Program Manager, National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice (NREI)

Organization Summary

Founded in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is a non-profit organization focused on eliminating disparities within the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. Housed in CBCF’s Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR), the National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice (NREI) takes an evidence-based approach to inform sound policies targeted to reducing racial disparities caused by racism and discrimination. NREI also strives to provide solutions-driven and proactive policies and practices that produce equitable access, opportunities, treatment and outcomes for the Black community. NREI houses social justice policy fellows, HBCU social justice scholarships, research, and a task force of social justice ambassadors. Applicants may visit the web site at www.cbcfinc.org to view more information on CBCF programs and initiatives.

Position Summary

The Program Manager plays a vital role in CBCF’s mission of developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. Reporting to the Director, NREI, the Program Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day planning, coordination, and implementation of NREI and CPAR programming. They will collaborate as a thought partner to the Director and will be responsible for coordinating the activities and events of the Initiative and Department, giving detailed attention to program strategy, and developing sustainable systems to ensure the execution of high-caliber programs. In addition, the Program Manager will be responsible for working with the Director to evaluate NREI’s efficacy and partnering with the Director to make modifications to the Initiative, as necessary. The ideal candidate for this position should be innovative, forward-thinking, professional, thorough, and extremely passionate about combatting systemic injustice and advancing racial equity.

Working Relationships

Reports to: Director, National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice
Directly Supervises: None
Indirectly Supervises: None
Type of Supervision Received: Direct to minimal supervision
Internal Relationships: Close coordination with VP, CPAR; Director, NREI; Fellows, Marketing & Communications, and Strategic Events Departments
External Relationships: Corporate sponsors, stakeholders, NREI strategic partners

Specific Responsibilities

A. Operations/Program Management

• Provide oversight of administrative and operational functions for NREI and CPAR programming, including Policy for the People, NREI Summit, and policy briefings/community conversations.
• Monitor and communicate the process and progress of core programs.
• Support the development of in-person and online policy issue forums throughout the year and during CBCF’s Annual Legislative Conference (ALC).
• Assist with identifying and coordinating speakers for NREI and CPAR sessions and events.
• Ensure software functions are accurate and up to date, including website, fellowships, databases, scholarships, and Social Justice Ambassadors.

B. Research

• Assist in the production of persuasive and informative NREI and CPAR materials, including issue specific policy reports, fact sheets, action alerts, talking points, issue briefs, op-eds, website updates, and recommend communications messaging and strategy.
• Stay abreast of national and regional social justice trends affecting the Black community, particularly in the spaces of criminal justice, education, health equity and economic opportunity.
• Track the progress of priority federal legislation that advances social justice reform with maximum impact in Black communities.

C. Strategy & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead the development and implementation of a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) process for each NREI and CPAR programs including Fellowships, Scholarships, Task Force, and Research, which assesses areas to improve current and future management of outputs, outcomes, and impact.
• Identify strategic partnerships with stakeholder groups, sponsors, and community organizations to further the mission of NREI and CPAR and maximize educational opportunities, branding, and partnership potential.

Required Special Skills

• General knowledge of the federal legislative process, the U.S. Congress, the Congressional Black Caucus, and its members, and related policy.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice either through public policy, professional experience, or community-related activism.
• Aptitude and experience in operations and program management.
• Proven strong time management skills, including a high level of organization, attention to detail, and follow-through, while balancing and prioritizing multiple activities and responsibilities.
• Ability to translate big-picture thinking into written plans and presentations, and are confident in presenting and advocating those plans both internally and externally.

Additional Functions

• Ability to effectively collaborate with staff and consultants in connection with large scale events and projects.
• Ability to effectively manage and balance administrative responsibilities with capacity to deliver against organization goals and objectives.
• Acts as a thought partner to CPAR department leads.

Responsibility for Accuracy/Accountability

The Program Manager must communicate with stakeholders to positively influence the effectiveness of CBCF in achieving its objectives. They must successfully deliver all tasks assigned with exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders. They must follow and adhere to federal, state, and local ethics laws, as well as CBCF policies governing conduct. Failure to comply may result in penalties for CBCF and the Program Manager.

Specifications

Knowledge: Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree or graduate work in business management, leadership, public policy, social sciences, or related fields preferred; but three years of proven relevant experience or related work can substitute for this preference. Experience in research, programming, planning events and/or administration is a plus.
Skills and Abilities: Exceptional written and oral communication skills; must be able to multi-task and work well with a variety of people in a fast-paced/ever-changing environment. Ability to maintain a good working relationship with co-workers, contractors, volunteers, and stakeholders. This position requires experience engaging in creative problem solving, taking initiative, while utilizing a solutions-oriented approach and exhibiting flexibility and good judgment. Must also have exceptional organizational and planning skills, proven leadership skills, strong relationship management and be highly detail-oriented with strong follow-through. The candidate should be able to identify and address problems and risks.
Computer and Technical Proficiencies: Highly proficient skills in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and overall aptitude for technology and cloud-based software are required. Proficiency with telecommunications devices such as iPads, iPhone and/or Androids preferred.
Physical Requirements: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines, ability to work evening and weekend events and/or off-hours responses as necessary. Some light travel may be required. Must work well under pressure and be able to manage simultaneous priorities and deliverables.

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