Program Manager, ConnectUS

The Columbus Partnership is a nonprofit organization of CEOs from Columbus’ leading businesses and institutions. Through our membership and other ally organizations across Central Ohio, the Partnership upholds a shared vision to make Columbus the most prosperous region in the country.

The Columbus Partnership team also includes One Columbus, one of the nation’s top economic development teams that serves the 11-county Columbus Region; and Smart Columbus, a civic innovation lab that advances what is new and next at the intersection of technology and community good.

Can you imagine Columbus as the most prosperous region in the United States, where more and more people are able to improve their economic and social well-being? We do, every day.

The program manager, ConnectUS leads efforts to expand access to affordable, reliable internet, devices and digital skills and create pathways for individuals to fully participate in today’s digital economy. ConnectUS is a community-wide initiative to close the digital divide in Franklin County and sits within the Smart Columbus innovation lab.

Note: This role is grant-funded through 2027. Continuation of the position beyond 2027 will depend on the organization successfully securing additional or diversified funding streams.

Reports to: Director, Smart Columbus

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the ConnectUS program portfolio, including program design, implementation, scaling and continuous improvement.
• Lead and manage a high-performing team responsible for program operations, participant engagement and project delivery; provide coaching, performance management and professional development.
• Oversee program management office (PMO) functions, including standardized processes, reporting, risk management, data systems and cross-project coordination.
• Lead the development and execution of program strategy, annual goals, performance metrics and scaling plans.
• Identify new program opportunities, innovative approaches and funding prospects to sustain and expand digital equity initiatives.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with ConnectUS Coalition and other key partners to ensure alignment with regional priorities.
• Lead the ConnectUS Coalition Steering Committee and associated work groups to guide strategic program development, long-term sustainability and coordinated community impact.
• Develop and nurture strategic relationships with community partners, training providers, funders and stakeholders to co-design and deliver impactful digital equity programs.
• Represent ConnectUS and Smart Columbus at community forums, conferences and regional tables as a subject matter expert and advocate for digital equity.

• Oversee centralized operations for program delivery, such as onboarding implementation partners, participant recruitment and registration, and outreach and adoption.
• In alignment with the director, Smart Columbus, manage program budgets, resources and financial accountability.
• Oversee program and financial reporting, ensuring timely delivery to funders and key stakeholders.
• Lead program evaluation efforts to measure short- and long-term outcomes, effectiveness of training models and overall impact.
• Ensure program compliance with grant requirements, data privacy standards and organizational policies.
• Contribute to grant writing, proposal development, and reporting to support current and future funding streams.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, nonprofit management, education, social sciences or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in program management, preferably in digital equity, workforce development, education or community impact initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing complex program portfolios.

• Strong project and program management skills, including PMO operations, budget management, risk assessment and performance…