Funders for a Just Economy (FJE), a working group of Neighborhood Funders Group, seeks a program manager with organizing, communications, and program development skills to assist in managing and documenting its programming, leadership development, and evolving economic justice analysis. The program manager will support funders in moving toward strategic alignment with the labor movement and philanthropy in advancing economic justice and equity. The ideal candidate has 3+ years of experience in economic justice work as well as strong some experience in organizing large meetings and group facilitation, an easy rapport with a wide variety of people, and an excellent sense of humor.  The ideal candidate also has experience and understanding of employment trends in various industries, unionization efforts, and a commitment to social justice.

Background

Neighborhood Funders Group is a national network of local, regional and national philanthropic institutions with a focus on strengthening communities. NFG builds the capacity of philanthropy to advance social justice and community change by organizing the field, developing leaders, cultivating thought leadership among its base of funders and encouraging the support of policies and practices that advance racial, economic, gender, climate, and social justice.

Funders for a Just Economy, one of NFG’s programs, is the gathering place for funders committed to economic justice, workers’ rights, and workplace issues. It advances the philanthropic conversation about economic and social justice, and the centrality of unions and other worker formations in those efforts. Funders for a Just Economy is led by two co-chairs (in 2019, they are Alejandra Ibañez of Woods Fund Chicago and Marjona Jones of Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program of Shelter Rock) and a Coordinating Committee. A larger Program Committee contributes to the overall thinking, direction, and implementation of the programming. 

For more about NFG and examples of FJE programming, visit www.nfg.org.

Responsibilities

The Program Manager will be supervised by the Senior Program Manager and works closely with the Funders for a Just Economy Coordinating Committee to manage the program and administration of the group. Currently, FJE produces two flagship programs a year: a policy briefing in the spring and a learning tour in the fall. FJE also conducts additional responsive and collaborative programs throughout the year, including regular leadership calls/webinars; in-person events, workshops at philanthropic conferences; and participation in cross-programming with NFG programs.

The Program Manager will:

• Track and keep FJE members apprised of critical events, important issues, innovative practices and policies, and important articles and research.
• Pitch ideas, produce, and write newsletter pieces, blog pieces, and other written materials for webinar, conference, and workshops.
• Develop written content and updates about the Funders for a Just Economy program for strategic communications (internal and external) in collaboration with NFG staff.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with the worker justice field through periodic conversations with leaders of organizing networks, unions, or other social justice organizations.
• With logistical support from other NFG staff, assist in organizing in-person meetings, learning tours, and webinars to broaden the understanding and analysis of the philanthropic community about approaches to creating a just economy.
• Participate in planning and execution of NFG’s biennial national conference.
• Work with other NFG staff and FJE leadership to provide integration and connection between FJE and other NFG programs.
• Maintain relationships with current FJE funders, and build relationships with new ones.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in economic justice work (including unions, workers centers, community groups, coalitions, advocacy organizations, or as a researcher, journalist, or communications specialist)
• At least 2 years of experience with philanthropy, including foundations, intermediaries, collaborative funds, affinity groups, or as a grantee partner.
• Have specific experience analyzing and researching workplace issues such as (but not limited to): collective bargaining approaches, changes in the nature of employment in various industries, labor policies, workplace health and safety issues, migrant labor policies, and/or employee social protections and benefits.
• Demonstrated strong writing abilities, including blog pieces, research materials, opinion pieces, and memos.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills
• Facility with technology and comfort with a virtual office
• Flexibility and comfort with overlapping projects, competing deadlines, and multiple stakeholders
• Ability to travel regularly (approximately 33%)
• Demonstrated experience and comfort with facilitating groups, committees or coalitions

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience; benefits include generous leave, and, for full-time employees, health insurance and retirement contributions. Salary range is $65,000-$75,000.

Location

Anywhere in the United States. It is preferable that the successful candidate is comfortable and able to work full-time remotely. If the candidate lives in the Bay Area, the candidate is welcome to join other NFG staff in our Oakland, California office.

Application Process

Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and two references to [email protected] by Friday, July 26, 2019.

NFG is an equal-opportunity employer. Women, people of color, LGBTQ people are strongly encouraged to apply.