Author: Margie DuBrow

The Knight-Lenfest Local News Transformation Fund (The Knight-Lenfest Fund), an independent joint initiative of the Knight Foundation and The Lenfest Institute, is hiring a full-time Program Manager to help with the implementation of strategic and operational objectives, support community engagement and outreach with a particular emphasis on the Philadelphia news and information ecosystem, and evaluate the Fund’s impact on helping to create a more sustainable and equitable news and information ecosystems so communities may thrive.

Who we are:

With a focus on sustainability and equity, The Knight-Lenfest Local News Transformation Fund, is designed to strengthen local journalism at scale, through supporting journalistic excellence and serving the information needs of communities. The Knight-Lenfest Fund is a $21 million commitment to local journalism which funds through 2023. It collaborates with news organizations, leaders and communities to grow capacity and meet journalism’s technology, business, and audience realities of the future. This funding body builds on strong results from existing leadership program, Table Stakes, created a new national network to promote shared infrastructure and resource strategies, technology and revenue solutions, News Catalyst, and positions Philadelphia as a model of a thriving local news ecosystem that could be replicated across the US. The Knight-Lenfest Fund uses a mutual aid approach to journalism, where news and information can be a vehicle for solidarity. The Fund believes that journalism is at its best when it is of service.

Where: 

This position is currently remote due to COVID-19, but based in Philadelphia once things are safe and will work with and report to the Managing Director of the Knight-Lenfest Fund.

Responsibilities:

Grants Management and Philadelphia Program Development

• Manage and coordinate grant applications and reporting to the Fund with particular focus on ones from Philadelphia for review and approval
• Guide and support news and information organizations and individuals throughout the grantmaking process, including but not limited to webinars, info sessions, promotions, etc..
• Design and facilitate opportunities to learn more and support the Philadelphia news and information ecosystem in collaboration with the Managing Director. This may include collaborating with news organizations and individuals in Philadelphia to create programming that addresses their goals and needs as this is iteratively defined

Overall Fund Support

• Support the strategy and implementation of the Fund’s objectives nationally and in Philadelphia
• Implement strategic and operational objectives, including designing and providing informal and formal updates, reports, presentations and supporting materials on the activities of the Fund and its grantees to leadership and key stakeholders
• Develop and maintain an evidence-based approach for assessing the Fund’s impact in the field in partnership with Knight’s and Lenfest’s learning and evaluation teams
• Design a pre and post assessment of grantmaking that builds upon reporting to further help shape the strategy of the Fund
• Co-design and support the communications strategy for the Fund and keep its digital presence up to date in collaboration with Lenfest and Knight. This may including creating content and graphics
• Support the management and tracking of the Fund’s budget and operations, which includes, but isn’t limited to, designing and tracking reports, managing payments in partnership with the Finance Department, scheduling and designing meetings and events with partners, grantees (current and potential) and Fund stakeholders
• When traveling resumes, able to travel frequently for meetings that may or may not occur during work hours
• Collaborate with Knight and The Lenfest Institute to support strategies and objectives that help the journalism industry overall

Qualities of a successful candidate:

• A skilled and flexible project manager comfortable with experimentation, including ideas and approaches, learning and sharing with others
• Knowledge that there can be more than one right answer
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in action not just in words
• Able to analyze and assess impact, situations and data (quantitative and qualitative) to inform decision-making and identify actionable insights
• Creative and adaptable problem-solver that thrives on teams, while also autonomous and self-driven in the execution of tasks
• Strong attention to detail, time-management skills and thoughtfulness in the creation of experiences and materials
• Willingness to spend time in the community participating in meet-up(s), events and building trust in particular in the Philadelphia ecosystem among journalism and media stakeholders, community members and organizations; as well as other experts in adjacent fields
• Understands unique strengths and challenges of Philadelphia
• Curious about Philadelphia, local news and helping communities thrive
• Excited about the important role of news and information and the power of narrative to shape the world

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years experience in a management role with a proven track record of leading multiple projects, meeting deadlines, delivering and executing on plans; paired with a willingness to ask for help and/or questions when you need support
• Creative and adaptable problem-solver that thrives on teams, while also autonomous and self-driven in the execution of tasks
• Strong, inclusive, creative, and adaptive facilitator
• Excellent writing and communication skills to collaborate with multiple stakeholders
• Background in designing programming that taps different learning styles, codesign sessions, etc… and creating materials to support it
• Experience with nonprofit, philanthropy and/or investment program management, evaluation and reporting
• Previous experience with community organizing and/or civic participation
• On-line training dexterity and finesse with social media is a plus
• Experience as a journalist would be a bonus
• Familiarity with the news and media industry and the Philadelphia news and information ecosystem is a plus

Other Information

• Salary will range between $70,000-$80,000, depending on experience.
• Health Insurance and other benefits provided

Commitment to Equity 

The Knight-Lenfest Local News Transformation Fund is committed to strengthening local journalism at scale, with a focus on journalistic excellence and serving the information needs of communities. In order to do this in a more sustainable and equitable way, we look for more voices and lived experiences to address emerging and latent needs in local communities and among news organizations and leaders. We strongly encourage candidates from a wide range of communities to apply. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences.

Please send your resume and brief cover letter to jobs@lenfestinstitute.org. If you have a portfolio, website, podcast or other materials that help us understand your approach to community building, philanthropy and strategy, please also include a curated version of it in your application with a brief description. 

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. Learn more at kf.org.

About The Lenfest Institute for Journalism

The Lenfest Institute for Journalism is a non-profit organization whose sole mission is to develop and support sustainable business models for great local journalism. The Institute was founded in 2016 by cable television entrepreneur H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest. The Institute is the parent organization of The Philadelphia Inquirer, a for-profit public benefit corporation dedicated to serving the people of the Philadelphia region. Learn more at Lenfest Institute.

Salary

$70,000 – $80,000 Commensurate with experience

APPLY

Specific Responsibilities

Leadership, Management and Supervision

 Provide leadership and supervision to the team and manage division functions.

 Cultivate an environment conducive to professionalism, excellence and top performance.

 Identify resources needed for efficient workflow and support the professional development needs of staff.

 Foster a collaborative and respectful work environment that upholds FBSJ’s core values.

Marketing and Communications Management

 Develop and lead the implementation of an integrated marketing plan incorporating a comprehensive editorial strategy and measurable digital marketing strategy.

 Conduct or oversee a brand awareness and environmental scan assessment; design and execute branding strategy.

 Devise strategies and tactics for connecting the organization to its target audiences and various

stakeholders, for the result of a higher public profile, larger market share of gifts and prominent recognition as the leading authority about food insecurity in South Jersey.

 Oversee content creation, brand reputation, special events, marketing, advertising and messaging assets, and the overall update of online and offline marketing materials.

 Conceptualize and deploy innovative strategies that include visual storytelling and other push and pull strategies that increase engagement and awareness.

 Develop and manage a marketing budget, RFPs, vendor relationships as applicable.

 Manage the marketing and communications deliverables for Feeding America corporate partnerships and cause-related marketing initiatives.

 Create a media relations strategy; issue press release and serve as one of the leading spokespersons for the organization and the first point of contact for press comments, etc.

 Compile and report on FBSJ’s impact; keep abreast of industry stats and emerging reports on food insecurity; monitor FBSJ’s position on watchdog sites and online reviews.

Advocacy and Government Relations Management

 Develop and maintain a communications strategy to lawmakers; develop periodic briefs for the executive team on legislative and regulatory issues that impact FBSJ.

 Participate in specific advocacy events and opportunities to further the best interest of FBSJ’s mission and strategic initiatives.

 Develop and maintain a legislative and regulatory monitoring system, along with an advocacy network of agencies, board and staff.

 Track and report on advocacy activities.

 Provide relevant and timely thought-leadership communications leveraging data, stats and trends impacting the food insecurity landscape and outlook in South Jersey.

 Perform other tasks as assigned.

Qualities and Characteristics

 Considerable and proven experience in leading and growing an organization’s public profile and market penetration through innovative and cost-effective marketing strategies.

 Exceptionally strong communicator with the ability to articulate the organization’s brand, program and position to a wide and diverse audience of stakeholders that includes elected officials, donors, business leaders, community partners, media and the general public.

 Technically savvy with a sufficient knowledge of current and futuristic trends to ensure the organization keeps pace with cutting edge technology and strategies relative to marketing.

 Entrepreneurial strategist that consistently seeks and acts on opportunities to increase the organization’s market position and prominent recognition as the Food Bank FOR South Jersey.

 Excellent research, writing, organizational, public speaking, and presentation skills

 Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment, with a high level of creativity and self-direction.

 Proficient in select MS Suite programs and all social media platforms

 Proficient with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Framemaker, DreamWeaver, HTML, HTML 5 and CSS

Leadership Capabilities

 Establishes a plan for vision and strategy

 Manages the department

 Sponsors change and innovations

 Responsible for all activities associated with staffing the department; to include recruitment, interview, selection, on-boarding, training, coaching, development and appraisal of staff

Qualifications

 Five to ten years relevant experience

 Five to ten years of leadership and managerial experience

 Bachelor’s Degree in related field; Master’s degree a plus.

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Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) has an immediate opening for a full-time Program Manager.

This position is responsible for management and implementation of education and/or employment programs at the Philadelphia Youth Network. The position will oversee an individual program or multiple programs at the same time, with a strong focus on implementing virtual youth programs in the first 6 months.

Primary responsibilities include:

·        Project management and Program implementation of programs. This includes execution of all programmatic requirements (i.e. requirement, enrollment, placement, upskilling/pd, participant payments) and compliance with all federal, state, local, funder and organizational guidelines

·        Contribute to the design and/or modification of evidence-based workforce operational strategies for youth and providers

·        Developing and managing relationships with partners necessary for program service delivery

·        Enter data into necessary systems and producing accurate and timely reporting of program status throughout its life cycle

·        Analyzing program risks

·        Develops tools, surveys, guides, marketing materials, trainings, policies, and procedures necessary for program implementation

·        Monitors and manages the program budget in accordance with funding regulations and spending against certain programmatic budget line items

·        Attends divisional, organization-wide and other team related meetings to ensure information sharing and to assist with other organizational initiatives whenever needed

·        Manage, hire, and supervise members of the team (full-time and temporary) and implement the appropriate professional development tools and training to maximize operational effectiveness and to ensure the achievement of employee goals and performance benchmarks

·        Perform other duties as assigned

Position requirements:

·        A Bachelor’s Degree is required. Master’s Degree in related field (i.e. education, human services, public administration, public policy) is a plus

·        2-3 years of staff management required

·        Minimum 2 years of project management skills managing complex, multifaceted projects resulting in measurable successes and program growth

·        Experience having worked with a high-performance, collaborative, constructive peer group

·        Demonstrated results in managing through complex systems and proven experience negotiating win-win agreements

·        Strength in hiring, recruiting, managing, developing, coaching, and retaining individuals and teams, empowering them to elevate their levels of responsibility, span-of-control and performance

·        Experience cultivating and managing partnerships with community & advocacy organizations and/or government entities

·        Excellent verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to details

·        Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well ability to integrate a wide range of technology and data management into daily work

·        Willingness to travel to various locations

·        Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed

·        Successfully passing background checks (PA State Criminal, PA Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse, U.S. Department of Justice National Sex Offender Registry, and F.B.I. fingerprinting)

Philadelphia Youth Network offers a comprehensive employee health & wellness benefits program and a competitive salary range based on past experience, job knowledge, and demonstrated skills and abilities.

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume with salary requirements to jobopps@pyninc.org and please indicate Program Manager in the subject line.

Specific Responsibilities

Leadership, Management and Supervision

 Provide leadership and supervision to the team and manage overall fundraising operations.

 Cultivate an environment conducive to professionalism, excellence and top performance.

 Identify resources needed for efficient workflow and support the professional development needs of staff.

 Foster a collaborative and respectful work environment that upholds FBSJ’s core values.

Fundraising Management

 Create and implement a department plan focused on identification, cultivation, stewardship and retention of donors and funders in the key areas of individual and institutional giving.

 Guide the implementation of a coordinated matrix of advocacy, communication and solicitation strategies involving proposal management, report management, and identifying new sources for funding—all focused on shaping sustainable annual support through giving programs.

 Provide strategic direction and long- and short-range planning for all grants funding areas in the context of growing the annual giving program.

Manage a portfolio of key donors and build relationships with a broad spectrum of funders demonstrating accountability and garnering support for FBSJ’s mission.

 Ensure that the Food Bank of South Jersey is a leader among peers in terms of total dollars, percentage participation, consistency of giving, and gift size. Internal measures include data integrity, ease of access to enhanced reporting and timely donor acknowledgement among others.

 Create a collaborative working environment with internal departments, including but not limited to Accounting, Programs and Services, Health and Wellness, Operations and Marketing/Advocacy, to achieve organizational goals.

 Advise the organization on funding trends and create strategies for navigating the competitive landscape.

 Analyze program delivery models as it relates to requirements from funding sources to develop logic models, convert output data to outcomes measurement, and recommend improvements to maximize significant funding opportunities.

 Foster the growth of best practices in the supporting areas of institutional grant management including government grants and fee-for-service contracts, foundation grants, new institutional giving cultivation, and data management. The Director has a keen appreciation for the urgent need of an active grants calendar.

 Direct and coordinate the efforts of accounting/programs to ensure compliance, adherence to funding restrictions, regulations in accordance with appropriate Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars, the timely and thorough use of funds for purposes outlined by the funding source, and communication of proposed variances to use of funds as necessary.

 Write and/or review narrative for all grants with the help of the grants team and contractors as needed.

 Perform other tasks as assigned.

Qualities and Characteristics

 Considerable and proven experience in leading and growing an organization’s annual giving through individual, corporate, government agencies, and foundation sources.

 Exceptionally strong communicator with the ability to articulate the organization’s mission, programs and position to a wide and diverse audience of stakeholders that includes donors, business leaders, and community partners.

 Technically savvy with a sufficient knowledge of current and futuristic trends to ensure the organization keeps pace with cutting edge technology and strategies relative to annual giving.

 Entrepreneurial strategist that consistently seeks and acts on opportunities to increase the organization’s annual giving primarily through government and foundation funding sources.

 Excellent research, writing, organizational, public speaking, and presentation skills.

 Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment, with a high level of creativity and self-direction.

 Proficient in all applicable MS Suite programs

 Very proficient in databases used to manage grant writing process

Leadership Capabilities

 Establishes a plan for vision and strategy

 Manages the department

 Sponsors change and innovations

 Responsible for all activities associated with staffing the department; to include recruitment, interview, selection, on-boarding, training, coaching, development and appraisal of staff

Qualifications

 Five to ten years of relevant work experience

 Five to ten years of leadership and managerial experience

 Extensive experience with all aspects of fundraising, grant writing, submission, tracking, reporting and analyzing

 Bachelor’s Degree in related field. Master’s degree a plus.

AGENCY OVERVIEW 

A FORWARD-THINKING ORGANIZATION THAT HAS BEEN PROVEN TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT

ON CHILDREN’S LIVES. Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence (BBBSI) is proud to have achieved a 4-star rating by Charity Navigator, their highest level of distinction. BBBSI is the largest BBBS agency in PA/NJ and fourth largest in the nation. Our mission is to build and support one-to-one relationships to ignite the biggest possible futures for youth. We also strive to strengthen the youth mentoring field through collaboration, training and technical assistance, data collection, and advocacy.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the COO, the Director, Human Resources acts as a strategic business partner to senior leadership on a variety of issues, including leadership development and talent management.  They will cultivate relationships to ensure that HR delivers value, service excellence and operational efficiency. They must be a deft communicator, fostering respect, trust, and collaboration among team members, and possess the ability to manage through change with flexibility and poise.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES      Leadership, Management, and Accountability 

1.      Provide leadership and expertise for the full scope of Human resource functions, including talent management, HRIS new-hire on-boarding and orientation, credentialing, compliance, employee benefits and compensation, employee relations, legal compliance, wage and hour (FLSA), ADA and FMLA compliance, workers compensation & unemployment administration, HRIS and recordkeeping administration, employee/supervisory training/development; performance management and HR policy development; payroll support.

2.      Lead, manage, and inspire one direct report – part-time HR Specialist – toward accountable, goal-based outcomes with emphasis on a) Staff Recruitment, Hiring, Onboarding b) Compensation & Benefits Design/Administration & Payroll and c) Staff Engagement, Performance Management, and Training .

3.      Develop annual individual &department goals and objectives; develop and monitor annual HR budget for HR related services and staff.

4.      Maintain in-depth knowledge of changing employment regulations; implement policies, procedures and systems to ensure federal and state regulatory compliance and any impending changes; manage federal/state reporting (i.e., EEO, workers compensation, OSHA); ensure all notices and policies are communicated and updated; monitor tracking and prepare reports required for compliance.

5.      Serve as primary contact for employment attorneys and Human Resources related government agencies; manage relationships with benefit brokers, obtaining and providing competitive and cost effective employee benefits plans and programs; ensure benefit plan orientations and training.

6.      Identify and manage key metrics and analytics to support decisions driving the people agenda for the business. Accountable for ensuring legal and legislative compliance at all times

Organizational Development & Training

1.      Provide guidance and expertise in organization structure and design to ensure support of the short- and long-term goals of the organization. Support leadership on change management initiatives.

2.      Provide counsel and leadership to develop training programs that align with Agency strategy and needs.  Lead development of organizational training plan, acquire or create content where appropriate, deliver internal trainings, and monitor/evaluate success.

3.      Develop and manage new hire orientation and onboarding

4.      Track survey data for training programs and orientation/onboarding; compile best practices data for improvement.

5.      Maintain knowledge of industry trends and best practices in workforce development and change management. Assesses organizational need and recommends staff development for the organization.

Talent Management & Acquisition

1.      Work with leadership to identify development needs, workforce challenges or talent gaps, and collaborate to develop solutions that address needs and support organizational development, effective talent management, and employee retention.

2.      Coach and develop the leadership and management team to work cohesively and effectively, building on their management capabilities and ensuring that they improve the performance and output of their own people resources.

3.      Lead talent acquisition for all staff positions, with emphasis on positions at the Director level and above.  Interview management- and executive-level candidates, up to final selection.

4.      Design and implement external candidate marketing and proactive recruitment programs. Anticipate strategic issues, understand and identify trends and best practices, implementing value added solutions.

5.      Develop and maintain relationships with key employment agencies, placement firms, and recruiting job boards.

6.      Work with Executive Leadership to review and enhance wage and salary policies and practices.

HRIS/Payroll Systems

1.      Manage relationships with relevant technology vendors; maintain a human resource information system and implement other technology and procedural improvements to streamline the HR function.

2.      Oversee payroll system, reporting, systems management, and inquiries .

3.      Work with HR Specialist on all issues and day-to-day agency and Finance support .

Employee Relations & Performance Management

1.      Provide performance management guidance to supervisors and support them in carrying out their responsibilities on all employee matters (coaching, mentoring professional development, disciplinary actions, terminations).

2.      Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues; where applicable, conduct effective, thorough and objective investigations.

3.      Manage employee communication and legal issues, and ensure legal compliance.

4.      Monitor Performance Management delivery and compliance,

5.      Provide coaching and recommendations to management and leadership teams on employee relations and performance management issues.

6.      Conduct employee exit surveys and interviews, track trends, and make recommendations to leadership.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Human Resources, Business, Psychology; Master’s degree in HR or business-related field preferred.

Professional: Minimum of 10 years of comprehensive Human Resources management experience, with a minimum of 5 years supervisory experience, required. Prior experience leading an HR function in a non-profit, preferred. Deep understanding of current HR trends in compensation, benefits, and performance evaluation frameworks and fluency with primary HR functions.  Understanding of best practices and experience in building inclusive and engaged workplaces; cultural awareness and sensitivity with lens on racial and gender equity.

Demonstrated ability to foster trust & teamwork among direct reports, peers and throughout the organization. Ensure the professional development for all direct reports. Strong verbal, written communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills.  Able to work well with individuals at all levels, both within and outside the organization.  Able to successfully manage multiple tasks, projects and priorities simultaneously.

Personal Attributes:

Demonstrate leadership, dedication, and an interpersonal savvy that helps establish effective relationships and an appropriate rapport with people; attentive and active listening skills; results/outcome oriented; approachable, organized; and demonstrate sound judgment in a leadership capacity.  Function well in a fast-paced environment, display a strong level of commitment and enthusiasm, demonstrate flexibility, and team player.  Motivated to help deliver the core mission.  Our best employees 1) set the bar high 2) are intentional and thoughtful about their choices 3) collaborate as a means to community solutions 4) are positive, can-do, and solution-oriented 5) embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion, and 6) are accountable and get it done.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS APPLICATION

INSTRUCTIONS

Cover letters and resumes can be submitted online at: http://bbbsi.gatherdocs.com/.  Note: only those applicants believed to be viable candidates for this opportunity will be contacted. No phone calls or 3^rd party solicitation please.

BBBSI promotes a culture of inclusion and seeks talented staff from diverse backgrounds.  BBBSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected factor.

** This position is currently remote. Staff will be given two (2) weeks advance notice before returning to the office.*