Program Operations Specialist - Skills for Rhode Island's Future

Program Operations Specialist (Small Business HUB) Job Description

Organization

Skills for Rhode Island's Future (SkillsRI) is a mission driven nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all Rhode Islanders have access to economic opportunity. Our services currently include acting as a socio-economic intermediary that breaks down barriers to meaningful employment by connecting unemployed and underemployed Rhode Islanders to jobs with socially responsible, civic-minded employers through a proven demand-driven approach. We also operate the HUB, a comprehensive and full-service small business support center and provide an array of work-based learning experiences that support youth and young adults on their college and / or career pathways.   Diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the heart of the SkillsRI model, and we have proven to be incredibly effective at creating a more inclusive economy for all Rhode Islanders.

Our Mission : Create demand-driven solutions for employers to get the unemployed and underemployed back to work.

Our Vision : Transforming lives through meaningful employment and economic mobility.

Our Values : Collaboration, Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, Respect

Position Summary

SkillsRI is always looking for dynamic and talented professionals who believe in the mission of our work. The Program Operations Specialist will support the implementation and administration of HUB program activities and assist with project coordination, logistics, and internal stakeholder engagement. The position requires strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills to manage program-related tasks, while also contributing to project management duties such as scheduling, tracking progress, and supporting cross-functional teams.

Location : Headquarters – 30 Exchange Terrace, Providence, RI 02903

This position is 100% in-person

Objectives

Ensure clear and consistent communication across departments to improve program awareness, alignment, and collaboration among internal stakeholders.

Assist with the coordination, tracking, and management of program-related projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, deliverables, and program objectives.

Foster strong working relationships between internal teams, promoting cross-functional teamwork and the successful execution of program activities.

Maintain well-organized records, documentation, and progress reports, while supporting process improvements that enhance overall program efficiency and effectiveness.

Track the completion of tasks, milestones, and project outcomes, providing regular updates to program leadership and ensuring potential risks are flagged and addressed.  Responsibilities

Oversee and track Women and Minority-Owned Business (WMBE) certification process ensuring that businesses applying for certification as a WMBE meet all eligibility requirements. This includes reviewing applications, documentation (such as tax records, ownership structures, business plans), and compliance with program guidelines.

Assist in day-to-day operations and HUB activities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Organize and coordinate HUB program events, meetings, and workshops, including scheduling, preparing materials, and handling logistics.

Support the development, maintenance, and distribution of program documentation, reports, and presentations for internal stakeholders.

Assist in the planning, execution, and tracking of HUB projects, supporting internal team alignment on goals and timelines.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage tasks, milestones, and dependencies across different departments.

Monitor project progress and provide regular updates to HUB leadership.

Assist in the development of project plans, schedules, and internal status reports.

Facilitate collaboration between internal teams, ensuring smooth coordination of program tasks and objectives.

Prepare internal communications, presentations, and reports for program updates, ensuring key stakeholders are informed and engaged.

Coordinate internal feedback loops to gather insights from various teams and departments, using the information to refine program processes.

Act as a liaison between program leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and resolve any internal challenges.  Candidate Profile

Passion for the mission of SkillsRI, understanding agency first mindset, and enthusiasm for its success

A commitment to supporting under-served communities and populations.

Comfort with - and enthusiasm for - working in a fast-paced start-up environment

Excellent time management and organizational skills. Ability to organize and prioritize work while accomplishing goals under tight time constraints

Strong interpersonal skills including relationship building, customer service, empathy, and resilience

Understanding of the candidates and communities that the agency serves

Ambitious, proactive, and detail and goal-oriented

Strong documentation skills, and able to make connections between similar problems

Goal-oriented and results-driven. Willingness to work hard, maintain a positive attitude, and overcome challenges

Solution-oriented problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize according to business goals

Conviction, integrity, honesty, and maturity in all situations

Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.

Self-motivated, results-oriented, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.

Experience with CRM software and sales analytics tools.  Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, (e.g., Business Administration, Project Management, or related field).

2-3 years of experience in program coordination, project management, or a related role.

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective internal collaboration.

Ability to work collaboratively and independently.

Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.

Ability to build and maintain relationships with C-level executives and key decision-makers.

Project management certificate preferred

Experience in culturally relevant communication.  Compensation

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Benefits :

100% of individual health, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

401k employer contribution

Parking

Paid Time Off

15 paid holidays

The Program Operations Specialist is a grant-funded position. While not expected, should there be a substantial reduction in funding or should funding cease, this position may be eliminated by SkillsRI.

For more information about Skills for Rhode Island’s Future, please visit www.skillsforri.com .

Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled