Senior Economic Program Manager

Black Cultural Zone CDC • Oakland, CA

6d • $83,000 - $98,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Are you an experienced program management professional interested in playing a pivotal operational role and making a real impact? Strategic Management Services Corporation (SMS) is seeking a Senior Program Manager, Economic Programs, with a demonstrated track record in providing strategic oversight, financial health management, and executive reporting for core economic initiatives. This role is part of the Program Management Team within the Centers of Excellence. This position manages the intersection of micro-enterprise growth (Cultural Markets Group) and macro-economic strategy (Wealth Generation Group), ensuring cultural assets are leveraged for economic empowerment and that programs deliver measurable outcomes toward financial independence and generational wealth. This position is vital for advancing BCZ CDC's mission to unapologetically center Black arts, culture, and economics in East Oakland and to guide the organization toward sustainability and maximizing its mission impact. We are excited to welcome a new member to our team who shares our vision and is ready to jump in and make a difference. WHAT YOU'LL DO As Senior Program Manager, Economic Programs, you will be responsible for a comprehensive range of program functions, ensuring the safety, fiscal integrity, and strategic advancement of BCZ CDC's physical assets.

Requirements

• The ideal candidate for this role is an operational thinker with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving organizational environment.
• Education & Experience: A Bachelor's degree is preferred. A minimum of 6 years of experience in program management is required. Experience in retail/entrepreneurship oversight or asset management is preferred.
• Specialized Knowledge: Work expertise in financial oversight, monitoring, and evaluation is required. Knowledge and experience in event planning are required. A strong understanding of P&L data and its use in evaluating program performance is necessary.
• Abilities: Must be mission-driven, decisive, with a collaborative and data-driven orientation. Proficiency in Google Workspace, Salesforce, and other operational software is required.
• Relevant certifications (PMP or similar) are preferred, or a commitment to completing one within the first year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide Strategic Oversight and Reporting: Provides strategic oversight and executive reporting for the entire Cultural Markets Group (Akoma Market 3.0, entrepreneur incubation) and the Wealth Generation Group (financial literacy, asset building).
• Oversee Financial Health: Oversees the overall financial health of the initiative portfolio, including budget adherence, quarterly reviews, and profitability metrics necessary for the Market Hall transition.
• Manage Key Relationships/Programs: Holds ultimate accountability for the Thrive Coach relationship and the Market Hall Readiness Scorecard program, ensuring vendor compliance and incubation success.
• Manage Staff: Manages and provides strategic direction to the specialized Associates/Coordinators assigned to the Cultural Markets and Wealth Generation Groups.
• Lead Event Execution: Attends all AKOMA events and serves as the high-level operational decision-maker on-site for evaluation and visibility.
• Execute Strategic Planning: Leads the execution and strategic planning of the Retail Inventory Acquisition Pilot and monitors the Monthly Consignment Sell-Through Rate.
• Conduct Site Visits: Must visit the Aya Exchange Warehouse, AKOMA Hub, and Store Sites weekly.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Medical (Kaiser Gold 80 HMO with buy-up options), Dental (MetLife Dental Plan), Vision (MetLife Vision Plan), Life Insurance (MetLife Basic Term Life / AD&D), Long-Term Disability (MetLife Long-Term Disability), and a Legal Plan (MetLife “MetLaw” Legal Plan).
• Retirement: CalSavers Program.
• Professional Development: Access to an Employee Assistance Program with 5 free sessions per incident and Thrive Coaching for professional and personal development.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work options, paid lunches, events, and other perks, and a generous paid time off policy that includes BCZ Wellness Days (the 4th Friday of each month), 15 observed holidays per calendar year, 72 hours of paid sick leave, and 12 vacation days per calendar year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees