Helen Keller

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Program Manager, Vision Program
(Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN)

Helen Keller International is a global health organization dedicated to eliminating preventable
vision loss, malnutrition, and diseases of poverty. Cofounded by Helen Keller – and guided by
her fierce optimism and belief in human potential – the organization delivers life-changing health
solutions to vulnerable families where the need is great but access to care is limited. In the US,
Africa, and Asia, Helen Keller’s proven, science-based programs empower people to create
opportunities in their own lives and build lasting change.

Background
Recognizing a lack of accessible, adequate vision care among low-income adults and children
in the US, Helen Keller established the US Vision Program (formerly known as ChildSight®),
which currently operate in CA, MN, NJ & NY. Since 1994, Helen Keller has provided free vision
screenings for more than 2.1 million individuals in the United States and provided more than
350,000 of them with prescription eyeglasses to solve common vision problems.

Helen Keller is seeking a Program Manager to join the dynamic Minnesota Vision Program team
and manage program activities in and around the Greater Twin Cities area.

Functional Relationships
Reporting to the Director, US Vision Program, the Program Manager will also work closely with
the Program Finance Officer, as well as with the project’s donors and partners, and will
supervise a team of seasonal program staff. The Program Manager will partner regularly with
Business Development and External Relations staff on communications and fundraising
activities, and other Global Management staff in Finance, Human Resources, Information
Technology and Operations who provide support to the program on an as needed basis.

Helen Keller International has a matrixed reporting structure that respects both the line
management and authority within project hierarchies; and the accountability and oversight
duties of subject matter experts in global management who support the projects. Regular
communication and a spirit of teamwork among colleagues are essential to make this structure
thrive.

Scope of the Position
The Program Manager’s main responsibilities are programmatic and operational management,
including staff management, the preparation of work plans, budgets, integration of new policies,
procedures, and initiatives, drafting donor reports, success stories, and day-to-day monitoring
and evaluation of program implementation quality and overall progress against set objectives.
Working in collaboration with colleagues, the Program Manager also supports long-range
planning and supports local fundraising efforts.

with senior staff to enact the necessary modifications to enhance program quality and
efficiency.

• Work closely with relevant colleagues to develop and implement a fundraising strategy to

fulfill all donor objectives.

• Provide program data and success stories for marketing purposes and grant proposals and

to support local advocacy efforts focused on improving access to eye health services.

• Create and maintain relationships with key program partners where program services will be

provided.

eyeglass distribution in conjunction with the school system and other partners as needed to
ensure efficient use of staff time, Optician and Optometrist services and assure transport of
equipment.

• Hire and train and supervise new staff and contractors on program protocols and provide

guidance and correction, as needed.

• Create a supportive working environment to deliver expected results. Guide staff and

consultants to achieve goals and contribute to an atmosphere conducive to professional
growth and development, engaging in regular performance conversations.

• Provide on-site supervision and conduct on-site program processes such as vision

screening, refraction assessment, eyeglass selection and ordering, assembly and
distribution of eyeglasses, and completion of all program paperwork.

• Promote follow-up eye care by conducting educational information sessions to program

participants and families parents/guardians regarding the screening assessment, vision
health, potential vision difficulties, and treatments.

• Participate in the design, testing, and implementation of the program materials including, but

not limited to, impact surveys, program participants and families/guardians outreach and
educational materials.

• Ensure the collection of data results and prepare reports from impact surveys to share

results with the Program Director.

• Provide families/guardians with information about their student’s vision needs, gather

relevant health insurance information, and request consent to bill insurance for refraction
assessment services.

• Connect families/guardians with community eye care providers, promote their compliance

with referrals for complete eye exams, as needed, and provide referrals for health insurance
enrollment and other related services.

• Conduct follow-up with parents to confirm compliance with recommended care.

Administrative Duties

• Assure understanding and adherence to HIPAA policy and procedures by Vision program

Helen Keller program activities based on developed HIPAA protocol and compliance.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree plus 3 to 5 years related experience, or equivalent combination of

propose solutions, and take proactive approaches to improve programmatic management
processes including:

o asking for information in a way that is clear and specific
o interacting with internal colleagues and community partners with diplomacy and tact

• Oral proficiency in Spanish, Karen or Somali language highly preferred but not mandatory.

Ability to work independently and prioritize workload, assume responsibility for work, and
follow through to completion.

• Ability and willingness to work under pressure with a positive attitude as a part of a team.
• Willingness to travel within the targeted communities, potentially using own personal vehicle,

a high comfort level working in a diverse environment with a demonstrated commitment to
high professional, ethical standards.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the application of information technology to Helen Keller

program areas. Knowledge of software used for database and other work
documents (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).

• Helen Keller Intl requires all staff to be fully vaccinated (including one booster) against

COVID-19, whether or not they have had COVID.

Compensation
The midpoint of the salary range for this position is $76,000 with a minimum of $60,800 and a
maximum of $91,200.
Actual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, base salary of
internal peers, and business sector.



To Apply
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to HKI.recruitment@hki.org.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

In the spirit of our namesake, Helen Keller
is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is fully valued.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for

employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender
identity, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you
are a qualified individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation during the

application or interview process, please contact us at the email above or call: +1 646-356-1789.