Senior Program Manager - National Assoc of Counties

The National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only organization that supports our nations’ counties’ elected officials through policy and advocacy work. NACo seeks a Senior Program Manager for Children, Youth and Families to lead NACo’s Counties for Kids initiative and new programming related to building the nation’s supply of child care.

The Senior Program Manager for Children, Youth and Families sits in the County Practices and Innovation department and manages a portfolio of projects (primarily grant-funded programs) that aim to promote the county role and opportunity to support children and families.

Position Responsibilities and Activities:

•Leads 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 pre-natal-to-three (PN3) policies, child care and strengthening the child care workforce, maternal health and more.

•Design and execute virtual and in-person events (webinars, conference workshops, multi-day events) for county leaders seeking to improve their understanding of and engagement with best practices in PN3, child care, maternal health and more; monitor and evaluate impact for continuous improvement.

•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 for continuous improvement.

•Design and facilitate an active community of practice for county leaders interested in PN3, child care and maternal health.

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

•Hire and oversee consultant contracts, as needed.

•Supervise up to two (2) program or research intern(s).

•Maintain productive ongoing relationships with NACo members, foundation and corporate funders, federal partners and other NACo departments.

•Build partnerships with federal, regional and philanthropic partners to strengthen county government understanding and resources related to children, youth and families.

•Develop, disseminate and promote NACo programs and initiatives for the health and human services portfolio 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.

•Identify funding opportunities and lead proposal development for future projects related to issues concerning children, youth and families.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Minimum 5 years’ experience in children, youth and family-related work. Highly qualified candidates will have at least 6 years of program or project management experience in nonprofit, consultancy, academia, public policy, government or foundation sector. Experience working with or for local government a plus but not required.

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or equivalent professional experience or relevant certification a plus but not required.

Strong understanding of and/or experience in key areas of children, youth and families policies, including PN3 policies, child care and strengthening the child care workforce, maternal health and more.

Strong project management and organizational skills; demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects without compromising quality or timely delivery.

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

Federal grants management experience a plus but not required.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including in public speaking and in conducting formal meetings with internal and external stakeholders.

Brings 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 non-partisan perspective.

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

Working Conditions:

•Some Travel required, estimated at four to six trips a year

•In office work schedule with hybrid flexibility

•Salary Range: $77,000-$90,000 annually

Application Procedures:

NACo is committed to providing excellent customer service and creating quality experiences for our stakeholders. If you are creative, energetic and passionate, please send a cover letter, resume and salary expectations to resumes@naco.org

Why Work a NACo:

Our vision is healthy, safe, and vibrant counties across America. Counties play an integral part of the intergovernmental responsibilities among federal, state, local and tribal government officials. We are guided by the belief that stronger counties result in a stronger America. NACo is committed to fostering a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our jobs are open to all applications regardless of race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

Teammates of NACo enjoy a fun and challenging environment with a wide range of competitive benefits, including comprehensive medical, vision and dental insurance; generous paid leave and federal holidays; transportation subsidy; tuition assistance; 401(k) match, pension plans, group life insurance, voluntary payroll deductions for pet insurance and credit union membership, and short/long term disability coverage including applicable parental leave.

We are passionate about advancing excellence in public service to help people and places thrive across America. We embrace and respect our diversity of experience, heritage, and thought and strive to cultivate an equitable workplace. As outlined in our Values and NACo Norms below, we pursue our mission through a ONE NACo mindset of genuine care, empathy, and respect for each other, our partners, and our members.

Join us as we advance excellence in public service to help our local counties and communities thrive.

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