Program Manager - Economic Security Program

Position: Program Manager—Economic Security Program

Reports to: Senior Program Officer

Location: Washington, D.C.

FLSA Status: Exempt

The Wyss Foundation is a private, charitable foundation dedicated to supporting innovative, lasting solutions that improve lives, empower communities, and strengthen connections to the land. The Wyss Foundation’s philanthropy supports projects in areas from conservation to economic opportunity and social justice.

The Foundation seeks a Program Manager to help execute our Economic Security program, which seeks to reduce economic inequality in the United States through federal and state policy solutions. The Foundation is seeking candidates with demonstrated experience in policy campaigns, social justice initiatives, or advocacy communications, digital/social media, narrative or opinion research. Substantive knowledge of or experience with specific areas of economic policy is preferred but not required.

The Program Manager will work closely with the Senior Program Officer for Economic Security on all aspects of grantmaking for the program, including both day-to-day operations and broader program strategy development and implementation. They will contribute to programmatic ideas and participate actively in grantmaking by identifying, developing, and managing grants and administering projects in the program area.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement the Foundation’s work on economic security with a focus on economic policy and advocacy communications, including digital/social media.
• Maintain awareness of external narrative and messaging initiatives focused on the economy, jobs and specific policy focus areas.
• Actively partner with grantees and other stakeholders to develop effective strategies to advance the program’s initiatives.
• Partner with grantees in the policy and research space to support a robust body of research and data on economic policy solutions; support these grantees in developing effective methods of communication for their research products.
• Maintain awareness of and a breadth of knowledge about current economic trends, emerging issues, policy interventions, and innovations in the program's areas of focus to enhance the effectiveness of program strategy.
• Recommend grants for funding by providing critical analysis of project strengths, weaknesses and risks.
• Perform due diligence and monitoring of grantees. Work with grantees to develop timely and complete proposals. Review proposals for project design, strategy, resource needs, and adequacy of program evaluation. Communicate regularly with the Senior Program Officer about existing grants, proposals, and letters of inquiry.
• Design and execute program monitoring methods for program grants and manage the entire grantmaking process within the Foundation’s grants management software to ensure timely and accurate data, status, and reports.
• Prepare materials such as memoranda and reports for the Board of Trustees and present information as needed at Board meetings and professional gatherings.
• Work closely with other Foundation staff and partners to facilitate cross-program collaboration and contribute to the team environment.

The specific portfolio and focus of the position will be determined based on the skill sets of successful candidates. This position will also perform other duties for the Foundation as required. It is anticipated that over time the general and specific responsibilities of these positions are likely to change as the Foundation’s activities and resources expand or change. Flexibility and a willingness to work as a member of a team are essential.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree, with a Master’s or Law degree preferred, plus a minimum of four years in the relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Substantive knowledge of particular economic policies is not required, but successful candidates must have demonstrated success with advocacy or issue campaigns, driving social change, or engaging in communications or narrative work in a campaign context;
• Outstanding communication (speaking and writing), interpersonal and organizational skills; excellent leadership, strategic thinking, analytical and planning skills;
• Energy, flexibility, a demonstrated history of being a self-starting team player with a direct, honest, and respectful approach to problem solving and an ability to foster collaboration and contribute to a strong sense of teamwork;
• Ability to thrive when working under deadlines and to handle multiple tasks simultaneously without sacrificing attention to detail;
• Familiarity with a small, fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and a willingness to share in both "big picture" thinking and administrative tasks;
• Willingness to travel;
• Ability to work effectively in policy arenas and familiarity with private philanthropy are a plus.

Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes a generous benefits package.

To apply for this position, please send a resume and a cover letter to the Human Resources Department at HR@WyssFoundation.org.

The Wyss Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.