Program Director

Power and Protect Operations Network (PON)

Program Director

About the Organization

PON is a network of multi-entity-competent providers with deep experience and a proven track record of increasing the operational capacity, safety, and security of the power-building field. The network, which includes The Capacity Shop, Centered for Empowered Politics (CEP) Education Fund, and Bolder Advocacy (the “partners”), coalesced in 2022 with a planning grant from the Ford Foundation to address the historic underinvestment in and unmet demand for multi-entity capacity building work across the social justice field. As bold power-builders continue to punch above their weight, they are turning multi-entity structures. Safe and bold multi-entity operations ensures that power-builders navigate today’s high-threat environment that could limit their power and increase risk for their structures and impact. Long-standing gaps in values-aligned multi-entity operations capacity for organizations, ecosystems, infrastructure, and staffing call for greater investments in safety, security, and resilience.

PON is advancing an ambitious plan to address these needs and meet these gaps by providing technical assistance and resources for complex multi-entity actors across the social justice field. Services will be delivered through three strategic program areas:

• Rapid Response - connecting organizations with the resources needed to respond to immediate threats while building towards long-term safety and solidarity
• Operations Resource Hub - hosting bootcamps, conferences, peer circles, online classes, and other tools and resources so that people have the knowledge and trusted relationships to operate boldly and safely
• Building and Sustaining Long-Term Infrastructure - building back office hubs, shared managed services, and operational capacity across state-based ecosystems and networks of organizations

With a 2025 goal of raising an additional $7 million in general operating funds and an annual fundraising goal of $20 to $30 million thereafter, it is crucial for PON to build a team of executive leadership and core staff who are steeped in multi-entity operations and movement values to drive strategic partnerships and collaboration and steer the network toward urgently-needed impact in the field.

Position Overview

The Program Director (PD) is a senior leadership role reporting to and providing managerial support for the Executive Director (ED). The PD will serve as the primary lead on PON’s rapid response resources and referral system, work with the PON partners to develop state-based plans and budgets for long-term infrastructure, and help design future PON programming. The PD further ensures the compilation and tracking of all resources and data to underpin the successful delivery of PON’s programs and services and also co-develops ways to share lessons learned with funders and the field. This includes data on external relationship management, program and service delivery, progress on strategic goals, communications/fundraising, and data to inform PON’s thought leadership efforts.

Responsibilities

The following responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel classified in this manner. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Program design, implementation, and evaluation in collaboration with PON partners (70%)

• Assist the ED in aligning the PON partners around PON’s vision, theory of change, and 10-year strategy.
• Lead - in collaboration with the ED - development of PON’s program strategy including 2028 program goals, program models and pilots for 2026-2027, and program goals, milestones, delivery model, and roles for 2025-2026.
• Develop detailed workplans, budgets, and forecasts for programs. Track and update program budgets.
• Work with PON partners to develop a Resource & Referral program that includes compiling resources, developing an online portal, and creating a hotline-like system to connect organizations with resources needed.
• Implement the Resource & Referral program, including conducting intake calls, making referrals, and following-up to ensure organizations are supported.
• Work with PON partners to move towards a standardized process, protocols, and tools to assess the conditions of readiness and needs for building the operational capacity of organizations, state-based ecosystems, and networks. Identify ways to navigate concerns of PON partners and other providers such as fidelity, rigor, limited field capacity, etc.
• Work with PON partners to inform the development of an Operations Resource Hub, including curriculum, trainings, tools, and an on-line program.
• Assist the ED in working with PON partners to develop and implement programming related to a movement school and community
• Develop and lead implementation of state-based safety and solidarity plans and budgets for strengthening multi-entity operating capacity and infrastructure, which requires building relationships with, aligning, and collaborating with groups on the ground and the PON partners
• Develop a process and criteria to identify state and network opportunities for developing shared infrastructure where there is a coalition of willing groups on the ground
• Develop and implement project management tools to track PON’s program and service delivery in line with strategy.
• Ensure ongoing tracking, learning, and refinement of program delivery with appropriate engagement from PON partners. Spot trends to inform and improve PON’s strategy and scale service offerings.

Fundraising and development (20%)

• Support the Executive Director in the development of appropriate communication tools and materials to deliver on fundraising goals (e.g. pitch materials and program updates).
• Support the Executive Director in planning and implementing fundraising events including funder briefings.
• Contribute to the relationship management database for fundraising and ensure updated information and follow-up.

External relationship management and thought leadership support (10%)

• Track and spot insights from ongoing data (including community outreach, program/service delivery, community assessments, funder outreach, etc.) to inform potential communications for the broader field.
• Work in partnership with the Executive Director to develop and facilitate appropriate and timely communication with the PON community in alignment with PON partners’ individual organization communications (e.g. social media, newsletters, etc.).
• Support the Executive Director with field-building communications, speaking opportunities, and other thought leadership
• Present regular updates to the Executive Director, PON partners, and other stakeholders.

The Program Director will be a proven leader in relationship management preferably in the social justice field with a strong commitment to PON’s vision and values. (S)he/they will have a track record of managing and tracking data to spot insights and opportunities, and translating findings into new and expanded initiatives. This is a small start up organization, so the PD should be willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work independently and also navigate competing priorities in an ambiguous and constantly changing context. This is also a network that is manifesting a vision and strategy driven by the PON partners, and while there is significant opportunity for innovation and creativity, the PD should be collaborative and movement-focused rather than a lone ranger.

The following qualifications and attributes will contribute to the Program Director’s success:

Required Qualifications::

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in designing and piloting innovative programs
• Expertise in project management
• Expertise in organizing, tracking, and managing data with appropriate systems; compiling insights; and translating insights into action
• A strong track record of working in collaborative settings with new and evolving priorities; start-up experience and/or experience in a rapidly growing organization is a plus
• Proven success in building and managing relationships amongst a broad spectrum of people and identities, grounded in racial equity and power-sharing
• A self-starter motivated to solve problems and generate new ideas for experimentation and organizational growth
• Comfort and resilience with managing change and pushing forward in ambiguous and uncertain contexts
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Box, Asana, Slack, Google Suite, Airtable, Quickbooks and be able to quickly learn Salesforce, CRM, and other apps

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in organizational leadership, business administration, public sector management, or equivalent – or a minimum of 7-10 years of relevant experience
• Experience in social justice and multi-entity structures; familiarity with capacity-building, skills development, and/or leadership training programs a plus

Work Environment / Physical Demands

This is a remote position based in the United States. The core partners are located in the Bay Area and DC while the ED is located in New York. Domestic travel for partner meetings, program meetings, speaking events, fundraising, or other purposes may be required up to 25% of time.

Physical demands include being able to work on a computer including sitting at a desk for extended periods of time with or without reasonable accommodation; manual dexterity to operate a keyboard; able to see or read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; able to speak clearly and in audible tones on the phone and in-person and be understood by others; able to hear and understand speech, including on the phone; able to understand and follow oral and written instructions; able to occasionally lift objects weighing up to 10 pounds, etc.

Employment Terms

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. The PON team works a 40-hour work week. The salary range for this position is between $125,000 and $140,000. We offer a competitive health benefits package that includes: medical, dental, vision, and a generous paid time off schedule.

How to Apply

Submit a resume and cover letter through this job portal.https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=c858a322-00a0-4526-9713-59699ec1e4bf&ccId=9200901662101_2&jobId=563138&source=CC2&lang=en_US Applications will be reviewed as received.

PON contracts with Resilient Strategies LLC for backend and operational support including hiring and employment. Resilient Strategies is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Folks who are queer, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, people of color, disabled, parents, are/have been system-impacted, are immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression and/or gender-based violence are encouraged to apply. Pursuant of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.