Manager, Programs

Role Summary

Forward Arkansas is seeking an experienced program leader eager to build and manage current and future program offerings inside Forward’s ecosystem. This person should reside in Arkansas, expect a hybrid work setting, and will travel within the state, including to rural and Delta regions, for program roles and responsibilities, as well as occasional national travel.

Forward is seeking a skilled program manager from the nonprofit or education sector who is eager to leverage their strong program design and facilitation, deep content expertise, and exceptional communication skills toward Forward’s mission of empowering great teachers and leaders to reimagine learning.

• Build a deep understanding of, and ultimately manage and be accountable for, Forward’s existing programs within the TLC network, including our current cohorted communities of practice.
• Directly manage, influence, and continuously improve TLC programs over time, in response to data and local context.
• Leverage adult learning best practices, plan, design, recruit for, and facilitate new Forward TLC programs, with oversight from the Senior Director, Programs.
• Manage some 1099 consultants and oversee vendor partners working within TLC programs.
• Look across existing and new programs to surface learnings and recommend key program changes and adaptations over time.
• Generate insights from the programmatic work to support impact reporting, data gathering, and storytelling about Forward’s program offerings.

• Be a collaborative, nimble, and curious member of Forward’s local, state-based team.
• Build meaningful and productive relationships with key stakeholders, including school-, district-, and state-based education partners, vendors, coaches, and community members, serving as the first point of contact for all TLC programs.
• Motivate, inspire and influence participants and coaches in our programs toward innovation, transformation, and a promising future for Arkansas students and educators.
• Report to and work in deep partnership with the Senior Director, Programs to architect the overall program strategy and deliver strong network offerings.

• Build deep local and state education landscape expertise that informs all program offerings.
• Prioritize building expertise about educational best practices across the country, and translate those best practices to local and state contexts for coherent implementation and maximum impact.
• Support participants in our programs to design and execute sustainable plans for transformation within their local contexts.
• Write and contribute to stories about our work, which may include case studies, blogs, internal and external communications, and other opportunities to tell Forward’s story of impact.
• Work on a nimble, collaborative team to support all of Forward’s aims.
• Represent Forward and our work within communities in state and national education spaces, including with the Arkansas Department of Education, at state and national conferences, and in district work.

Highly qualified candidates should have:

• Four to five years of experience leading initiatives or learning for adults.
• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in education preferred.

Additionally, candidates who would thrive in this role are:

• Curious and learning oriented, eager to build their knowledge, skill and capacity.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and moving nimbly between strategic and detail-oriented work.
• Focused on finding solutions to complex challenges.
• Deeply passionate about educational outcomes in Arkansas and hungry to work toward transformation in the state.
• Able to build deep, trusting relationships with diverse stakeholders.

All Roles at Forward Require:

• 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 $80,000 - $90,000. Final compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience. The position also includes a comprehensive benefits package.