Program Manager, Financing the Future

About the position: 

 

The Program Manager will be a member of a dynamic JFF team working to fundamentally change existing systems and re-imagine new ways for people to access the knowledge, skills, and educational credentials critical to launch, re-enter, or advance in careers and realize their best possible futures. The Program Manager will work in collaboration with the Director of Financing the Future (FTF) initiative and other JFF staff to design and build a visionary, inclusive, bipartisan, action-oriented initiative that will explore the role that innovative approaches to financing education and training – including income share agreements, merit-based lending, social impact bonds, and training accounts – can play in promoting economic opportunity for all. 

 

The Program Manager reports directly to the Director and works collaboratively with others across JFF to support Financing the Future’s efforts to: 

 

Inform stakeholders through market research, elevating new approaches to innovative finance, and highlighting learner experiences 

 

Guide innovation by identifying best practices and advocating for policy frameworks and guardrails that protect learners 

 

Cultivate an ecosystem within which responsible innovation can thrive 

 

What you'll do: 

 

Strategy & Fundraising 

 

Collaborate with the director to develop and implement FTF’s strategic plan 

 

Assist with concept and proposal development 

 

Research and Writing 

 

Draft and/or edit a variety of deliverables such as reports, op-eds, memos, reports, tools, case studies, talking points, and presentations 

 

Collect, compile, and evaluate data from various sources 

 

Conduct in-depth research and clearly and quickly synthesizes and communicates findings 

 

Program Management and Support 

 

Develop project plans, manage timelines, workflow, communications, production of deliverables, and other aspects of project implementation 

 

Provide general project support including scheduling meetings and drafting meeting agendas and materials 

 

Design and organize roundtables and other events 

 

Take notes and summarize key points addressed at meetings, events, and conferences 

 

Who you are: 

 

You believe deeply in the need for education finance reform to drive opportunity access and economic mobility. 

 

You have a minimum of 2-4 years of progressively responsible experience in public policy, workforce or economic development, postsecondary education, or other relevant fields. 

 

You have strong project management and organizational skills; you can work quickly and independently, prioritize, and meet competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 

 

You have strong research, writing, and editing skills, and attention to detail. 

 

You have experience with or an interest in politics, public policy, economics, and finance. 

 

You can synthesize information and communicate ideas clearly and concisely for multiple audiences. 

 

You are highly skilled at managing up and anticipating the needs of others. 

 

You are nimble, intellectually agile, and enjoy jumping into new projects and learning as you go. You enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. 

 

You possess high energy and passion for JFF’s mission, and ability to apply JFF’s core values to all areas of your work. 

 

You model inclusive leadership, working effectively with diverse staff, and building and stewarding an organizational culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

 

You contribute to positive, effective, collaborative cultures and teams wherever you work. 

 

You are a curious and adaptive learner, with a willingness to take in new information, perspectives, and data to inform your work. 

 

You demonstrate a growth mindset and desire to continuously improve in your work and approach. 

 

You have a willingness to travel up to 10% of the time. Travel will be more frequent (up to 25%) for applicants outside of Washington, DC. 

 

 

 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at JFF:   
JFF is committed to sustaining a diverse community with a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and encouraging to all. JFF fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and cultivates diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.   

 

To apply:  

 

As part of your application, please include your resume and a thoughtful cover letter, addressed to Ethan Pollack, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position. 

 

 

 

JFF offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience and skills.