Program Manager – Education Research and Special Projects (CCF)

, CA, United States

Program Manager – Education Research and Special Projects (CCF) Posted on July 31, 2019

The California Community Foundation (CCF) is a public, charitable organization serving Los Angeles County in multiple capacities since 1915. We encourage philanthropy by individuals, families, companies and organizations, and serve as a trusted steward of their charitable funds and legacies. We make grants and collaborate with nonprofits in specific areas and concentrate attention and resources on the needs of the most vulnerable individuals and groups in the community. CCF convenes and engages nonprofit, private and public-sector partners to increase philanthropy and incorporate philanthropists into community problem solving in Los Angeles.

CCF is a dynamic environment that values individuals who want a purpose more than a position. We have a diverse and talented team of experienced and passionate advocates for our community. We are a learning organization driven by the idea that continuous improvement furthers professional development and increases our ability to effect positive change. We seek individuals who thrive in a fast-paced setting highly focused on results and impact.

Reporting to the Senior Program Officer, Education, the Program Manager, Education Research and Special Projects manages the research, evaluation, and data elements of the California Community Foundation’s education team, focusing especially on the public/private partnership with the Los Angeles County Probation Department. This position manages CCF’s relationship with the evaluator for the public/private partnership by setting and maintaining contractual requirements – such as reporting and data proficiency services – provided by the evaluator. This position also provides internal data analysis and research services for the education team more generally, which includes Early Care and Education, K-12, and Postsecondary Transitions and Success focus areas. In addition, this position will support other education initiatives related to the education team’s grantmaking and convening activities.

This is a project-based position. The term of the position is minimum one year, potential for up to 3 years—contingent upon continued project funding.

Major Responsibilities Manage Research, Evaluation, and Data for Public/Private Partnership : Manage CCF’s relationship with the evaluator for the public/private partnership. Sets expectations for reporting, grantee technical assistance, and data submission for P/PP evaluator. Compile and share research from youth development and juvenile justice diversion work to share with project partners and evaluator. Duties include: Set expectations for key duties, address questions

Facilitate collaboration between evaluator and lead capacity-builder

Monitor progress for completion of key duties, notably:

Quarterly reports

Coaching grant recipients, facilitating data proficiency exercises

Support P/PP Administration : Assist grant review process. Support planning and implementation of site visit process. Support final decision-making processes for grant applicants. Duties include: Design and adapt decision-making rubric

Support and train application reviewers

Organize and analyze applicant data

Produce summary reports

Support Research and Data Analysis for Education Team : Gather, analyze, and visualize quantitative or qualitative data as needed to inform the efforts of program officers. Conduct research necessary to inform education team activities which includes but is not limited to researching educational trends in potential investment areas, designing effective grant cycles/administration (Request for Information, Request for Proposals, etc.), and learning from peers and demonstration projects of relevance. Produce reports or deliverables that reflect education team’s efforts and/or the indicators that convey the state of educational opportunity in Los Angeles County.

Support Grantmaking and Convening Activities for Education Team : In collaboration with program officers, support education initiatives related to the education team’s grantmaking and convening activities. This includes but is not limited to supporting the design of program strategies that are data-informed and research-based, collaborating with external groups, co-designing and supporting grantmaking processes, and assessing and reporting impact.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function assigned satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Experience : Minimum of four years of experience working with or in the education, nonprofit and/or philanthropic sector, or with elected officials is preferred. Knowledge of and experience addressing issues impacting underserved communities, community organizing and a good understanding of local government policies and processes is preferred. Program management, strategy development experience and experience in managing consultants and project working teams to achieve results are essential. Previous experience with developing and working with program budgets is necessary.

Education : Bachelor’s degree in education, criminal justice, administration of justice, psychology, sociology, public policy, political science, evaluation or a related field is required. Master’s degree preferred.

Community and Field of Interest Knowledge : Knowledge of the Los Angeles County nonprofit community, familiarity with target areas (South Los Angeles, San Gabriel, San Fernando, and Antelope Valleys) of the initiative and diverse neighborhoods throughout the region, and experience in working effectively with diverse and broad-based community constituencies is required. Working knowledge of best practices in fields of interest to the foundation, familiarity with nonprofit financials, public and private funding streams related to the foundation’s domains of work, and a working understanding of outcome measures and evaluation methodologies aimed at assessing program effectiveness is preferred.

Convening and Facilitation Skills : Able to facilitate meetings and group processes for the purposes of fact-finding, decision-making, peer learning and problem solving. Good meeting management skills.

Communication and Analytical Skills : Solid analytical skills, excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and excellent customer service skills required. Ability to prepare and give presentations, collaborate and comfortably interact with diverse audiences including donors and Board members as well as nonprofit, government officials and community groups is required. Ability to gather, analyze, and visualize quantitative and qualitative data is required.

Technology Skills : Internet competency and strong computer proficiency, including mastery of the Microsoft Office software suite and a familiarity with database software, is required. A willingness and ability to learn appropriate database, spreadsheet and other computer programs.

Project Management Skills : Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to prioritize work effectively and adjust to multiple demands with consistent attention to timelines.

Team Work & General Skills : Ability to work well independently and as team member. Ability to take initiative and follow tasks through to completion. Ability to lead a team toward CCF's goals, leveraging each team member's skill set.

Hiring and Background Check Clearance : This position is funded, in part, by a grant to CCF from L.A. County Probation through a Public/Private Partnership. Final candidate(s) will need to be approved for hire by the L.A. County Probation department and must clear a background check process, as managed by the L.A. County Probation dep.

Working Conditions Requires the ability to sit and work at a desk for several hours at a time.

Requires the ability to travel and attend meetings, presentations and events outside the office, which may require occasional use of a motor vehicle for transportation to other locations. Due to the nature of external appointments and/or responsibilities requiring travel to locations not easily accessible by public transportation, driving is an essential job responsibility for this position.

This position is required to be available to speak with clients and/or others while away from the office and/or with clients and/or others located in other time zones outside Foundation business hours.

Work may require weekends and/or extended work day.

Punctuality and satisfactory attendance are essential functions of the job.

Compensation This is a grant-funded, full-time, non-exempt position. Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications. A generous benefit package is provided to all full-time staff, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, parking or transportation, and retirement benefits.

CCF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees, and we make employment decisions without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, gender expression, age or any other protected status. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

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