Program Manager, Economic Mobility Action Labs

The Program Manager reports to the Director of Future of Work and supports the full scope of the Action Lab's work. This is a hands-on, coordination-heavy role that blends research and analysis with project management, stakeholder engagement, and internal operations. The Program Manager will quarterback key initiatives alongside the Action Lab lead: ensuring that cross-institutional partnerships move with clarity and momentum and building the systems that allow the Action Lab to operate at a high level. This role offers direct exposure to a wide range of Triangle institutions — from employers and foundations to community organizations and government partners — and will develop deep, firsthand understanding of the opportunities and barriers shaping economic mobility across the region.

Responsibilities

Coordinate cross-institutional initiatives that advance the economic mobility of Triangle residents, ensuring all partners are aligned on priorities, roles, and next steps; Quarterback Action Lab initiatives in close partnership with the Director of Future of Work, driving consistent follow-through and execution across partner organizations; Manage UWGT's annual Request for Proposals process — from drafting and release through submission review, expert feedback coordination, and decision support; Represent UWGT and the Action Lab with key stakeholders in 1:1 settings and at public events and convenings; Conduct research to identify previously undiscovered or underleveraged opportunities to advance economic mobility in the Triangle; Synthesize findings from research, partner engagement, and initiative data into clear, accessible analysis for internal and external audiences; Present analysis and insights to funder convenings, employer groups, and other stakeholder audiences; Coordinate funder convenings around key issues impacting economic mobility — managing logistics, developing agendas, and facilitating productive dialogue among diverse stakeholders; Organize employer sector groups, including managing invitations, communications, logistics, and event planning, while proactively engaging employers and partners in advance; Build and steward relationships with a diverse range of public and private institutions across the Triangle; Develop and codify internal and external systems to ensure the smooth operation of the Action Lab and its initiatives, including project management, measurement, and stakeholder coordination systems; Create clarity for partners and collaborators by maintaining organized, up-to-date systems across complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives; Contribute to the ongoing improvement of how the Action Lab tracks, measures, and communicates its work and impact; Develop into the internal champion of everything Submittable – our grants management portal that coordinates applications, reports, and employee assistance programs; Be the technical assistance for nonprofit partners utilizing Submittable; Provide summary impact data and stories to organization leadership

Requirements

3 - 5 years of experience; 2–4 years of experience in program management, community development, workforce development, policy, or a related field; Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously; Proficiency in data synthesis and presentation; comfort using project management and tracking tools; English; Deeply passionate about economic mobility and invested in the communities of the Greater Triangle region; Genuinely curious about the public and private systems, institutions, and forces shaping economic opportunity — and eager to learn by working directly alongside them; A natural relationship builder who earns trust across a wide range of individuals and organizations; Highly detail-oriented and organized, with a track record of following through on complex, multi-stakeholder work; A systems thinker who takes initiative in building structure and creating clarity for others; Comfortable working in between the seams of institutions — navigating ambiguity, adapting quickly, and staying focused on outcomes; An effective communicator who can distill complexity into clear written and verbal communications for varied audiences; Advocay and Public Policy; Community Expertise; Entrepreneurial and Innovative; Economic knowledge; Strategic Community Collarboration

Nice to have

Experience working in or alongside nonprofits, government agencies, or cross-sector partnerships preferred; Familiarity with economic mobility, workforce development, or related policy areas is a plus.