Posted: Nov 6, 2026
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Manager, Early Career Programs

Hancock Whitney - New Orleans, LA
Application Deadline: N/A
Safety/Security & Legal

JOB FUNCTION / SUMMARY:

The Manager, Early Career Programs is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive early talent programs that attract, develop, and retain emerging professionals. This role oversees internship programs, post-graduate rotational programs, and entry-level talent pipelines, ensuring alignment with organizational workforce planning needs and long-term talent development goals. The manager partners closely with business leaders, HR, universities, and community partners to build a sustainable, diverse, and high-performing early talent pipeline.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop and execute enterprise-wide early career talent programs to include internships and early career rotational programs aligned with organizational goals.
  • Manage end-to-end program cycles, including recruitment, onboarding, development, performance evaluation, and offboarding.
  • Create and deliver program curriculum such as workshops, cohort experiences, leadership exposure opportunities, and developmental coaching.
  • Establish success metrics and accountability frameworks for continuous process improvement.
  • Monitor and report on program effectiveness through metrics, participant feedback, and business outcomes; implement enhancements as needed.
  • Collaborate with Talent Acquisition to build strong early talent pipelines and campus recruitment strategies.
  • Develop and maintain partnerships with universities, technical schools, community organizations, and professional development programs.
  • Represent the organization at campus events, career fairs, and external early-career networks.
  • Train and support managers who host early-career talent, ensuring clarity in expectations and coaching best practices.
  • Integrate inclusion and belonging principles into all aspects of early career programming and outreach.

 

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
  • Advanced degree preferred.
  • 6 years of experience in human resources, talent development or diversity & inclusion.
  • Experience supporting or partnering with campus recruitment strategies and university relations preferred.
  • Proven experience in designing, implementing and managing inclusion, leadership, or talent development initiatives that drive measurable impact.
  • Experience leading programs that drive associate growth, retention and engagement.
  • Demonstrated ability to drive enterprise-wide initiatives and build strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen diverse talent pipelines.
  • Experience establishing KPIs, analyzing data, and reporting results to executives.
  • Strong communication, facilitation, and influencing skills to engage leaders and teams enterprise wide.

 

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to travel if required to perform the essential job functions.
  • Ability to work under stress and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to operate related equipment to perform the essential job functions.
  • Ability to read and interpret a document if required to perform the essential job functions.
  • Ability to lift/move/carry approximately 10 pounds if required to perform the essential job functions.  If the employee is unable to lift/move/carry this weight and can be accommodated without causing the department/division an “undue hardship” then the employee must be accommodated; hence omitting lifting/moving/carrying as a physical requirement.