Program Manager, Applied Policy & Development
Center on Economics & Foreign Affairs · United States
full timehybridManager
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Sign in to applyAbout the role
Runs programs that combine research, stakeholder engagement, policy development, convenings, and project implementation around defined outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Translate approved program objectives into workplans, budgets, deliverables, partner roles, and evaluation measures. - Coordinate research, convenings, working groups, communications, grants, and implementation workstreams. - Manage contractors, events, participant communications, documentation, and routine budget tracking. - Monitor progress, risks, participant feedback, and outcome data and recommend program adjustments. - Prepare timely funder, leadership, and partner reporting that distinguishes outputs from longer-term impact. Reporting & working relationships Reports to a director or managing director. Works with researchers, fellows, communications, finance, grants, external facilitators, funders, and participating institutions. Authority & limits May manage assigned workstreams, consultants, vendors, and routine expenditures within approved plans and delegated limits. May not bind CEFA, promise funding, execute agreements, or represent transaction approval without authorization.
Required qualifications
- Program-management experience in public policy, economic development, nonprofits, government, foundations, or cross-sector initiatives. - Strong planning, facilitation, vendor, event, budget, and written communication skills. - Ability to work with senior experts while maintaining disciplined follow-through and inclusive participation.
Preferred qualifications
What success looks like: - Programs delivered on schedule and within approved scope and budget. - Strong participant engagement and clear ownership of follow-up actions. - Useful evaluation evidence and funder reporting tied to stated objectives. - Documented lessons that improve future program and project design.
Benefits
Employment classification: Paid professional staff position. Status: Full-time. Term: Ongoing employment, subject to applicable law and CEFA policies. Compensation: Salary and benefits commensurate with experience and CEFA's approved compensation framework. Performance cycle: Annual objectives with regular check-ins and a formal performance review. Work arrangement: Location, travel, schedule, and exempt/nonexempt status determined for the final role and jurisdiction.
Equal opportunity
CEFA is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to any legally protected characteristic.
About Center on Economics & Foreign Affairs
CEFA is a mission-driven nonprofit institution connecting research, policy, capital, and public- and private-sector partners to advance economic development and foreign-affairs priorities at national scale.