Associate, Programs

Forwardarkansas; Arkansas; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Forwardarkansas is seeking an early-career operational specialist for a hybrid position focused on managing operational systems and supporting programmatic work. Candidates should possess 1-3 years of operational experience, technical expertise in Google Suite, and proficiency in tools like Salesforce and Asana. Compensation ranges from $60,000 to $70,000 with a comprehensive benefits package. A commitment to educational outcomes for Arkansas students is essential.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of operational experience preferred.
• Content knowledge relevant to Forward’s mission and vision preferred.
• Technical expertise in Google Suite is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage operational systems for the Programs team.
• Support programmatic work through operational functions.
• Act as key administrative support during meetings.

Skills

Operational systems management

Google Suite

Salesforce

Task management tools

Constant Contact

Asana

Job description

Forward is seeking an early-career operational specialist who is passionate about building and leading strong operational systems in a mission-driven context. This person should reside in Arkansas, expect a hybrid work setting, and occasionally travel in-state, including to rural and Delta regions, to fulfill program roles and responsibilities.

Exceptional candidates should be energized about and skilled in the following competencies:

Operational Excellence

• Manage all operational systems and execute on operational tools relative to the work of the Programs team
• Leverage strong instincts about operational solutions in the programmatic context, and take initiative to roll out and manage those solutions

Administrative Expert

• Leverage technical expertise in Google Suite (required)
• Comfortable acting as a key administrative support in meetings (tracking tasks, embedding learnings in our ecosystem, processing next steps, etc)
• Exceptional candidates will also have technical skill and background in Salesforce, Constant Contact, and Asana
• Technical curiosity about emerging technologies or tools that could strengthen Forward’s work and impact
• Act as a team player, being quick to respond and solutions-driven when thinking about operational supports for programmatic work
• Influence others and manage up to ensure operational tasks are not stalled and barriers are addressed
• Support the seamless execution of virtual and in-person convenings, webinars, and gatherings

Solutions-Driven Problem-Solving

• Demonstrate a willingness to learn, grow, and develop in technology tools
• Proactively support programmatic work through key operational functions (back-end event support, drafting communications, managing file systems and communications channels, etc)
• Track progress, updates, and dependencies across multiple priorities, with an eye toward prioritization and “keeping the main thing the main thing”

Who You Are

Highly qualified candidates should have:

• 1-3 years of operational experience preferred
• Content knowledge relevant to Forward’s mission and vision preferred (educational or nonprofit background)
• Technical expertise in Google Suite (required)
• Technical expertise in Salesforce and Constant Contact (strongly preferred)
• Technical skill in task management tools or systems and other efficiency-driving technology tools

Additionally, candidates who would thrive in this role are:

• Exceptional task managers who have strong personal organization systems
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and moving nimbly between priorities
• Focused on finding solutions to complex challenges
• Confident influencing others and managing up to support completion of next steps
• Seeing all the threads across various priorities and keeping a pulse on what’s most critical in the moment
• Proactive doers who love checking off a checklist

All Roles at Forward Require

• Commitment to improved educational outcomes for students in Arkansas
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the state (and occasionally nationally)
• Residency in the state of Arkansas
• Authorization to work in the United States

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation for this role is expected to range from $60,000 - $70,000. Final compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience. The position also includes a comprehensive benefits package.