Program Manager

Retirement Living; West Virginia; Remote; USD 62,508 - 89,027; Part time

Job summary

A regional community services organization is seeking a Program Manager to lead a pilot program expanding community-based Villages in Virginia. The ideal candidate will have extensive project management experience, excellent communication skills, and a strong understanding of community development. This remote independent contractor position offers competitive compensation of up to $55/hour. Applications are accepted until filled, with an emphasis on serving underserved communities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-8 years of project management experience.
• Experience with grant administration.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead pilot initiative to expand the Village model statewide.
• Collaborate with the Virginia Villages Collective to evolve project plans.
• Monitor progress of groups in the VMC Incubator Program.

Skills

Project management

Community relations

Organizational development

Public speaking

Spanish language proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management tools

Data collection platforms

Job description

Program Manager

Company - Virginia Villages: Aging Well in Community Pilot Program

Employment Type - Other

The Virginia Villages Collective (VVC) and Washington Area Villages Exchange (WAVE) are seeking a dynamic, experienced Program Manager to lead a groundbreaking pilot program to scale the expansion of aging-in-community Villages in Virginia. Expansion is pursued along two tracks: 1) building the capacity and sustainability of existing Villages through a grant program; and 2) providing guidance and assistance to local groups for developing new Villages in underserved areas.

A Village is a community-based, local non-profit organization that relies on volunteers to help older adults age in their homes and communities. The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills and experience, a track record of successfully leading community-based initiatives, and the ability to maintain and build strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders.

This independent contractor position is funded through a one-year appropriation from the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DARS), with a likelihood that funding will continue for another two years at a still-to-be-determined level. See addendum for organizational context and details.

Scope of Work

Project Management

• Lead pilot initiative to expand the Village model statewide in Virginia and build the initiative into an ongoing program. Recruit sponsors to create new Villages, especially in underserved areas, and build operating and development capacity.
• Collaborate with the Virginia Villages Collective (VVC) to evolve the project description into a formal project plan, including a comprehensive communication and outreach plan to engage sponsors and groups, and to support the grant program for existing Villages.
• Prepare monthly progress reports, summarize accomplishments, identify issues, and propose solutions for VVC/WAVE resolution.
• Oversee the work of the communications and administration coordinator.
• Collaborate with the project evaluation team to provide process, output and outcome data to assess effectiveness. Evaluation may include: Process Evaluation (engagement strategies, partnerships), Output Evaluation (outreach events, recruitment), and Outcome Evaluation (awareness and geographic/demographic reach).

Village Start-up & Expansion Activities

• Identify and organize the first cohort of Village startups. The cohort will enroll in the Village Movement California (VMC) Incubator Program, a six-phase curriculum guiding Village planning groups through startup steps.
• Monitor progress of groups in the VMC Incubator Program.
• Assess need for additional startup support to complement the Incubator program.
• Engage with organizations in underserved communities to assess Village development potential.
• Present at workshops, webinars, and community meetings to educate the public about Villages and build demand for expansion in Virginia.

Grant Program Management

• Implement a grant program to support operating Villages in the Commonwealth and provide logistical support for grant review and selection.
• Oversee grant awards and administration for projects that reduce social isolation.
• Provide ongoing technical assistance, reporting, and outcomes tracking to grantees; ensure compliance with grant guidelines.

Program Evaluation

• Support the work of the third-party evaluation team and monitor evaluation efforts.

Position Type

Independent Contractor

Reports to

Virginia Villages Collective (VVC) Steering Group and the Board of Directors of the Washington Area Villages Exchange (WAVE)

Compensation Range

Up to $55/hour for 36 weeks, based on experience

Application Deadline

Open until filled. Project start date subject to funding availability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum 5-8 years of project management experience with large projects related to community development, community relations, organizational development, and/or change management
• Experience with grant administration
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Familiarity with Virginia and knowledge of Virginia’s aging services network
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, project management tools, data collection, and virtual collaboration platforms
• Experience with the Village model and Village operations is a strong plus
• Spanish language proficiency a plus

Working Conditions

• Remote work with occasional in-person meetings in the D.C. area
• Ability to travel throughout Virginia for site visits, meetings, and presentations
• Occasional evenings or weekends for community meetings, as needed
• Independent contractor status; responsible for taxes, equipment, and business expenses

VVC/WAVE is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.

How to Apply

Submit by email a resume, cover letter, and three professional references from within the last five years to [e-mail]. In the subject line, indicate VVC Program Manager. In your cover letter, describe your experience in project management with community-based initiatives and organizational development and why you are interested in helping expand the Village Model in Virginia.

Addendum: Organizational Context

The Virginia Villages Collective (VVC) was created in December 2022 as an informal association of Virginia’s 18 Villages. Its mission includes increasing awareness, promoting development, fostering growth, and establishing partnerships to serve older Virginians and caregivers. Funding in FY2026 supports a pilot program to reduce social isolation and expand Village availability. VVC and WAVE have entered a fiscal sponsorship arrangement to implement the program.

Washington Area Villages Exchange (WAVE) is a 501(c)(3) organization serving 81 Villages across VA, WV, MD, and DC. WAVE provides financial, legal, HR, insurance, tax, and regulatory support and oversees funds.

Village Movement California (VMC) is a California coalition offering a Village Incubator program to guide startup Village planning groups. Virginia will participate in this program to support Virginia Village planners in the pilot process.

What Makes This a Pilot Program?

This program expands VVC’s prior volunteer work and aims to reach underserved populations and combat social isolation. It will be evaluated on several exploratory questions related to effectiveness of grants, startup recruitment, rural/underserved expansion, and potential replication in other states.

Contact This Member

Contact Positive Aging Community

Name • Email • Phone Number • Message