Program Innovation Manager

WHO WE ARE Gary Community Ventures is a philanthropic organization that combines the power of business, policy, and philanthropy to increase opportunity for Colorado kids and families. We use our resources to make impact investments, fund policy and advocacy initiatives, provide philanthropic grants, and incubate new social change solutions through our Venture Lab. In partnership with our community, we bring these tools together to break down systemic barriers and build breakthrough solutions that improve outcomes in the areas of School Readiness, Youth Success, and Family Economic Mobility. The Dearfield Fund is focused on expanding equitable access to homeownership, wealth-building, and community investment opportunities for historically underserved families and communities. Through innovative financing, strategic partnerships, and community‑centered programming, the Fund works to create scalable pathways to economic mobility and long‑term stability. ABOUT THE ROLE The Program Innovation Manager, Dearfield Fund, leads the implementation, coordination, and continuous improvement of Dearfield's homeowner support and wrap‑around services strategy. This role oversees the development and execution of services that support prospective and current homeowners throughout the homeownership journey, from pre‑purchase readiness through post‑purchase stability and long‑term wealth‑building. The Program Innovation Manager, Dearfield Fund, serves as a lead partner and relationship manager across Dearfield's homeowner support ecosystem, aligning service providers, community partners, and internal stakeholders to drive successful homeowner outcomes. The role combines strategic program leadership, partnership management, operational systems‑building, and homeowner engagement with a strong focus on equitable homeownership, housing stability, and economic mobility for families. This is an individual contributor role with significant responsibility for leading cross‑functional initiatives, managing strategic partnerships, and directing program implementation across internal teams and external partners. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in evolving environments, enjoys building systems and processes from the ground up, and can balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution. WHAT YOU’LL DO Strategy and Program Leadership (25%) Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of Dearfield's homeowner success and wrap‑around services model across the full homeownership lifecycle, pre‑purchase, post‑purchase, and long‑term wealth‑building. Design and manage program frameworks, workflows, timelines, operational systems, homeowner engagement strategies, and evaluation metrics that ensure high‑quality service delivery. Translate organizational priorities into work plans and service delivery approaches that support homeowner stability, retention, and long‑term success. Track project milestones, deliverables, risks, and dependencies across multiple initiatives, and identify opportunities to strengthen homeowner offerings and operational efficiency. Lead special projects and research that inform leadership decision‑making and the evolution of homeowner support, including systems and tools to monitor engagement, retention, housing stability, and financial outcomes. Partnership Development and Program Coordination (30%) Lead and manage relationships with service providers, lenders, housing organizations, financial coaches, realtors, community‑based organizations, and strategic partners that support homeowner success. Develop and maintain partnership agreements, referral pathways, and service coordination processes that ensure seamless, high‑quality homeowner support. Coordinate cross‑functional implementation across internal staff, consultants, vendors, and external partners to align priorities, communications, and homeowner services. Serve as a key organizational representative with partners, community organizations, and stakeholders to advance equitable homeownership opportunities. Guide partners through program processes and drive continuous improvement across the homeowner support ecosystem. Homeowner Engagement and Support (30%) Oversee the delivery and ongoing evolution of homeowner support services so families receive coordinated guidance and resources throughout the homeownership journey. Lead homeowner engagement initiatives, including peer learning, community‑building efforts, and long‑term homeowner programming. Maintain visibility into homeowner experiences, emerging challenges, and service gaps to keep programs responsive to community needs and inform program improvements. Develop tools, educational resources, and engagement approaches that support successful homeownership, financial wellness, and long‑term asset growth. Provide high‑level guidance to homeowners navigating complex challenges, and connect families to the right resources and partners. Operations, Reporting, and Technology (15%) Maintain and oversee CRM systems, program tracking, and reporting infrastructure to support program operations, data integrity, and continuous improvement. Support grant administration, compliance tracking, and the preparation of grant reports, presentations, and impact summaries for funders and stakeholders. Monitor program effectiveness and partner performance using qualitative and quantitative data to inform operational improvements and strategic decisions. Support the implementation and optimization of CRM systems, homeowner engagement platforms, reporting infrastructure, and workflow tools that strengthen operational efficiency and homeowner outcomes. Partner with impact investing, communications, and operations teams on reporting, storytelling, and public‑facing materials related to homeowner success. Support planning, budgeting, and operational coordination for homeowner success initiatives. Requirements WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR We're looking for a strategic, relationship‑driven leader who can manage complex initiatives and build strong partnerships that drive successful, long‑term homeownership outcomes for families. The ideal candidate is proactive, entrepreneurial, and energized by building and improving systems, partnerships, and processes in a growing organization, with a strong commitment to equity, community engagement, and client economic mobility. The successful candidate is collaborative, systems‑oriented, and highly organized, with the ability to influence and direct work across teams and partners without formal supervisory authority. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Strong program leadership and implementation skills, including the ability to design, coordinate, and improve service delivery models and operational processes. Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives and manage relationships across internal teams and external stakeholders. Proven partnership development and relationship management skills with community organizations, financial institutions, housing partners, and service providers. Strong facilitation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trust and navigate complex relationships. Ability to analyze program data, participant feedback, and operational outcomes to drive strategic planning and continuous improvement. Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive execution in a fast‑paced environment. Entrepreneurial, solution‑oriented mindset that balances strategic thinking with hands‑on implementation. Proficiency with CRM systems, project management tools, reporting platforms, and data systems used to support program management and evaluation. Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to navigate sensitive homeowner and partner situations with professionalism and confidentiality. Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, community development, nonprofit management, housing, social work, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience will be considered. Five or more years implementing and managing programs or initiatives focused on housing stability, economic mobility, financial wellness, community development, or related areas. Demonstrated experience managing external partnerships and coordinating cross‑sector collaborations. Experience working directly with families on homebuyer readiness, financial coaching, homeowner support, or related services preferred. Proven experience leading strategic initiatives with a high degree of independent judgment and accountability. Experience developing operational systems, impact metrics, and program evaluation processes. Familiarity with homeownership systems, mortgage readiness, wealth‑building strategies, and community‑based service ecosystems preferred. Experience with CRM databases, reporting systems, and program operations management. WORK ENVIRONMENT This position is based in our downtown Denver office at Union Station and operates within a professional business setting. The role frequently involves computer‑based work, including the use of voice and video conferencing tools. It requires extended periods of sitting, computer use, and virtual communication. This position will be staffed through the 33rd Talent Corporation, which is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We treat all employees and job applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent, and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. Salary Range $105,000 to $125,000 #J-18808-Ljbffr Garycommunity