Program Manager - Youth Engagement Fund

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Program Manager

Location:

Remote with preference iRemote with preference in YEF priority states of AZ, FL, GA, TX, NM, LA, and MS. Candidates in Alabama are encouraged to apply.

Role:

Program Manager. Full-Time Exempt

Who We Are:

Led by women and gender expansive people of color movement organizers, the Youth Engagement Fund (YEF) is the only donor collaborative in the United States focused on supporting youth and young adults of color in the South and Southwest flex their voting power! To this end, YEF aims to 1) increase funding support to strengthen and expand the ecosystem of youth of color-led organizations advancing civic engagement efforts via state and national youth collaborations, focusing on organizations in the South and Southwest, 2) support state-based and issue-based advocacy that fosters conditions for governing power led by and for young people of color, as well as their communities, and 3) direct its grants to organizations committed to amplifying the civic participation and voting agency of young people of color.

YEF centers youth and young adults of color 35 years old and under, alongside their communities, creating intentional pathways to dismantling structural racism and white supremacy, and engaging a new wave of politicized young people of color that expands the electorate and transforms American democracy. YEF’s grantmaking principles lead through a philanthropic leadership model that: 1) demonstrates commitment to racial equity; 2) supports the advancement and power building of youth of color; 3) adds value to building local infrastructure in key geographic areas with the largest and growing numbers of communities of color including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas; and 4) inspires young people to become life-long civic participants and voters by expanding resources to the issues and efforts that are most important to them.

Since 2007, YEF has been investing in building a culture of full civic participation among voting-age young people to ensure that their perspectives, issues, and solutions are part of democratic governance. Bringing together diverse donors both institutional and individual, working across issues, and in varied regions, YEF enables collaborative grantmaking towards the common goals of a more reflective and inclusive democracy. YEF has provided close to $40 million in grants to youth organizations in the civic engagement ecosystem and aims to increase resources going to movement partners (“grantees of YEF”) via grantmaking, capacity building, convenings, and programming support.

Position Summary:

This position serves under the supervision and guidance of the Senior Program Officer, and is focused on movement partner (grantee) related programming, including but not limited to youth state collaboratives, capacity building, training and coaching offerings, maintenance of the Movement Partners Resource Hub, and support with the grantmaking process. The Program Manager will oversee YEF-related engagement in the advancement and growth of youth state collaboratives, coordinate training and coaching offerings, including acting as liaison to capacity building consultant partners. This role supports the development of new YEF programming, the planning and execution of YEF’s grant dockets, and assists the Senior Program Officer with overall work plan implementation.

Core Responsibilities:

Programming and Capacity Building

Oversee YEF movement partnership in youth state collaboratives, primarily in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas.

Work with local staff, leaders and consultants on developing and implementing programs.

Work with Senior Program Officer and consultants to create materials and collateral for virtual and in-person meetings, convenings, conferences, and briefings.

In collaboration with the Senior Program Officer, manage YEF’s coaching and training offerings, track engagement, and manage movement partner communication.

Track and identify capacity building needs and opportunities from and for movement partners.

Manage and quarterly update Movement Partners Knowledge Hub on YEF website.

Support the development, research, and implementation of new YEF programming, training opportunities, and emerging youth collaborative efforts in priority states.

Movement Partner Support and Grant Making

Support grant docket planning and execution.

Participate in the research and vetting of prospect movement partners.

Support ongoing communications with movement partners and other audiences, including drafting emails and supporting timely communications in advance of grant-related timelines.

Support digital and in-person site visits and recurring calls with movement partners.

Update movement partner profiles with support of Administrative Associate

Support youth civic engagement sector-related strategy conversations and initiatives.

Keep movement partner contacts updated in EveryAction.

Organizational Management

Lead regular reporting learnings and reflections from movement partners and the field, focusing on the South and Southwest, in partnership with the Senior Program Officer.

Work with other YEF staff to maintain organizational-wide work plans and outcomes.

Contribute and participate in the implementation of YEF’s strategic plan.

Skills and Qualifications:

Commitment to the Youth Engagement Fund’s vision, including the practice of grants management as well as effective grantee engagement to advance our mission.

Experience in social justice movements (youth and civic engagement / electoral preferred).

Knowledge of race, class, gender lens and experience using it in verbal and written communications.

Experience leading youth and/or people of color-centered programs that include multiple affiliates/organizations, and rely on the participation of many.

Excellent team building and facilitation skills.

Ability to work independently and to work as part of a collaborative and highly relational team.

Self-motivated and a team player.

Ability to work in a shifting and dynamic sector.

Experience with project management software is a plus (Google Suite, Submittable, Zoom, AirTable, Microsoft office).

Highly relational, positive and energetic outlook, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to effectively and professionally communicate with a diverse range of people.

Experience in deep engagement and coalition work with donors, philanthropic and organizational partners.

A core strength in advanced listening, translation, and problem-solving skills.

Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and work independently on complex initiatives.

Ability to travel multiple times a year, often cross-country, including overnight stays.

Compensation:

Full-time exempt. Salary range is $70,000–$80,000 commensurate with experience. A competitive benefits package includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid holidays, and generous vacation and sick time. Opportunities for additional training and advancement are available.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and resume with the subject line “PROGRAM MANAGER 2024 - FULL NAME” to admin@youthengagementfund.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The Youth Engagement Fund is a fiscally sponsored project of
NEO Philanthropy, Inc. NEO Philanthropy is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

The Youth Engagement Fund is committed to economic, racial, and social justice.We aim to attract, develop and retain exceptional people, and to create a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and that enables each of us to realize our potential. Women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and members of other historically disenfranchised populations are strongly encouraged to apply.