Program Manager, Empower & Protect

New Left Accelerator

9d•$75,000 - $86,000•Remote

About The Position

The Empower & Protect (E&P) program supports state-based power-building ecosystems through technical assistance, training, and capacity building focused on operations, HR, finance, risk management, and compliance. E&P is grounded in deep partnership with state leaders and tailored implementation approaches that reflect the unique needs of each organization and ecosystem. The program is currently expanding into several priority states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Texas. The Program Manager role is a full-time position reporting to the Senior Director of the Empower and Protect Program, and is responsible for driving implementation of the program across several key states. This role serves as the primary point of contact for program participants while ensuring strong coordination, progress toward shared goals, and alignment with program strategy. The Program Manager translates strategy into action by managing timelines, supporting implementation, navigating evolving stakeholder needs, and strengthening systems and feedback loops that support long-term program learning and impact.

Requirements

Strong alignment with NLA’s vision and organizational values
At least 5 years of relevant experience in program management for movement-building organizations
Experience with multi-entity and/or state-based movement organizations, including 501(c)(3)s, 501(c)(4)s, political campaigns, and/or PACs
Excellent and demonstrable project management skills that includes:
Knowledge of multiple project management methodologies and how to apply them into improving program processes
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time, priorities, and resources effectively across multiple projects at various stages
Experience designing and maintaining processes and systems using collaborative tools such as Asana, Airtable and Google Suite
Strong relationship building skills and ability to manage diverse stakeholders in a fast paced, values-driven and team-oriented environment
Flexibility and adaptability — ability to engage in independent and creative problem-solving in a growing organization
Proactive problem solving skills including the ability to anticipate challenges, flag risks early, and maintain big-picture progress
Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, including experience leading and facilitating project meetings
Ability and willingness to work in and contribute to development of an emergent environment of a growing start-up nonprofit where systems and processes are regularly evolving to meet the political moment.
Commitment to continuous learning, curiosity and growth, including seeking feedback, asking questions, and applying new learning in practice

Responsibilities

Lead Tier 1 program implementation from onboarding through close-out
Serve as the primary point of contact for Tier 1 and Tier 2 participants, ensuring clear communication, strong relationships and consistent support
Develop and execute implementation plans that reflect the mutual agreements between NLA and participating partners
Track participant progress across phases of work (onboarding, assessment, execution, and close out) and identify next steps to advance them towards their goals
Identify trends, risks, and escalation needs and proactively elevate them to Senior Director E&P
Lead Tier 2 recruitment, onboarding, and retention of program participants in coordination with program leadership
Coordinate with state legal teams and E&P trainers to ensure alignment and smooth delivery of program components
Support state leads to successfully run field trainings and support implementation logistics
Embed NLA values into all aspects of project management, implementation, and partners engagement.
Oversee coaches supporting Tier 2 participants
Lead regular monthly check-ins with coaches and Subject Matter Leads (SMLs)
Facilitate coach learning spaces to share challenges, wins, and lessons learned.
Balance NLA Priorities, coach perspectives, and participant needs, prioritizing a leader-centric and relationship-based approach.
Coordinate and support internal and external stakeholders working toward shared benchmarks and outcomes
Drive stakeholder engagement through regular check-ins, follow-up communications, scheduling support and training
Mitigate challenges as they arise to ensure deliverables are met on time and with quality
Foster clear communication and alignment across partners, coaches, legal teams, trainers and internal staff.
Create and maintain standardized templates and tools for onboarding, assessments, meeting agendas and implementation tracking
Develop and manage project plans with clear benchmarks, timelines and key results
Maintain up-to-date progress, metrics, and documentation in project management systems (e.g. Asana, Airtable)
Identify risks and issues early and implement solutions to keep work on track
Identify, implement and improve systems and tools (e.g. Google Suite, Asana,) to enhance efficiency and user experience
Ensure strong data hygiene, including accurate contact lists, participation records and engagement tracking
Ensure ongoing implementation of evaluation tool for all E&P training sessions
Gather input from participating organizations through debriefs, check-ins, and reflection spaces to inform program improvements
Elevate statewide insights, patterns and lessons learned to the Sr E&P Director to inform strategy and adaptation
Collaboratively test and adapt long-term processes, making incremental improvements in real time