Senior Program Manager

The National Association of Counties (NACo), representing America’s 3,069 county governments with 40,000 elected officials, 3.6 million county employees and more than $660 billion in annual community-based investments, seeks a Senior Program Manager for Resilient Economies & Communities.

Duties of this position include a variety of project-based activities aimed at informing, educating, and assisting county officials across the country in their efforts to improve local services related to improving economic opportunity, supporting place-based investment and advancing upward mobility to move residents out of poverty.

The position is dependent on the availability of project-based outside funding.

Position Responsibilities and Activities:

• Provide strategic and content expertise pertaining to challenges and opportunities for counties related to the economic development and diversification, intergenerational poverty, upward mobility, equitable access to opportunity and place-based solutions for community prosperity
• Develop, disseminate and promote NACo initiatives for Resilient Economies and Communities in written materials, partner meetings, national webinars, small group convenings and national events
• Manage research, funder, cross-sectoral and intergovernmental partnerships to support peer learning for local leaders, facilitate coaching for under-resourced communities and develop storytelling materials for a national audience
• Advise NACo partners on county roles and authorities in, perspectives on and opportunities for equitable economic development, diversification and anti-poverty initiatives.
• Research best practices and develop educational resources such as webinars, workshops, case studies, toolkits and issue briefs
• Develop, forecast, monitor and ensure adherence to program budgets
• Maintain productive ongoing relationships with NACo members, foundation and corporate funders, federal partners and other NACo departments
• Identify funding opportunities and lead proposal development for future projects related to equitable economic development and diversification to move people out of poverty
• Supervise up to two (2) research intern(s)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Minimum 4 years of experience in economic development, regional planning or related work. Highly qualified candidates will have at least 5 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 preferred but not required
• Strong understanding of and/or experience in key areas of equitable economic development, such as workforce development, economic diversification strategies, inter-generational poverty, community development, entrepreneurship, housing, industrial growth, manufacturing and/or rural/urban/regional planning.
• Federal grants management experience is a plus but not required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including in public speaking and conducting formal meetings with internal and external stakeholders

• Ability to manage multiple projects without compromising quality or timely delivery. Strong project management experience preferred
• 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:

• Hybrid work schedule is available, with minimum requirement of 3 days in the office to collaborate
• Some travel is required, estimated at four to six trips per year

Application Procedures:

Persons interested in this position should submit a resume with salary requirements 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