Program Director (Workforce Development, Higher Education, and Economic Policy)

NGA has transitioned to a new recruitment platform. If this is your first time returning to our site, please register as a new applicant. Program Director (Workforce Development, Higher Education, and Economic Policy) TITLE : Program Director (Workforce Development, Higher Education, and Economic Policy) ORGANIZATION : National Governors Association LOCATION : Washington, DC (onsite) DURATION : Full Time POSITION STATUS : Exempt COMPENSATION : A competitive compensation package will be made to the qualified candidate REPORTS TO : Managing Director, Center for Best Practices ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND : Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association is the bipartisan organization of governors from the 55 states, territories, and commonwealths. NGA’s mission is to share best practices, address issues of national and state interest, and drive innovative solutions that improve state government and support the principles of federalism. NGA’s Center for Best Practices is the policy and research arm that helps governors develop and implement solutions to public policy challenges. NGA’s State-Federal Affairs group assists in ensuring the voice of governors are heard in Congress, and the Executive Branch and NGA’s Communications team collaborates with governors’ offices to amplify bipartisan messaging and strategy. Throughout the year, NGA convenes Governors and senior advisors for meaningful discourse, problem-solving and thought leadership. Key Responsibilities The Program Director’s primary responsibilities will be to lead a team that provides support to governors and other state executive branch leaders on a range of workforce development, higher education, and economic policy issues. The Program Director will support governors in developing policy principles to inform federal policymaking as well as produce resources to shape the national debate around these policy issues. Key focus areas include: Identifying and developing policy solutions related to workforce development, higher education, and economic development policy and systems at the state and federal levels Work‑based talent strategies such as apprenticeship, service‑to‑career pathways, and short‑term education and training Impact of AI on the workforce Design of workforce pathways for diverse populations such as youth or those disconnected from the workforce State efforts around workforce program quality, accountability, and performance measurement Credentialing and skills‑recognition systems Navigating cross‑system alignment across workforce, education, and economic development to expand access to jobs and career opportunities This position requires the Program Director to manage a small staff of policy experts, develop a working knowledge of new issues quickly, execute regular briefings for governors’ staff, lead policy engagements with states, facilitate cross‑agency and cross‑sector collaboration, and respond to technical questions from governors’ offices on a wide range of policy topics. Other important responsibilities include: Overseeing multiple projects and project managers simultaneously, including consultants and subcontracts with states and external partners Overseeing and analyzing project budgets, projecting future spending, and developing financial proposals for potential new efforts Communicating effectively in verbal and written forms with policymaking audiences Designing project concepts and identifying funding for these concepts, including writing project concept papers and proposals, building relationships with philanthropic, public, corporate, and federal funders, and working with NGA’s Office of Development to support fundraising efforts Demonstrating strong interpersonal skills to work with colleagues, partner organizations, and high‑ranking state and federal officials Managing large‑scale projects with multiple staff and tasks simultaneously, in coordination with a diverse group of stakeholders Organizing and facilitating workshops, conferences, seminars, panel discussions, state strategy sessions and other events Identifying and tracking key issues of concern to governors, developing promising initiatives to address these concerns, and connecting governors’ key staff with experts who can assist them Demonstrating a commitment to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all governors Other duties as assigned by Center for Best Practices’ President and Managing Director Supervisory Responsibilities Oversee employees responsible for meeting project goals Set goals for performance, ensure staff are meeting organizational and personal development goals and evaluate staff job results through a performance management system Implement internal control policies and procedures for all program activities (including budgets and deliverables) Oversee employee learning and identify training needs in coordination with the Managing Director, Center for Best Practices and Human Resources Qualifications Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in public policy or a related field. Candidates should have a minimum of eight to ten years working in areas of policies and programs that align with the portfolio, including expert knowledge of and experience working on issues related to workforce, higher education, and economic development policies and programs. Ideal candidate experience: Worked with high‑level state policymakers in various settings Organized small and large‑scale convenings with strong presentation skills, including serving as subject matter expert and/or panelist Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders Managed budgets on multiple projects with various funding streams, including federal and foundation grants Handled and processed highly sensitive and critical information Managed a professional team that works together and independently in a dynamic environment Communicated essential information clearly and concisely, both in writing and verbally Travel as necessary Compensation Salary Range: $150,000 - $190,000 annually. The final salary offered will be based on qualifications and experience. Physical and Sensory Demands Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. NGA is committed to providing a productive and safe environment. Background and reference check investigations are conducted for all final applicants considered for employment. Working at the National Governors Association NGA staff proudly serve our nation’s governors daily, and it’s our mission to ensure we offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package, to include healthcare and more, designed to support the needs of NGA employees. NGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to any protected characteristic under applicable law. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr National Governors Association