Programs Manager (Operations& Communications)

Program Implementation & Execution:

• Drive the implementation of the thought leadership strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization’s vision and mission.
• Manage the execution of thought leadership activities, including policy roundtables, teacher engagement programs, and stakeholder dialogues.
• Oversee the operational success of initiatives like the organization's Network and state chapter formations.
• Develop and maintain systems for program tracking, knowledge management, and impact measurement.

Media & Communications Strategy:

• Develop and execute the organization's thought leadership communications plan, ensuring a strong public presence.
• Oversee content creation for articles, opinion pieces, newsletters, reports, white papers, and blog posts.
• Manage the organization's digital and social media platforms, ensuring engagement and dissemination of thought leadership materials.
• Lead media relations, ensuring strategic placement of the organization's work in local and international media.
• Coordinate thought leadership events and public-facing campaigns, including a TV show on education reform.
• Develop and execute advocacy messaging for policymakers, educators, and the public.

Stakeholder Engagement & Network Management:

• Expand and structure the organization's Network and state chapters, ensuring robust engagement and alignment with thought leadership goals.
• Manage key relationships with policymakers, educators, parents, students, private sector actors, and media partners.
• Organize and facilitate high-profile forums, dialogues, and summits on education transformation.
• Act as the primary liaison between the organization's leadership and external stakeholders, ensuring consistent communication and engagement.

Operational Oversight & Process Improvement:

• Establish and refine operational processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in implementing thought leadership initiatives.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for program execution and media dissemination.
• Oversee logistics for events, media productions, and campaigns.
• Monitor resource utilization, ensuring cost-effectiveness and impact-driven execution.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting:

• Track program effectiveness, ensuring that initiatives align with the organization's KPIs.
• Collect and analyze data on media reach, policy influence, and stakeholder engagement.
• Prepare reports and updates for the organization's leadership, funders, and key stakeholders.
• Continuously assess program and media impact, refining strategies accordingly.

Requirements:

• Strong program management and operational execution skills.
• Expertise in media, communications, and digital strategy, including social media and content production.
• Ability to coordinate high-level stakeholder engagement and public relations.
• Experience managing large networks or membership organizations.
• Strong organizational, process management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for thought leadership advocacy.
• Data-driven approach to measuring program and media effectiveness.

Preferred:

• Background in education reform, policy advocacy, or media strategy.
• Experience managing public campaigns, media productions, or communications teams.
• Familiarity with knowledge management, content curation, and thought leadership branding.
• Understanding of systems change approaches and behavioral transformation strategies.

Key Performance Indicators:

Program Implementation:

• Successful execution of the organization's thought leadership initiatives.
• Growth and engagement of the organization's Network and state chapters.
• Number and quality of policy round tables, reports, and stakeholder events.

Media & Communications:

• Increased media visibility and public engagement in the organization's thought leadership work.
• High-quality, consistent content production (articles, reports, media appearances, and newsletters).
• Growth in digital engagement (social media, website visits, and media mentions).
• Effective messaging and advocacy campaigns that influence policy and public discourse.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Number and depth of partnerships with policymakers, educators, and media stakeholders.
• Growth in community-led and state chapter-driven initiatives.
• Increased participation in the organization's events, dialogues, and reform efforts.