Program Manager, Economic and Financial Empowerment

Job Description

THE OPPORTUNITY

The National League of Cities is an organization based in Washington, D.C., comprised of city, town, and village leaders across the country focused on improving the quality of life for their current and future constituents. With over 100 years of dedication to local governments' strength, health, and advancement, NLC has gained the trust and support of more than 2,000 cities, towns, and villages nationwide. We are a dynamic and forward-thinking organization dedicated to supporting municipal leaders and driving positive change in communities across the nation.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Economic Opportunity and Financial Empowerment Program Manager is responsible for managing the design, outreach, administration, and evaluation of programs within the Center for Municipal Practice focused on economic opportunity and financial empowerment. The individual will serve as a subject matter expert on economic mobility. Additionally, the person in the role will provide overall project management, technical assistance and strategic input on program design and implementation. The position is grant-funded and focused on managing a project that provides guidance to city leaders on strategies to improve economic mobility of residents, with a focus on equity.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Program Development and Implementation

Design, implement and manage programs that provide technical assistance, training, peer learning opportunities, and networking activities to cities on topics related to NLC’s economic opportunity and financial empowerment portfolio. Respond to requests for assistance from other cities and state municipal leagues when appropriate.

Identify new and emerging opportunities for exploration to shape the direction of future NLC programs focused on economic mobility, opportunity, and financial empowerment.

Actively develop and cultivate partnerships with a variety of organizations working in the field. Identify opportunities to draw upon these partnerships in order to broaden the array of resources available to municipal leaders in NLC member cities.

Manage the development of publications, tools and resources to support the administration of programs with member cities. Plan and conduct cohort convenings, other meetings, conference calls, webinars, and site visits designed to engage NLC member cities on key topics related to economic mobility, economic opportunity and financial empowerment.

2. Grant Management

Participate in the goal-setting process for program area when appropriate. Refine and align goals for specific programs in alignment with overall program strategies and service expectations.

Collaborate with the Director and Program Director to fulfill grant commitments and prepare narrative reports for funders. Manage the collection of data and other information to complete narratives, reports, and other deliverables.

Maintain sound working relationships with program officers, grant administrators, and other staff at foundations that provide program funding. Prepare and present executive summaries and detailed reports for ongoing programs to grant providers and program leadership as needed.

Identify potential funders, cultivate relationships with key representatives within those organizations, and solicit funding for current and new programs and initiatives in collaboration with the Director. Prepare and submit proposals in partnership with the Director, other senior program staff and other stakeholders.

Track and monitor expenditures for grants. Assist the Director in ensuring that available grant funds are fully utilized and that the expenditures are consistent with approved grant budgets.

3. Program Education, Outreach and Events

Manage the design, development, and deployment of communications for assigned program areas, including the preparation and review of resources and materials for NLC's website and e-newsletters. Contribute to broader efforts to recruit and retain cities as NLC members.

Plan education and professional development opportunities for members, city leaders, government officials, and other stakeholders to learn about program goals and initiatives. Implement education seminars, webinars, workshops, and meetings at NLC’s conferences, meetings, and events. Oversee content development, speaker selection, and agenda development activities for program-specific content at NLC-sponsored meetings and events.

Make speeches and presentations, facilitate sessions, and otherwise represent NLC at city-sponsored events and national, regional, and state conferences and meetings in order to build new partnerships, raise the visibility of NLC's work, and stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.

4. Program Research

Leads efforts to compile information on best practices and promising initiatives focused on economic mobility and opportunity within cities to support the development of research reports, technical assistance, communications, and learning for assigned program areas.

Conceptualize and serve as the primary author of reports, strategy guides, and briefs for assigned member programs. Prepare articles for blogs, newsletters, and other publications, and develop and update materials for inclusion on NLC’s website.

Identify and utilize relevant research and program information available through a variety of sources. Manage efforts to build partnerships with source organizations when appropriate.

5. Program Evaluation

Use program data and analytics to track and evaluate the impact of ongoing programs.

Support external evaluations, when applicable, providing information and coordination to evaluation contractors.

Recommend changes to improve the effectiveness of programs based on program results, member city feedback, and changes in city needs/requirements.

Collect data and review progress on the overall growth and success of assigned program areas. Provide feedback and reports to program leadership regarding the success or failure of particular programs.

6. Leadership (when applicable)

Provide overall leadership and direction to assigned program team members. Mentor and coach direct reports on the NLC mission and current program goals and objectives.

Perform functions typically associated with managing and leading others, including performance management, recruitment and selection, and compensation and policy administration.

7. Perform other duties and lead special projects as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 6 years of practical experience in program area, or Master’s degree in a related field and 4 years of practical experience in program area

At least 1 year of experience leading the planning, implementation, and/or administration of a non-profit program

Possesses required technical knowledge within assigned program areas (refer to specific qualifications below)

Experience drafting/writing program documentation, grant proposals, and management reports

Experience working with city officials and/or city governments preferred

Knowledge of computer databases and contact management systems (CRMs)

MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

Public speaking experience

NLC COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & ACCESS

NLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons and to prohibiting discrimination because of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, status as a veteran, or any other protected status and/or conditions specified in federal and local civil rights law.

NLC strives to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their strengths, views, and experiences. We believe our differences enable us to be a better team that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers results.

NLC will take steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations accordingly if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 prior to the first date of employment, subject to applicable law. If you are offered employment, this requirement must be met by your hire date unless a reasonable accommodation request is received and approved.

WORK LOCATION

This hybrid position is based in Washington, DC, and requires three days on-site at our NLC headquarters.

SALARY RANGE

$71,333 - $114,550

OUR BENEFITS

Competitive benefits and retirement package

Generous paid time off and holidays

Hybrid work environment

Professional Development

EOE/M/F/D/V