Senior Program Manager, Workforce Development

Position:           Senior Program Manager, Workforce Development
Organization:   National Association of Counties (NACo)
Location:          Washington, D.C.
Reports To:      Program Director, Economic & Workforce Development

About NACo: 

The National Association of Counties (NACo) is a mission-driven national association focused on strengthening America’s county governments in the pursuit of public service excellence. The Association is uniquely distinguished by our membership of general-purpose county governments, led by nearly 39,000 publicly elected officials and supported by a dedicated professional county government workforce of more than 3.6 million public servants. America’s county governments currently budget and invest more than $750 billion each year.

The Association plays a vital leadership role within the intergovernmental framework of the United States. Our nation’s unique federalism-based system emphasizes the balance, division, and sharing of power and responsibilities among federal, state, local, and tribal government officials.

 Founded in 1935, the Association brings county officials together to: (1) Advocate county priorities in federal policy making (2) Promote exemplary county policies and practices (3) Enhance leadership skills and expand knowledge networks (4) Optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings, and (5) Enrich the public’s understanding of county government.

Position Overview:  

• The Senior Program Manager for Workforce Development manages a portfolio of projects (primarily grant-funded programs) that aim to promote county workforce initiatives that support public sector employment. In the near term, this role will focus on workforce issues related to county responsibilities administering elections and criminal justice. Base Salary $90,000 annually

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead programmatic activities related to NACo’s workforce programming by providing strategic and content expertise and managing the timely delivery and quality of deliverables for project activities
• Build partnerships with federal, regional and philanthropic partners to strengthen county government understanding and resources related to workforce development.
• Design and execute virtual and in-person events (webinars, conference workshops, multi-day events) for county leaders seeking to improve workforce practices, specifically related to elections and criminal justice.
• Research and survey key NACo networks to develop case examples, create recommendations and identify best practices for replication and future programming.
• Develop, disseminate and promote NACo resources across written materials, partner meetings, small group convenings and national events/conferences.
• Advise NACo partners on county roles and authorities in, perspectives on and opportunities for workforce development for elections and criminal justice.
• Manage program reporting and budget activities, including forecasting, monitoring and ensuring adherence to program work plans; work well across teams and departments to ensure timely completion of financial and narrative reports to program funders.
• Maintain productive ongoing relationships with NACo members, foundation and corporate funders, federal partners and other NACo departments. 
• Identify funding opportunities and lead proposal development for future projects related to issues regarding county workforce development.
• Hire and oversee consultant contractors, as needed
• Supervise up to two (2) programs or research intern(s)

Qualifications, Preferred Competencies and Skills:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in workforce development or related field. Highly qualified candidates will have at least 6 years of program or project management experience in nonprofit, consultancy, academia, public policy, government or foundation sector. 
• Experience working with or for local government a plus but not required
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or equivalent professional experience or relevant certification a plus but not required 
• Strong understanding of and/or experience in key areas of workforce development, including recruitment, job placement, retention, upskilling, skills-based hiring and transition planning.
• Strong project management and organizational skills; demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects without compromising quality or timely delivery. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including in public speaking and conducting formal meetings with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Experience supervising staff or teams in support of professional development, growth and successful completion of tasks 
• Expertise or experience related to the criminal legal system and/or administration of elections is preferred but not required
• Brings collaboration, innovative ideas and creativity to the position and work products; works well as part of a team and with external partners 
• Ability to work well in a political environment while maintaining non-partisan perspective.
• Ability to work well with external partners, including communities and stakeholders from ideologically, racially, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds

Why Join NACo:

• Opportunity to lead impactful, mission-oriented public affairs efforts at a national level.
• Work alongside a dedicated team committed to helping county government officials in the pursuit of excellence in public service, ultimately helping people and places to thrive.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Application Procedures: 

 Persons interested in this position should submit a resume with salary requirements to: resumes@naco.org. 

Location:

This position is based in Washington, D.C., with opportunities for travel to conferences, meetings, and partner engagements. The Association currently offers hybrid workplace options, based on job function and performance, with an emphasis on leadership and teammate engagement and performance.