Director, Programs (Widening Pathways to Work)

OVERVIEW The SHRM Foundation is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of the world's largest HR professional society, SHRM. The SHRM Foundation mobilizes and equips HR professionals to lead positive social change so that all talent and workplaces can prosper and thrive. The Foundation’s work is organized in three main pools:  Widening pathways to work for all, including particularly those without a degree and untapped pools of talent such as people with disabilities, justice-impacted individuals, and military connected people;  Strengthening and diversifying the HR field, including through scholarships, grants, awards, mentorship, fellowship, and mental health support; and Helping employers understand and create the conditions that comprehensively support their workforce by creating mentally healthy environments, ensuring job quality, and addressing wrap-around social barriers that make it harder for employers and employees to thrive together. SUMMARY The Director, Programs is a dynamic and proven senior leader with expertise in workforce development and the future of work who, working from the Foundation’s overarching mission, vision, purpose, strategic plan, and theory of change, develop and execute the Widening Pathways to Work programmatic portfolio through innovation, collaboration, and project impact. The Director, Programs, is responsible for managing a team of staff members and multiple-dedicated independent contractors executing two work that centers on the Foundation’s Widening Pathways to Work portfolio, driving skills-first talent strategies that ensure all workers are embraced for their full set of skills, competencies, and aptitudes, regardless of where or how they accumulated them.   The Widening Pathways to Work portfolio, currently a $3-5m portfolio annually, centers on mobilizing and equipping HR professionals to embrace untapped pools of talent and activate a skills-first mindset for recruitment and retention to widen pathways to work so that all talent and workplaces prosper and thrive. The PD will articulate and present a comprehensive vision, component parts, and fundable concepts and narratives to achieve a multi-year programmatic impact of impacting 500,000 U.S. employers, and transforming the hiring practices of 100,000 U.S. employers, by 2034.  The Director, Programs will be responsible for programmatic leadership within the portfolio, strategy development and articulation, planning and design, metrics and program efficacy, funding narrative development, and relationship and partnership building both inside and outside of SHRM. RESPONSIBILITIES  Oversee program strategy, planning, delivery, and impact assessment/articulation within the Widening Pathways to Work portfolio. Strategically oversee the full spectrum of Widening Pathways to Work portfolios, including guiding two managers in the development of program funding proposals, budgets, KPIs, and design, build, and implementation plans. Act as the portfolio’s primary ambassador and spokesperson, ensuring the Foundation leads in workforce development by adapting, innovating, and broadening its network. Maintain high-level contacts across industries, embodying expert leadership that inspires confidence within the organization and among stakeholders. Expand and manage relationships with colleagues across SHRM.  Articulate and establish measurable goals, objectives, and utilize analytical metrics for monitoring results and improving performance, and provide direction, goals, and communication on key issues to the Widening Pathways to Work team that will empower them to gain results.   Provide ongoing oversight, ensure quality control and consistency of participation and evaluation of program initiatives and components. Oversee and maintain both overall and project-specific budgets, monitor expenditures and track results. Ensure the preparation of progress reports, compliance, and maintain records related to grant-funded programs for projects within the portfolio. Develop annual and monthly operational plans to monitor and ensure SHRM Foundation’s strategic plan objectives are met and exceeded.  Participate in annual processes such as budgeting, goal setting and performance management. Actively collaborate with the SHRM Foundation Engagement and Philanthropy team to develop donor solicitation ideas and proposals, participate in donor meetings, and track the fulfillment of donor commitments related to the SHRM Foundation’s programs and initiatives, all SHRM Foundation events/conferences and awards.  Other duties as assigned.  EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTSEducation: Bachelor’s degree in Workforce Development, Business Administration, Human Resources, Public Policy, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, certifications, and relevant experience. Experience: At least ten (10) years of demonstrated experience in progressively senior leadership roles, related to strategic program development and implementation, product development, operations, and program measurement experience along with supervisory experience. Experience in staff, volunteer, board member, and donor management. Proven expertise and a preexisting reputation and network of connections within the workforce development space. Preferred previous work in germane fields such as workforce development, non-traditional skills development, emergent technologies, future of work, and employer change management. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Demonstrate aptitude in written and verbal communications, program/project ideation and management, coalition/community of practice creation and facilitation, budget development and assessment, funder/investor relations, and people management. Preferred knowledge of the HR field; formal/professional knowledge of talent management space; and an understanding of broader processes for creating employer-inclusive movements and managing change. Demonstrate a specific aptitude around complex program articulation and management, budget management, personnel management, landscape research and analysis, philanthropic and CSR/ESG-related activities, and program assessment. Resourceful, solutions-focused ability to solve and manage multiple projects, have an eye for detail yet an appreciation and understanding of the bigger picture.   An enthusiastic team player that is highly organized, flexible and customer-service oriented who recognizes organizational needs and is willing to jump in and help. The ability to empower staff to succeed, delegate, and support innovation to drive to common ends among team members. Demonstrate diplomacy, with a commitment and a knack for strategic thinking and an understanding of the benefits of working collaboratively and openly. Outstanding sponsor/donor/investor, partner, and peer collaboration and negotiation skills. The ability to speak to CEOs, practitioners, and everyone in between confidently and competently. The ability to position take calculated risks and new ideas and ways of doing business that inspire and excite stakeholders. Highly proficient at working cross-functionally and collaboratively across departments and with separate partners and stakeholders. Self-motivated individual with a strong capacity for independent work and the ability to pivot in a short period of time. Excellent organizational planning, presentation, and professional writing skills in English.  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This position operates in a typical office environment and requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical requirements may include: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, handling documents, and using office equipment. Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching. Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds as needed. Clear verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with colleagues and stakeholders. WORK ENVIRONMENTHybrid Position (3 Days In-Office, 2 Days Remote): This position follows a hybrid work schedule, requiring in-office presence [three days per week] and remote work [two days per week]. Core work hours will be designated by the department.  The office environment includes a standard workstation setup with collaborative spaces, while remote work requires a reliable high-speed internet connection and a suitable home workspace. Employees must maintain availability during standard business hours and adhere to company policies for both in-office and remote work. Travel: 20 – 30%   #LI-Hybrid The hiring range for this position is $125,000 to $162,500 per year. This range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications. SHRM offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. The benefits for this position include professional growth and development, health, dental, vision, well-being, health savings, flexible spending, retirement, open leave, and annual discretionary bonus and incentives.

Salary : $3 - $5