Jalen Smalls
Brooklyn,NY
Summary
Program Director leading multi-stakeholder programs through budget planning, team coordination, procurement, and schedule delivery. Oversees $800,000 budgets, directs 20+ team members, and aligns executive stakeholders and external sponsors around program goals. Delivers program workscopes that meet performance metrics while keeping launches on the targeted date.
Overview
4
4
Certifications
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Laborer
Monadnock Construction
New York, NY
04.2026 - Current
- Assisted crews with general labor tasks while maintaining a steady pace during active construction work.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas to reduce hazards and keep job sites ready for the next phase.
- Communicated with supervisors and crew members to coordinate daily assignments and changing site needs.
- Followed site safety procedures and used protective gear consistently during construction activities.
- Supported project scheduling by adjusting daily work order priorities with the onsite team.
- Completed routine labor assignments with attention to quality, timing, and crew instructions.
Program Director
Ascend Learning Inc.
New York
08.2023 - 10.2024
- Revitalized program delivery and launched on the targeted date after addressing prior-year schedule delays.
- Developed and managed a $800,000 program budget, directing resources toward planned annual execution.
- Led a cross-functional team of 20-25 members, coordinating daily priorities and team management activities.
- Designed and executed program scope that met all performance metrics across the delivery cycle.
- Managed procurement for critical program components, including vendor selection, contract negotiation, and service agreements.
- Aligned executive stakeholders, direct managers, and external sponsors around program objectives using Monday, Asana, and Jira.
Program Manager
Ascend Learning Inc.
New York
08.2021 - 08.2023
- Planned work scope and timelines against year-end targets, keeping program delivery aligned with expected metrics.
- Collected and organized program data for official evaluations, supporting consistent standards across review cycles.
- Led a team of 12 counselors, reinforcing safety protocols and keeping daily operations efficient.
- Coached a specialist staff of 6 instructors to strengthen activities and sustain participant engagement.
- Partnered with the Program Director on budget projections for the program year, supporting disciplined financial planning.
- Supported program standards during official evaluations by coordinating documentation and follow-through on review requirements.
- Aligned work scope, staffing, and evaluation readiness with program goals to keep operations on track.
Fitness Activity Specialist
Ascend Learning Inc.
New York
08.2020 - 08.2021
- Created fitness programs and outdoor excursions that reinforced healthy routines for participating children.
- Adapted activities in real time to keep students focused, active, and involved throughout each session.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to align goals and deliver a more personalized youth wellness approach.
Education
Associate's Degree - Science
Borough of Manhattan Community College
NY, NYSkills
- Program governance
- Stakeholder management
- Cross-functional leadership
- Budget management
- Agile project management
- Project scheduling
- Work scope management
- Performance metrics tracking
- Process improvement
Accomplishments
Led a full program transformation: achieved full staffing, budget and resource optimization, and health department compliance, addressing prior year's regulatory gaps.
Certification
PMP Certification
Personal Information
Title: Certified Project Management Professional.
Timeline
Laborer
Monadnock Construction
04.2026 - Current
Program Director
Ascend Learning Inc.
08.2023 - 10.2024
Program Manager
Ascend Learning Inc.
08.2021 - 08.2023
Fitness Activity Specialist
Ascend Learning Inc.
08.2020 - 08.2021
Associate's Degree - Science
Borough of Manhattan Community College