Program Manager, Empower & Protect

The Empower & Protect (E&P) program supports state-based power-building ecosystems through technical assistance, training, and capacity building focused on operations, HR, finance, risk management, and compliance. E&P is grounded in deep partnership with state leaders and tailored implementation approaches that reflect the unique needs of each organization and ecosystem. The program is currently expanding into several priority states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Texas. The Program Manager role is a full-time position reporting to the Senior Director of the Empower and Protect Program, and is responsible for driving implementation of the program across several key states. This role serves as the primary point of contact for program participants while ensuring strong coordination, progress toward shared goals, and alignment with program strategy. The Program Manager translates strategy into action by managing timelines, supporting implementation, navigating evolving stakeholder needs, and strengthening systems and feedback loops that support long-term program learning and impact.

Responsibilities

Program Implementation and Management (Tier 1 and Tier 2) Lead Tier 1 program implementation from onboarding through close-out Serve as the primary point of contact for Tier 1 and Tier 2 participants, ensuring clear communication, strong relationships and consistent support Develop and execute implementation plans that reflect the mutual agreements between NLA and participating partners Track participant progress across phases of work (onboarding, assessment, execution, and close out) and identify next steps to advance them towards their goals Identify trends, risks, and escalation needs and proactively elevate them to Senior Director E&P Lead Tier 2 recruitment, onboarding, and retention of program participants in coordination with program leadership Coordinate with state legal teams and E&P trainers to ensure alignment and smooth delivery of program components Support state leads to successfully run field trainings and support implementation logistics Embed NLA values into all aspects of project management, implementation, and partners engagement. Coaching & Capacity Building Support Oversee coaches supporting Tier 2 participants Lead regular monthly check-ins with coaches and Subject Matter Leads (SMLs) Facilitate coach learning spaces to share challenges, wins, and lessons learned. Balance NLA Priorities, coach perspectives, and participant needs, prioritizing a leader-centric and relationship-based approach. Stakeholder Engagement Coordinate and support internal and external stakeholders working toward shared benchmarks and outcomes Drive stakeholder engagement through regular check-ins, follow-up communications, scheduling support and training Mitigate challenges as they arise to ensure deliverables are met on time and with quality Foster clear communication and alignment across partners, coaches, legal teams, trainers and internal staff. Process Documentation & Systems Create and maintain standardized templates and tools for onboarding, assessments, meeting agendas and implementation tracking Develop and manage project plans with clear benchmarks, timelines and key results Maintain up-to-date progress, metrics, and documentation in project management systems (e.g. Asana, Airtable) Identify risks and issues early and implement solutions to keep work on track Identify, implement and improve systems and tools (e.g. Google Suite, Asana,) to enhance efficiency and user experience Ensure strong data hygiene, including accurate contact lists, participation records and engagement tracking Learning, Evaluation and Continuous Improvement Ensure ongoing implementation of evaluation tool for all E&P training sessions Gather input from participating organizations through debriefs, check-ins, and reflection spaces to inform program improvements Elevate statewide insights, patterns and lessons learned to the Sr E&P Director to inform strategy and adaptation Collaboratively test and adapt long-term processes, making incremental improvements in real time Skills and Qualifications Strong alignment with NLA’s vision and organizational values At least 5 years of relevant experience in program management for movement-building organizations Experience with multi-entity and/or state-based movement organizations, including 501(c)(3)s, 501(c)(4)s, political campaigns, and/or PACs Excellent and demonstrable project management skills that includes: Knowledge of multiple project management methodologies and how to apply them into improving program processes Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time, priorities, and resources effectively across multiple projects at various stages Experience designing and maintaining processes and systems using collaborative tools such as Asana, Airtable and Google Suite Strong relationship building skills and ability to manage diverse stakeholders in a fast paced, values-driven and team-oriented environment Flexibility and adaptability — ability to engage in independent and creative problem-solving in a growing organization Proactive problem solving skills including the ability to anticipate challenges, flag risks early, and maintain big-picture progress Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, including experience leading and facilitating project meetings Ability and willingness to work in and contribute to development of an emergent environment of a growing start-up nonprofit where systems and processes are regularly evolving to meet the political moment. Commitment to continuous learning, curiosity and growth, including seeking feedback, asking questions, and applying new learning in practice Compensation, Benefits, and Position Details Title: Program Manager, Empower & Protect Reports to: Senior E&P Director Hours: Full Time Location: Remote, U.S.-based (applicants must reside and be able to legally work in the United States); Some domestic travel required (3-5 times per year) Compensation: $75,000-$86,000 Benefits: NLA offers a competitive benefits package available to all full-time employees, including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short-term Disability, and Health FSA Flexible paid time off, including vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, 1-week summer break, and 1-week winter break Professional development stipend Working from home stipend Retirement plan with up to 4% matching Equal Opportunity Employer New Left Accelerator and The Capacity Shop provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 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