Program Manager

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WHO WE ARE

Foster America envisions a society in which all children and families thrive.  In partnership with communities across the country, we are working towards a future in which resources for children and families are expanded, the child welfare system as we know it today is smaller, and the national model for child and family well-being systems equitably and compassionately serves children and families. Our mission is to transform systems that serve children, youth and families by catalyzing changemakers, amplifying knowledge, and innovating for a more just, equitable future. We aim to bring capacity, knowledge, and resources to power innovations, strengthen families, and transform our country’s approach to child welfare and child protection.

Our work spans three pillars:

• Changemakers: We seek out, support and build a network of talent — both in and beyond the child welfare field — with the determination and imagination to drive transformational change.
• Knowledge: Working within and across communities, we actively listen and learn so we can share and scale knowledge – serving as a hub for ideas, relationship-building, technical know-how and alignment of efforts.
• Innovation: Together, we’re generating and amplifying innovative ideas and equitable solutions that center community and cross-sector engagement, advance financial and policy reform, and build continuous learning — advancing well-being for all children and families..

To learn more about Foster America, please visit https://www.foster-america.org/   

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are currently in search of a Program Team Manager to provide vital support to the leadership within the Foster America Program team. This dynamic team encompasses individuals dedicated to various critical initiatives, including Jurisdiction Discoveries, which involve a six-month process focused on comprehensively understanding the context within which extended engagements with jurisdictions will take place. Additionally, the team works on Jurisdiction Engagements, which typically involve longer-term collaborations lasting 2-3 years, aimed at affecting meaningful change within child welfare systems. Furthermore, the Program Team is engaged in Knowledge Development efforts, focusing on capturing and disseminating valuable insights and learnings gleaned from program activities. Lastly, a significant aspect of the team's work involves developing changemakers, investing in the professional growth and development of child welfare leaders and individuals committed to transforming child welfare systems. The Program Team Coordinator will play a crucial role in supporting these multifaceted endeavors, contributing to the team's overall effectiveness and impact in driving positive change within the child welfare landscape.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Overarching Program Team Support (10%)

• Assist in developing and formatting presentations/slide decks in alignment with Foster America’s brand guidelines.
• Assist in developing documents and correspondence for program team leaders.
• Coordinate logistics for in-person program events with internal and external participants, including identifying locations, arranging printing/supplies/vendors/travel.
• Take notes, including next steps and action items in Program Team, Program Leadership, and other Program meetings.
• Manage calendars.
• Expense reporting.
• Schedule interviews and coordinate processes for any program team hires.

Changemaker Team Support (25%)

• Distribute information from National Partners meetings to alumni and current fellows.
• Assist with managing Changemakers Calendar.
• Assist with drafting quarterly alumni newsletter.
• Manage alumni services requests.
• Finalize changemakers budget monitoring tool.
• Organize and manage Changemakers program data.
• Provide convening planning and management support.
• Develop alumni directory.
• Set up alumni Linkedin Group and manage content.
• Monitor alumni email box.
• Manage invoicing of NLC fellows, alumni, faculty, and vendors.

Knowledge Management Team Support (25%)

• Capture knowledge at live (in-person/virtual) Program events, using the knowledge capture template.
• Create and manage post-event surveys using the templated survey questions, and compile results for relevant stakeholders on a timely basis.
• Assist in the facilitation of After Action Reviews.
• Assist with the day-to-day posting and management of content on Foster America’s learning management system (LMS).
• Provide technical and administrative assistance during virtual events/learning experiences hosted on Zoom.
• Assist in the proofreading and editing of text for a variety of purposes and audiences to ensure text is free of grammatical/punctuation errors.

Discovery & Engagement Teams Support (40%)

• Manage compensation of Lived Experts and other community members in partnership with Finance/Operations Teams and Program using the “Tremendous” platform.
• Manage or support management of travel and event logistics.
• Coordinate logistics for in-person program events with internal and external participants, including identifying locations, arranging printing/supplies/vendors/travel.
• Take meeting minutes, including next steps and action items in meetings.
• Expense reporting.

Requirements

COMPETENCIES

• Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, and coordinate multiple activities simultaneously.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with team members, program leaders, external partners, and stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: Thoroughness and accuracy in completing tasks, proofreading documents, and managing data to ensure high-quality outputs.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing priorities, situations, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-Solving: Capacity to identify issues, analyze situations, and develop creative solutions to address challenges or obstacles.
• Collaboration: Aptitude for working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and individuals to achieve common goals and objectives.
• Tech Savviness: Proficiency in using various software tools and platforms for scheduling, document formatting, expense reporting, knowledge management, and virtual event facilitation.
• Customer Service Orientation: Dedication to providing excellent support and service to internal and external stakeholders, responding to inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Confidentiality: Discretion and integrity in handling sensitive information, maintaining confidentiality, and respecting privacy rights.
• Initiative: Proactive approach to taking on responsibilities, seeking opportunities to contribute, and continuously improving processes and procedures.

FIRST-YEAR SUCCESS

• Presentations/slide decks, documents, and correspondence for program team members are available and developed in alignment with Foster America’s brand guidelines.
• Logistics for in-person program events with internal and external participants are arranged in a manner that maximizes the investment and meets the event’s identified outcomes and objectives. 
• The content of program meetings is accessible through notes, including decisions made, next steps and action items. 
• The program calendar is current and available to staff. Managed calendars
• Interviews for hiring processes are scheduled timely, calendar invitations include necessary documents, and information flows steadily between the program and talent teams. 

REPORTING

This role will report to the Senior Vice President of Programs, providing dotted-line administrative support to Foster America Program Leadership.

Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience in the range of $87,875 - $96,500. Foster America offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance, paid vacation, paid parental leave, paid holidays, commuter benefits, participation in a retirement plan, paid sick time, and professional development opportunities. See our detailed benefits package here.

The job requires prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. This role may include up to 20% travel.

START DATE

This role begins on July 8, 2024.