Program Manager for Strategic Initiatives

Company Description

TITLE:                          Program Manager for Strategic Initiatives

DEPARTMENT:           Administration

REPORTS TO:            Senior Director for Strategic Initiatives

STATUS:                      Full time/Exempt

SALARY:                     $73,500 - $84,000

POSTION TERMS:   One-year, grant-funded position with the possibility of extension if additional funds are secured.

ABFE is a 501(c)(3), membership-based philanthropic organization that advocates for responsive and transformative investments in Black communities. Partnering with foundations, nonprofits and individuals, ABFE provides its members with professional development and technical assistance resources that further the philanthropic sector’s connection and responsiveness to issues of equality, diversity and inclusion. Established in 1971 as the Association of Black Foundation Executives, the all-volunteer organization was credited with many of philanthropy’s early gains in diversity. It since has evolved into a fully staffed, influential network. In 2013, the organization shed its descriptor and adopted the simpler ABFE (ab-fee) to better reflect its broadening membership.

Overview

The Program Manager will be pivotal in supporting the Senior Director in implementing and managing ABFE’s strategic initiatives to sustain Black-led and people-of-color-led nonprofit organizations. This position is designed for a mid-level professional with a strong foundation in program management who is ready to lead efforts to combat the challenges posed by the anti-affirmative action agenda.

This is a one-year, grant-funded position, with the potential for extension contingent on additional funding.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

While the key responsibilities detail the Program Manager's primary activities, the department's major initiatives are evolving and will require reprioritization, shifts, and additional responsibilities that are not detailed below. Additional duties will be assigned during the Program Manager's tenure.

• Program Management & Oversight:
  • Support the Senior Director by overseeing the day-to-day operations for assigned program components, ensuring alignment with ABFE’s mission and objectives.
  • Support the Senior Director’s planning and preparation for internal and external meetings and presentations related to initiatives.
  • Guide the part-time administrative associate, ensuring effective execution of program activities.
• Chama: Funder Collaborative Initiative
  • Under the direction of the Senior Director, coordinate and implement ABFE’s Chama initiative to develop funder collaboratives that support Black-led nonprofit organizations.
  • Provide support to the newly forming funder collaboratives by:
    • Planning, scheduling, facilitating, delivering meeting minutes, and following up on one to two meetings a week as needed with internal ABFE staff and members of newly forming funding collaboratives.
    • Facilitate regular communication with members of the funder collaboratives.
    • Responding to urgent/emergent needs.
    •  Manage and facilitate in-person meetings as necessary.
    • Complete landscape assessments in issue areas or regions to help guide the members of newly forming funder collaboratives.
    • Draft the founding practices, policies, and guidelines for the funder collaboratives.
• Racial Equity Advancement and Defense Initiative (READI) and organizing to address Anti-DEI Challenges
  • Work alongside the Senior Director to continue the development and implementation of READI
  • Lead efforts to develop resources and tools for nonprofits and foundations to navigate the anti-DEI landscape and update the READI Resource Bank.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Manage and cultivate relationships with external partners, including foundations, advocacy organizations, and local, regional, and national government entities, under the direction of the Senior Director.
  • Organize foundation staff and collaborate with external partners to develop and implement strategies to combat the anti-Black political climate and promote racial equity and justice.
  • Support the planning and facilitation of regularly scheduled READI Partner Meetings, quarterly in-person planning retreats, and convenings with stakeholders to promote collaboration, share best practices, and strengthen partnerships.
  • Lead the documentation of stakeholder meetings. Take notes at meetings of key stakeholders, distribute meeting minutes, and outline next steps; follow up with stakeholders to ensure action items are completed.
• Fundraising & Resource Development:
  • Support the Senior Director as they identify potential funding sources, cultivate relationships with potential funders, and deepen relationships with existing READI funders. Assist in writing proposals, one-pagers, etc. that align with program goals.
  • Support the Senior Director  with oversight of program budgets, ensuring compliance with grant requirements and effective utilization of resources.
• Communications & Reporting:
  • Prepare reports, presentations, and updates on program initiatives for internal and external audiences.
  • Draft stories and articles for the organization’s newsletter, website, and social media, highlighting ABFE’s initiatives in combating the anti-affirmative action agenda.
• Program Evaluation & Improvement:
  • Develop tools to assess program performance and measure impact, working closely with the Senior Director to implement findings for program improvement.
  • Analyze data related to program outcomes and prepare reports for senior leadership and external partners, identifying opportunities for growth and enhancement.

Qualifications

• MS Degree with 2-4 years of professional or lived experience or BS with 7-10 years of professional or lived experience or High School Diploma with 11- 14 years of professional or lived experience in program management, philanthropy, justice and equity, social justice, and worked to eliminate anti-Black racism.
• In-depth understanding of the challenges the anti-affirmative action agenda poses and the philanthropic landscape supporting Black-led and people-of-color-led organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in organizing for social change, including community outreach, coalition building, advocacy, and implementing strategies to mobilize individuals and groups toward achieving equity and justice.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, lead teams, and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, articulating program goals and effectively impacting diverse audiences.
• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and managing relationships with funders is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Asana) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• The successful candidate must firmly commit to racial justice and equity, social justice, and ABFE’s mission, including eliminating anti-Black racism in the philanthropic sector.

Additional Information

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent in the position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills of the employee. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

ABFE is an at-will employer and may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without cause or notice.

AAP/EEO Statement:

ABFE is an active Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.

Please include your resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.