Program Lead 

Location: This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC with travel up to 20%   

Start date: As soon as possible. 

Compensation: $80 – $100K depending on experience; monthly health & wellness stipend; flexible leave policy; 401(k) plan   

About Us 

National Urban Fellows (NUF) develops accomplished and courageous professionals of all ethnic and racial backgrounds, particularly people of color and women, to be leaders and change agents in the public and nonprofit sectors, with a strong commitment to social justice and equity. NUF’s Academic and Leadership Program is a rigorous, 14-month, full-time graduate program for mid-career professionals. The Fellowship comprises four semesters of academic coursework and a nine-month Mentorship, which culminates in a Master of Policy Management (MPM) degree from Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. Visit www.nuf.org to learn more. 

Position Summary  

The Program Manager or Director will manage and oversee our flagship fellowship program, carrying out and enhancing all aspects of the Fellow & Mentor experience. Under supervision of the President & CEO or their designee and in coordination with other staff, key responsibilities include: 

• Program Management. Provide day-to-day oversight of Fellows program, serving as the primary point of contact for Fellows and Mentors.
  • Refine and administer annual Fellow-Mentor matching process 
  • Manage and support Fellow-Mentorship placements; provide direction and guidance on work plan development, progress reporting, and performance evaluation processes  
  • Oversee Fellow & Mentor onboarding processes, orientation activities, and training sessions  
  • Conduct individual Fellow meetings to provide support towards desired program outcomes and promote accountability as needed 
  • Coordinate and manage monthly “Fellow Friday” group leadership development sessions  
  • Maintain ongoing and productive communication and coordination with Cohort Liaisons 
  • Administer evaluation tools to gather data on program outcomes and impact 
  • Send regular communications and updates to Fellows, Mentors, and related parties 
  • Maintain consistent updates to and organization of Fellowship digital files and records  
  • Monitor program quality and recommend refinements based on participant reports and evaluation data   
• Partner & Stakeholder Engagement. Manage stakeholder relationships with Georgetown / McCourt School of Public Policy representatives, Mentor organizations, and other key partners; collaborate with Alumni Advisory Board on Alumni-Fellow initiatives.
• Recruitment. Support ongoing Mentor & Fellow recruitment efforts, serving as spokesperson and representing organization at recruitment activities and events 
• Special events. Lead planning and coordination of annual Fellow retreat in January and NUF completion graduation ceremony in July  
• Materials Development. Create, revise and update program materials including participant handbooks, policies, forms, and other communications.  
• Resource Development. Research and identify resources to support Fellow needs (eg, relocation, health & well-being, financial management, skills development, etc.) 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree, with at least 10 years of experience in the education or non-profit sector and at least 3 years of experience serving in a management capacity. Master’s Degree preferred  
• Demonstrated experience successfully managing complex and multi-faceted programs or projects  
• Experience coaching, training, and/or managing adult learners towards professional, career, and/or leadership development goals 
• Experience managing participant-host or other key stakeholder relationships (eg, internships, employer or fellowship placements) 
• Experience supporting an organization on their ongoing journey in deepening and widening their racial equity lens 
• Strong facilitation skills: Ability to hold productive group learning spaces, helping participants integrate new ideas, balance multiple perspectives, and process conflicts towards greater self-awareness   
• Exceptional organizational skills: Ability to manage multiple timelines and keep self and others organized via impeccable record-keeping and conscientious anticipation and forecasting A strong and flexible communicator: Savvy with oral and written communications for various audiences.  

An Ideal Candidate… 

• Can roll up their sleeves and hit the ground running 
• Has an entrepreneurial spirit 
• Is a team player and able to wear multiple hats 
• Can lead in ambiguity 
• Is thoughtful yet decisive 
• Is detail-oriented and organized 
• Demonstrates emotional agility and self-awareness 
• Is both process-oriented and results-driven 
• Is ambitious and strives for excellence in their work 
• Can balance the big picture with the small details 
• Is tactful and poised in difficult situations  
• Integrates NUF values into practice: racial equity, courage, dignity, integrity, and solidarity 

How to Apply 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@nuf.org. In your cover letter, please detail specific experiences and skills that would make you an ideal candidate for the position.  

NUF is an equal opportunity employer providing for employment or advancement without discrimination because of race, color, religion creed, political association, ancestry, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, national origin, citizenship, age, veteran status, pregnancy, handicap disability, genetic, genetic characteristics, or other protected status.  We strongly encourage women, people of color and all marginalized voices to apply to this and all available positions at National Urban Fellows.