POSITION DESCRIPTION
- Job Title : Program Operations Manager
- Reports to : Senior Programs Director
- Job Type : Full-time
- Location : San Francisco, CA
- Prepared Date : January 2025
- Note : Compensation is commensurate with experience
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to careers@ventureforward.org.
SUMMARY
Venture Forward is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2020 by the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), to educate and empower a more accessible and inclusive VC investor community that has the potential to unlock even greater economic impact, innovation, and financial returns.
By providing targeted education, resources, and networking opportunities, we aim to accelerate the success of :
New investors entering VC, by equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the industry.Emerging investors and fund managers advancing their careers, by offering mentorship, career development tools, and pathways for growth within the VC ecosystem.VC firms cultivating inclusive cultures and building sustainable, long-term businesses, by providing resources and strategies that foster effective leadership and talent management.To d ate, 4,300 people have participated in our VC University certificate course, 290 emerging fund managers have participated in our Emerging Managers Office Hours (EMOH) program, and more than 800 VCs, GPs, and LPs have served as volunteers across our programs.
To further scale our impact, Venture Forward is seeking a Program Operations Manager (“Manager”) to join our lean but mighty five-person team. The Manager will :
Support the execution and expansion of current programs, events, and initiativesSupport the design, development, and execution of new programs, events, and initiativesSupport constituents as they apply, participate, and matriculate through our programsPromote engagement with our community of alumni, volunteers, donors, and other stakeholdersThis is a junior- to mid-level role, ideal for someone with several years of professional experience with (1) program operations and / or project management, and (2) at least some familiarity with the VC landscape.
The role is based in San Francisco, and the team currently works in the office Tuesdays through Thursdays. Local candidates will be prioritized, but remote candidates may be considered.
RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
Support the execution, improvement, and expansion of existing programs, by :
Developing program road maps and coordinating stakeholdersSupporting program application, review, and selection processesExecuting highly curated matching processes (e.g., for our mentorship programs)Serving as point-of-contact to program participants and stakeholders, as neededTracking participant progress and providing support or interventions as neededCollecting, analyzing, and documenting programmatic outcomesIdentifying and implementing opportunities for process improvementsSupport program and event logistics (both live and virtual), by :
Assisting with planning and schedulingSupporting application and / or registration processesSetting up and supporting Zoom meetings / webinarsScheduling and coordinating speakers (e.g. for our scholarship office hours)Communicating with partners, sponsors, vendors, speakers, volunteers and participantsSupport the development of new programs, events, and initiatives, through tasks such as :
Researching existing market landscape and best practicesSupporting new program design and implementationSupporting the development of new materials, apps, assessment criteria, etc.Working closely with the Data Operations Manager, to track and report metrics such as :
Volume, cadence, and composition of program applicant poolsProgram outcomes and participant feedbackAlumni success stories and long-term outcomesContribute to general operational and administrative needs (e.g., preparing materials and reports for board meetings, etc.).
Periodically travel to assist with / attend the organization’s events.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
3 years of relevant experience , such as roles related to program operations or management, project management, etc. Familiarity with VC ecosystem, talent management, and / or inclusion best practices are a strong plus.Strong technical proficiency and comfort with data analysis and management tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, CRMs like Salesforce or similar) and application / forms / survey tools (e.g., Google Forms, Qualtrics, or similar), and an eagerness to learn.Working knowledge of (or demonstrable willingness and ability to learn) tools like Salesforce.com, Slack, Luma , Zoom, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (or similar tools).Rigorous attention to detail, with excellent organizational and project management skills.Excellent written and verbal communications skills, with ability to tailor messaging across mediums and audience.Intellectual curiosity and strong sense of project ownership, with the ability to think proactively and critically, take initiative, and see tasks through to completion with appropriate follow-up.Spirit of service and commitment to support the American entrepreneurial ecosystem. Passion for and / or curiosity of venture capital, commitment to our mission and community.Collaborative, team-player who believes in our mission, and is excited by the prospect of building something new and meaningful.OUR COMMITMENT TO BUILDING A HIGH-PERFORMING TEAM
At Venture Forward, we are committed to creating a work environment in which everyone on our team is engaged and performing at high levels, and where differences in outlook, perspective, and background are seen as adding value. We strive to attract, invest in, and develop the talents of people of diverse backgrounds who reflect the society and community in which we live and do business. We believe that enhanced business relationships, greater innovation, increased productivity, and better decision making are among the benefits of the inclusive culture we seek to foster.
