Jobs For the Future

Jobs for the Future is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to diversity in its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status. Jobs for the Future requests priority referrals of Protected Veterans for this job opening, and all other externally posted company employment opportunities.

About JFF:

JFF is a national nonprofit that drives transformation in the American workforce and education systems. For over 35 years, JFF has led the way in designing innovative and scalable solutions that create access to economic advancement for all. Learn more about JFF and join us as we build a future that works.

About the position:

JFF is seeking a California-based Senior Program Manager (SPM). This position will be part of JFFs Inclusive Regional Economic Development Team (IRED), which designs place-based strategies to transform workforce, education, and employment systems and produce more equitable outcomes for Californians. Reporting to the Associate Director, this person will also support projects led by JFFs Work Unit, which manages and executes multi-million-dollar initiatives that integrate educational opportunities, workforce initiatives, and economic partnerships to help adults move into and through postsecondary education and into quality jobs paying family-sustaining wages.

As Senior Program Manager, you will help launch and lead initiatives that support workforce intermediaries and boards, education and workforce development systems, non-profit organizations, and business and industry. Specifically, you will manage an innovative, national upskilling initiative that helps unemployed workers gain access to training and employment opportunities that lead to promising career paths.

This is a unique opportunity to build your network across industries, facilitate cross-sector collaboration, and engage senior-level stakeholders in support of workforce development outcomes while contributing to the JFF mission.

What you'll do:

Project and Stakeholder Management

• Develop and manage projects from concept and proposal, to kick-off, implementation, and final close-out
• Identify and support workforce intermediaries and workforce boards, nonprofits, and other regional stakeholders in developing partnerships with employers, community-based organizations, and other regional partners who may wish to train and hire talent
• Work with potential funders and colleagues to build out new ideas and proposals that advance the work and reach of JFF
• Track and complete key project deliverables and metrics for partners and funders
• Proactively identify potential problems or risks to projects and work with the team to mitigate and/or design solutions
• Organize and facilitate small and large group meetings, trainings, and/or strategic planning sessions for community and business leaders

Future Planning

• Conduct research for existing projects and initiatives and to inform new pathways and partners
• Participate in strategic planning and staffing and budgeting decisions

Who you are:

• You have at least 5 years of experience in workforce development and regional collaborations, as well as a strong understanding of workforce development in the Bay Area
• You possess experience working with both employers and workforce talent (strong preferred)
• You possess energy and passion for JFFs mission and are committed to applying JFFs core values to all areas of your work
• You are a strong project manager with a proven track record of leading large, complex projects that include deliverables for multiple partners and funders
• You possess experience working directly with senior-level executives and decision-makers
• You are an excellent researcher, writer, speaker, and presenter, with the ability to synthesize and communicate complex issues to a variety of audiences
• You are a creative and entrepreneurial thinker who enjoys anticipating challenges and proactively developing new solutions
• You model inclusive leadership, working collaboratively with diverse staff, and you work to build and steward a team culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion
• You are a curious and adaptive learner, with a willingness to take in new information, perspectives and data to inform your work
• You demonstrate a growth mindset and a desire to continuously improve in your work

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at JFF:

JFF is committed to sustaining a diverse community with a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and encouraging to all. JFF fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and cultivates diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.

To apply:

As part of your application, please include your resume and a thoughtful cover letter, addressed to Tom Hooper, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position.

JFF offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience and skills.

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