Program Manager, CYF

Program Manager, Children, Youth and Families

About the Position:

The National Association of Counties (NACo) seeks a Program Manager, Children, Youth and Families to join its County Practices and Innovations department. Candidates with additional experience and qualifications may be considered for appointment at the Senior Program Manager level based on their demonstrated ability to perform the additional responsibilities outlined below.

This is a grant-funded position, and continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funding and ongoing program needs. The role focuses on timely execution of project-based deliverables, such as producing and disseminating best practice content and hosting impactful small group events for county officials. Program managers contribute to the success of multiple projects within a topical portfolio and lead individual project elements related to workplan development, documentation, writing and event content planning. Program managers will build skills in budget management, external partner engagement and member engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead day-to-day execution and project management for NACo’s children, youth and families educational programming activities by providing strategic and content expertise and managing the timely delivery and quality of deliverables for project activities related to prenatal-to-three (PN3) policies, childcare and maternal health

Design and execute best-in-class virtual and in-person events (webinars, conference workshops, multi-day events), with responsibility for content planning, logistics coordination and post-event follow-up

Promote and liaise with the Counties for Kids network, an active community of practice for county leaders interested in PN3, childcare and/or maternal health

Research best practices and leverage relationships with experts and partners in the field to develop educational resources such as case studies, toolkits and issue briefs; monitor and evaluate resource uptake and impact

Maintain productive ongoing relationships with county elected officials, maternal and infant health leaders, staff of state associations of counties, philanthropic organizations, state and federal agency partners, researchers, national associations and other external stakeholders

Develop, disseminate and promote NACo projects and initiatives for the children, youth and families program in written materials, partner meetings, national webinars, small group convenings and national events.

Advise NACo partners on county roles and authorities in, perspectives on and opportunities for children, youth and families.

Additional Responsibilities for Senior Program Manager

Candidates selected at the Senior Program Manager level ill assume additional responsibilities, including:

Manage initiative budget activities, including forecasting, monitoring and ensuring adherence to program budgets. Coordinate across departments to ensure timely completion of financial and narrative reports to program funders

Hire and oversee consultant contracts

Supervise up to two (2) program interns as needed

Identify relevant funding opportunities and lead proposal development for future children, youth and families’ programs and initiatives

Qualifications:

Minimum 3 years’ experience in early childhood, public policy, local government or foundation sectors

Bachelor’s degree required (advanced degree preferred) in early childhood, maternal and infant health, public policy, public administration or another related field

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 in conducting formal meetings with internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to lead and contribute to 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 a nonpartisan perspective.

Ability to work well with internal and external partners, including individuals, communities and stakeholders from ideologically, racially, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Attributes:

Experience working with or for local government

Experience working with or for a membership organization

Ability to engage with county leaders as a facilitator, moderator and trusted partner

Advanced degree or equivalent professional experience, or relevant certification in public health, public policy, governance, or similar and related field

Experience creating, leading or supporting a national campaign or topics-based initiative

Certified in project management

Location and Travel: This position is eligible for hybrid work. Travel is required for NACo conferences, meetings and partner engagements, estimated at four to six trips per year.

Salary Range:

Program Manager: $70,000 - $85,000 annually

Senior Program Manager: $85,000-$93,000 annually

The position may be filled at either level based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience and the scope of responsibilities.