Program Manager, Policy & Research

New England Board of Higher Education Boston, MA Position Title: Program Manager, Policy and Research (LDA)Department: Policy & ResearchReports To: Associate Director of Policy & ResearchGENERAL SUMMARY: The Program Manager, Policy and Research (P&R) will play a critical role in managing and implementing grant-funded programs in alignment with the P&R team's strategic priorities"”workforce alignment, affordability, and equity in higher education. The Program Manager will oversee the day-to-day logistics of grant projects, foster and maintain engagement with key stakeholders (e.g. grantees, funders, higher education and policy leaders), coordinate events, and assist the Policy and Research team with its broader portfolio of work. This role will work closely with the Associate Director of Policy and Research and other team members to accomplish deliverables in accordance with grant requirements and timelines. The position is a limited duration appointment (LDA) for 24 months, with extensions contingent on funding.Current programs include:The Tech Talent Accelerator (TTA) Program"”This initiative builds upon two previous phases of work, begun in 2021 when The New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) and the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) were designated by the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS) to direct a higher education innovation challenge: The Connecticut Higher Education Tech Talent Accelerator. Through the state's initial investment in TTA, 13 partnerships between business and higher education institutions have been built. In this third phase, with an additional investment from the State of Connecticut, TTA will address ongoing developments related to the incorporation of AI technologies in tech occupations across industries, working to increase access to credential pathways leading to in-demand tech jobs and strengthen collaboration between business and higher education institutions.The Learn and Earn Internship Challenge"”Funded by the Strada Education Foundation, The Learn & Earn Internship Challenge is a multi-phase initiative designed to build a sustainable and scalable internship ecosystem across the six New England states. This project is a partnership between the Burning Glass Institute (BGI) and the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE), with a goal to create 10,000 new paid, high quality Learn-and-Earn (LAE) internships for postsecondary students over the next three years. The initiative will increase awareness of the economic value of internships, influence policy development, and foster equity in work-based learning experiences. Ultimately, it will contribute to national discourse on internships as a bridge between academic training and career readiness.NEBHE BACKGROUND:Established in 1955 by six visionary New England governors, the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) is a regional compact that works across New England to help leaders assess, develop, and implement education practices and policies of regional significance; promote regional cooperation that encourages efficient sharing of education resources; and strengthen the relationship between higher education and the regional economy. Based in downtown Boston, NEBHE is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization.ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: Program Implementation & CommunicationCollaborate with the Associate Director to plan and develop grantmaking processes, including drafting requests for proposals, evaluations of proposals, and identifying strategies for technical assistance.Oversee the day-to-day logistics and activities necessary to accomplish grant deliverables, ensuring deadlines and requirements are met.Support regular data collection and reporting efforts in alignment with grant program requirements in collaboration with the Research Associate or Data Engineer.Manage grant budgets and program reporting.Provide input for website content, press releases, and marketing materials in collaboration with the Director of Communications.Assist with research, analysis, and labor market data researchIdentify and communicate resource needs to ensure successful completion of grant activities.Stakeholder EngagementManage communications with grant program stakeholders, external partners, and policymakers and their staff members.Support the identification and development of partner relationships, including institutional, business, policy leaders, and other organizations.Provide technical assistance to external partners, including RFP submissions, grantmaking processes, etc.Event CoordinationLead the planning and executing of program-related events (e.g. partner meetings, community of practice meetings, and other events, collaborating with the Associate Director to ensure content aligns with organizational and stakeholder goals.Coordinate event logistics, including speaker outreach, agenda development, invitations, registrations, and follow-ups, while delegating administrative tasks to the Program Coordinator and team support as needed.QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:Required Bachelor's degreeStrong project management skills, with experience overseeing multiple initiatives, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring timely delivery of goals and milestones.Demonstrated experience in supervising and mentoring team membersProven ability to engage and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including educational institutions, policymakers, industry leaders, and funders.Excellent communications skills, both written and oral, with the ability to translate complex material into a simple and approachable language.Exceptional time management, facilitation, and organizational skillsDetail-oriented and able to work both independently and collaborativelyExperience organizing and facilitating events, from community of practice sessions to large conferences, and managing event logistics and content.Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with a focus on adapting programs to evolving needs and proactively identifying solutionsStrong computer and technology skills, including working knowledge of Office 365, Teams, and ZoomPreferred Proficiency with labor market data research platforms such as LightcastGeneral familiarity with workforce development policies, programs, and practices within the New England context.Knowledge of communications technologies, web design and development tools and principles (e.g., Constant Contact, WordPress, Adobe InDesign)Demonstrated experience with program marketing and outreachPrevious experience working on grant-funded projectsBENEFITSMedical and dental insuranceLife and disability insurancePaid holidays and vacationRetirement planFlexible work environmentOvernight travel is occasionally requiredCONTACTInterested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume or CV on LinkedIn or email to using the subject line: "NEBHE TTA Program Manager."

Created: 2025-02-15