager for the Police Cadet and Explorers Program is responsible for the daily management, coordination, and long-term success of both initiatives. This role provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and hands-on management to ensure that participants are effectively recruited, developed, and prepared for future law enforcement careers. The Program Manager serves as the central point of contact for program planning, staffing, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
Essential Functions
- Oversee daily operations of the Police Cadet and Explorers Program to ensure alignment with the Philadelphia Police Department’s mission and goals.
- Develop and implement strategic plans, policies, and procedures that support program growth and sustainability.
- Recruit, screen, and evaluate program candidates, including coordination of background investigations, in partnership with PPD Human Resources.
- Recommend qualified candidates for hire and coordinate onboarding processes to ensure smooth transitions into the program.
- Supervise clerical positions, providing direction, training, and performance feedback.
- Design and manage rotational assignment schedules that provide cadets exposure to multiple PPD divisions and functions.
- Collaborate with the Police Academy and Recruitment Unit to ensure cadets are adequately prepared for the officer entrance process.
- Track and evaluate cadet progress, maintaining accurate program records, reports, and performance evaluations.
- Collect, analyze, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess program outcomes and ensure goals are met.
- Manage program budget, monitor expenditures, and recommend adjustments to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Serve as liaison to internal and external stakeholders, maintaining strong partnerships to support program success.
- And other duties as assigned.
Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge
- Program management and evaluation principles.
- Workforce development and career pathway programming.
- Law enforcement structures, cadet training, and officer entrance standards.
- Recruitment, screening, and onboarding processes.
- Civil service and exempt hiring practices.
- Public sector budgeting and fiscal accountability.
- Metrics, KPIs, and data analysis for program outcomes.
Skills
- Strategic planning and program development.
- Staff supervision, coaching, and mentoring.
- Data analysis and performance reporting.
- Budget preparation and monitoring.
- Written, verbal, and presentation communication.
- Relationship building with internal and external partners.
- Use of Microsoft Office Suite, HRIS, and tracking systems.
Abilities
- Oversee daily operations and multiple priorities.
- Manage cadet rotational assignments across divisions.
- Collaborate with hr, academy, and leadership teams.
- Ensure compliance with policies and background standards.
- Monitor cadet progress and adjust programming.
- Foster teamwork, inclusivity, and professionalism.
- Maintain discretion with sensitive and confidential information.
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Human Resources, or related field.
At least 4 (4) years of progressively responsible experience in program management, workforce development, law enforcement, or related area.
We value diverse experiences and are open to flexible qualifications. If you are passionate about this role and meet some of the key criteria, we encourage you to apply.
TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.
Salary Range: $75,500 - $94,500
Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:
- Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
- Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
- We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
- Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
- Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Generous retirement savings options are available
- Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
- Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!
Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!
*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire
Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Hum