Program Manager

Foundation List; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement savings

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

AD&D

Vacation

Paid holidays

Cell phone reimbursement

Gym reimbursement

Education assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Foundation for the Mid South is seeking a Program Manager in Jackson, MS to support implementation, coordination, reporting, budgeting, and partner follow-up. You will collaborate with program officers, internal teams, grantees, and external partners to advance equitable opportunities across the Mid South under the direction of the Chief Strategy Officer.

The role emphasizes strong project management, detail orientation, and accountability, with a focus on Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi

Qualifications

• Experience in philanthropy, grantmaking, nonprofit organizations, or community development.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and deliverables.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day implementation of programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Maintain project work plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Monitor activities for alignment with goals and funding requirements.
• Identify challenges and propose solutions.

Skills

Project management

Accountability

Collaboration

Communication

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Education

Master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management tools

Job description

Job Title: Program Manager Location: Jackson, MS Reports To: Chief Strategy Officer Classification: Full-Time (Exempt) Supervisory Function: No Geographic Focus: Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, with a particular emphasis on the Mississippi Delta____________________________________________________________________________

Job Summary

The Foundation for the Mid South (FMS) seeks a highly organized, collaborative, results-oriented Program Manager to support implementation, coordination, reporting, budgeting, partner follow-up, and program documentation. The Program Manager reports to the Chief Strategy Officer and works closely with the Program Officers, internal teams, grantees, and external partners to support program implementation and coordination.The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong project management skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to advancing equitable opportunities for communities throughout the Mid South.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management and Implementation

• Coordinating day-to-day implementation of assigned programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Maintaining project work plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Monitoring program activities to ensure alignment with organizational goals and funding requirements.
• Identifying implementation challenges and recommending appropriate solutions.
• Coordinating multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring timely completion of assigned responsibilities.

Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Building and maintaining productive relationships with community organizations, nonprofit partners, grantees, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinating meetings and partner follow-up, flagging challenges early, preparing updates and reports.
• Serving as a point of contact for assigned programs and external partners.
• Supporting collaborative initiatives that strengthen communities throughout the Mid South.

Grantmaking and Program Support

• Assisting with the administration and monitoring of grantmaking activities.
• Tracking grantee progress, reporting requirements, and program deliverables.
• Reviewing program reports and supporting documentation for completeness and compliance.
• Supporting the development of grant proposals, funding requests, and program-related materials.
• Maintaining accurate and organized program records.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Track program performance against established goals and measurable outcomes.
• Collect, organize, and analyze program data to assess progress and effectiveness.
• Prepare program updates, progress reports, presentations, and other materials for leadership, funders, and stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for program improvements based on data, feedback, and lessons learned.

Budget and Resource Management

• Monitoring assigned program budgets and expenditures in collaboration with the Finance Department.
• Tracking program expenses to ensure alignment with approved budgets and funding requirements.
• Assisting with financial reporting and budget projections.
• Identifying potential budget concerns and communicating them to appropriate leadership.

Internal Coordination and Organizational Support

• Collaborate with program staff and other departments to ensure effective coordination of organizational initiatives.
• Provide regular updates to leadership regarding program progress, challenges, and accomplishments.
• Support strategic planning activities and organizational priorities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Project Management: Ability to organize, prioritize, and execute multiple initiatives effectively.
• Accountability: Commitment to meeting deadlines, maintaining accurate records, and achieving measurable results.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with colleagues, community partners, and external stakeholders.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly with diverse audiences.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify challenges, evaluate alternatives, and implement practical solutions.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to changing organizational priorities and program needs.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits, including 401(k) retirement savings and planning, medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, vacation, and paid holidays. Other benefits include cell phone and gym reimbursement, education assistance, and professional development.

Salary Range

$55,000 – $65,000

Required Qualifications

• Experience working in philanthropy, grantmaking, nonprofit organizations, or community development.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects, timelines, and deliverables.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment.

• Familiarity with the social, economic, and community development landscape of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
• Experience managing grant-funded programs and preparing reports for funders.
• Knowledge of program evaluation, performance measurement, and data collection.
• Established relationships with community-based organizations and stakeholders throughout the Mid South, particularly within the Mississippi Delta.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and project management tools.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree, philanthropy and grantmaking experience, funder reporting, evaluation experience, and knowledge of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, and existing relationships in the Delta.
• Minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible experience in program management, project coordination, nonprofit administration, or a related field.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role is demonstrated by maintaining current, accurate program workplans; submitting timely, comprehensive reports; keeping program files and documentation organized and accessible; and consistently following up with grantees, partners, and stakeholders. The Program Manager effectively monitors program budgets, tracks expenditures and deliverables, and provides clear, timely updates to leadership regarding program progress, challenges, and emerging priorities. Through strong organization, accountability, attention to detail, and proactive communication, the Program Manager ensures efficient program operations and supports the Foundation for the Mid South’s mission and strategic goals.