Program Manager
Reports to: Director of Programs
Direct reports: Community Learning Groups Coordinator
Status: Full-time 40hrs/week consistent schedule M-F will be required | Hybrid 50/50 - In Office/Work From Home
Organizational Information -
Mission Statement
The Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy strengthens the countywide adult English literacy network to support a thriving community and effective workforce.
Aspirational Vision Statement
MCAEL envisions a culturally diverse community where dreams are achieved through the power of literacy.
About MCAEL
MCAEL traces its beginnings to 2002 when the Montgomery County Council, adult English literacy programs and community stakeholders worked together to address the growing demand for programs and services. MCAEL incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization in 2006 and received its 501(c)(3) tax status in 2008. The organization, now in its 15th year, continues to grow and develop and enjoys an excellent reputation in the county and with our partners.
MCAEL has two major programs, supported by a variety of activities:
- Capacity Building – MCAEL provides literacy program staff and instructors:
- professional development trainings and workshops using research-based practices
- maintains a library of respected teaching materials and resources
- facilitates networking opportunities
- administers County grants and raises other private grant funds to be awarded to adult English literacy programs
- Community Education and Engagement – MCAEL collects data on literacy and publishes reports; advocates for resources for literacy; educates and creates awareness about the challenges and solutions to literacy issues facing Montgomery County
Position Overview -
The Program Manager is part of the program team at MCAEL. The successful applicant will have experience: working in a fast-paced environment, managing programs, collecting and synthesizing data in Excel, using a database, coordinating programs/events/meetings (Including recruitment, communication, scheduling and follow-up). This person will be part of a small program team which provides support, capacity building, funding, and/or grants management to around 60 adult ESOL programs in Montgomery County which includes 1,000 instructors and staff reaching over 11,000 adult ESOL learners each year.
Job Responsibilities -
Grant Process Management
- Maintain a portfolio of grant partners as their primary contact for substantive questions and planning
- In consultation with Program Team & Manager of Administration and Grants develop annual grant guidelines and timeline for annual MCAEL grant application process, as well as updates needed for MCAEL Grants Portal.
- Conduct annual recruitment of Grant Review Panel; manage grant panel communications throughout grants review process
- Coordinate the processes associated with grant applicants and grant panel processes
- Collect and analyze grant data to inform programming, communications and grant priorities and funder reports.
MCAEL Network Capacity Building
- Plan and organize Network Meetings for program administrators and instructors that respond to current issues and coalition needs including identifying and contacting potential speakers, and developing agendas and materials
- Ensure timely follow-up to meetings with any notes, communications, data input
- Provide ongoing support to grant and coalition partners to respond to questions and requests for technical assistance; connect them with network opportunities and facilitate collaboration
- Support and facilitate network communications and collaboration by connecting ESOL programs to other county resources
Community Program Development & Engagement
- Coordinate and support the Community Learning Groups (CLG) Program, including pre-assessment of CLG participants and referral to existing ESOL classes, data tracking, and strategic outreach for implementation/expansion of the program.
- Create grass roots level connections with people, organizations, and communities where MCAEL can connect with individuals and groups about the ESOL network and opportunities for them to participate, including as grant panel members and members of the Learner Leadership Group
- Working closely with the Program Team, develop and implement activities to center learner voices in MCAEL’s work
- Represent MCAEL at selected County and community events and meetings
- Attend MCAEL events and support MCAEL events and meetings as necessary and appropriate
- Maintain contact lists for organizations and people in Salesforce
Data Management and Analysis
- Collect and analyze program data, including but not limited to: attendance and survey results from MCAEL workshops, trainings and meetings, annual surveys, and class directory information
- Regularly (3-4 times annually) ensure updates to data are made and shared
- Ensure timely and accurate updates of data to SharePoint folders for grant writer and communications team
- Use data to forecast trends, identify needs, and explore new programming, training, or support to the adult ESOL network
- Assist with preparing reports, presentations, and articles to showcase MCAEL’s work and organizational results
- Use Salesforce and Grants Management Database to ensure data and information is recorded and accurate
- Provide regular reports on data trends for workshop, meeting, and other attendance to grant partners and MCAEL staff
Other duties as assigned depending on the needs of the organization.
Qualifications (a combination of degrees and other relevant experience may be considered)
- Program management experience with nonprofit or other entity
- Adult ESOL program experience preferred
- Commitment to working with nonprofits and/or community entities
- Data collection skills required along with an ability to assess data and recommend action based on that data analysis
- Effective team member
- Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with varied audiences
- Bilingual or multilingual preferred
- Excellent command of Microsoft Office
- Experience with Salesforce or other databases preferred
- Appreciation and interest in working to support a diverse community in Montgomery County
- This job may require lifting items up to 25 lbs and moving tables and chairs for meetings
MCAEL seeks to hire individuals who have interest and experience in any or all of the following: building community, supporting English language learning for immigrants, coalition building, partnership development and adult education. Bring an inquiring mind, a desire to address community development passion, grassroots organizing, innovative thinking and flexibility are all traits that would enable a MCAEL employee to be successful. Experience living in a culture that is not one’s native culture would be a plus. MCAEL’s staff is small but mighty, thus the ability to work as a part of a dynamic, high-energy team and individually to accomplish mutually shared goals and support a growing and dynamic coalition.
Interested applicants should submit cover letter and resume to admin@mcael.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Salary: $60,000 - $70,000. Other benefits include: healthcare (50% of premium if plan purchase through MCAEL), retirement plan, vacation, sick, and personal time at a rate commensurate with employment status; professional development support.
