Associate, Programs

Forward is seeking an early-career operational specialist who is passionate about building and leading strong operational systems in a mission-driven context. This person should reside in Arkansas, expect a hybrid work setting, and occasionally travel in-state, including to rural and Delta regions, to fulfill program roles and responsibilities.

Exceptional candidates should be energized about and skilled in the following competencies:

• Manage all operational systems and execute on operational tools relative to the work of the Programs team
• Leverage strong instincts about operational solutions in the programmatic context, and take initiative to roll out and manage those solutions

• Leverage technical expertise in Google Suite (required)
• Comfortable acting as a key administrative support in meetings (tracking tasks, embedding learnings in our ecosystem, processing next steps, etc)
• Exceptional candidates will also have technical skill and background in Salesforce, Constant Contact, and Asana
• Technical curiosity about emerging technologies or tools that could strengthen Forward’s work and impact
• Act as a team player, being quick to respond and solutions-driven when thinking about operational supports for programmatic work
• Influence others and manage up to ensure operational tasks are not stalled and barriers are addressed
• Support the seamless execution of virtual and in-person convenings, webinars, and gatherings

• Demonstrate a willingness to learn, grow, and develop in technology tools
• Proactively support programmatic work through key operational functions (back-end event support, drafting communications, managing file systems and communications channels, etc)
• Track progress, updates, and dependencies across multiple priorities, with an eye toward prioritization and “keeping the main thing the main thing”

Highly qualified candidates should have:

• 1-3 years of operational experience preferred
• Content knowledge relevant to Forward’s mission and vision preferred (educational or nonprofit background)
• Technical expertise in Google Suite (required)
• Technical expertise in Salesforce and Constant Contact (strongly preferred)
• Technical skill in task management tools or systems and other efficiency-driving technology tools

Additionally, candidates who would thrive in this role are:

• Exceptional task managers who have strong personal organization systems
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and moving nimbly between priorities
• Focused on finding solutions to complex challenges
• Confident influencing others and managing up to support completion of next steps
• Seeing all the threads across various priorities and keeping a pulse on what’s most critical in the moment
• Proactive doers who love checking off a checklist

• Commitment to improved educational outcomes for students in Arkansas
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the state (and occasionally nationally)
• Residency in the state of Arkansas
• Authorization to work in the United States

• Compensation for this role is expected to range from $60,000 - $70,000. Final compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience. The position also includes a comprehensive benefits package.