Launch Internship Program Manager

The USGA is a mission-based golf organization whose purpose is to unify the golf community through handicapping and grassroots programs; to showcase the game’s best talent through the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and 13 other national championships and our museum; to provide unbiased global governance with The R&A through the playing, equipment and Amateur Status rules; and to advance issues important to golf’s future, with a focus on driving sustainability, accessibility and inclusion. As a nonprofit association, our work and our team are driven to act for the good of the game. The USGA’s headquarters are located in Liberty Corner, NJ, with a recently opened campus in Pinehurst, NC. For more, visit usga.org. 

About this role: 

The United States Golf Association is committed to increasing diverse representation in the workforce across the golf industry, while fostering a more inclusive game. We are taking our commitment to new heights with the creation of the USGA Launch Program, a best-in-class fellowship program designed for undergraduate Juniors and Seniors, and graduate students interested in pursuing careers in sports. The program will support the selection and placement of participants across 11 premier golf organizations and their internship programs across the United States, and will be a new addition to the USGA’s current internship offerings. 

The Launch Internship Program Manager will drive the development, roll out and execution of this inaugural program.  The Manager will work closely with USGA leadership and industry partners, while developing relationships with applicants, participants and future alumni. The ideal candidate brings experience in developing new early career program offerings, and a true passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

What you’ll do:

Program Development & Management (25%): 

• Design and execute the program strategy for the USGA’s newest DE&I initiative, the USGA Launch Program. 

• Serve as the liaison between the USGA and our 11 Program Industry Partners. 

• Develop and implement innovative programs and initiatives that will support student career readiness and employability in the golf industry. 

• Plan and execute in-person Launch Program Summit. 

• Active maintenance of the program, leveraging touchpoints between Partners and Fellows throughout the program. 

Internship/Job Placement (35%):  

• Coordinate Launch Program information sessions, career fairs, and on-campus recruitment events. 

• Facilitate the internship and job application process, including resume referrals, resume screening, the interview process to narrow down Fellowship finalists and internship placement support.  

• Managing a database of qualified candidates that will be presented and shared with our program participants 

• Track internship and job placement rates and outcomes, providing ongoing reporting to assess program effectiveness. 
• Manage a database of internship and job postings relevant to our program graduates upon the completion of the program. 

Program Partner Relationship Management (25%): 

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with a diverse network of Program Partners across the golf industry. 

• Proactively reach out to potential Program Partners to identify internship and job opportunities aligned with applicants’ skills and career goals. 

Others (15%): 

• Research and keep up with emerging industry trends and Program Partner needs. 

• Support the USGA Pathways Program and other early career opportunities that support the USGA’s DE&I, Culture and Community goals. 

• Collaborate with industry partners to integrate career development into the fellowship curriculum. 

Where you’ll be: 

• This role will be based at our Liberty Corner, NJ campus on a hybrid schedule. Employees are expected to spend 3 days per week working in the office, between Monday – Thursday. There is a travel component to this role, up to 25% of time, primarily to industry events, career fair and other recruitment opportunities, and to partner sites. This may include occasional weekend and evening work. 

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience 

• 3+ years experience in early career program management, talent acquisition, employer relations, or similar roles with an emphasis on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. (Experience and exposure in the sports or entertainment industries is an added benefit.) 

• Proven experience building relationships with program partners, and facilitating successful internship and job placements 

• Proven experience developing and executing new programs, with the ability to navigate a significant degree of autonomy and ownership over the USGA Launch Program 

• Excellent communication and networking skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in both interpersonal conversations and formal large-group settings 

• Strong administrative and organizational skills, with a client service mindset 

• Ability to multi-task and adapt to different and overlapping timelines, especially during peak times of the year 

• Ability to build reports and presentations demonstrating program outcomes 

• Understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and support for historically marginalized groups, both domestically and abroad 

• Experience using applicant tracking systems and career services software is a plus 

• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion in dealing with sensitive matters including excellent interpersonal skills and high degree of professionalism and initiative in interacting with diverse stakeholders 

What the USGA brings: 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, including a zero cost medical plan offered for all full-time employees
• Retirement plans, with a generous annual contribution from the USGA
• Suite of programs to promote physical, emotional, and financial well-being
• Generous bank of paid time off, plus the week between Christmas and New Years Day off
• Off-site team building events
• On-site gym and golf simulator
• Professional development opportunities

The USGA is an equal opportunity employer. Our organization believes we are stronger by embracing our diverse backgrounds and perspectives, promoting equity so all teammates can excel and grow in their careers, and fostering experiences to drive inclusion in our workplace and game. Golf is a game for everyone, and you are always welcome.

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