About the role

The Hunt Institute is seeking a Senior Program Manager (SPM) to join our State Engagement team. The SPM develops sessions and content for State Legislators Retreats, Hunt State Policy Fellows, and support other Institute work as needed, including conducting research and analysis on relevant policy issues and providing information for reports, policy briefs, primers, and case studies for dissemination. The ideal candidate will also Identify and cultivate relationships with diverse state leaders, including Governors' officers, legislators, state departments of education and other key contacts. The Senior Program Manager will report directly to the Director of State Engagement. The position is based out of The Hunt Institute's office in Cary, North Carolina.

What you'll do

Program Strategy & Execution

• Plans, develops, implements, and coordinates Hunt Institute project(s) or program(s).
• Manages, and oversees the daily administrative components of program(s)/project(s).
• Define program goals, objectives, and success metrics, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Coordinate and communicate with internal and external stakeholders, providing regular program updates and reports.
• Manage program budgets, ensuring projects are completed within budgetary constraints.
• Create agendas, identify speakers, track registration, coordinate with the events & State Engagement team, and serve as overall manager of assigned Hunt Institute programs and events.
• Lead program evaluation and post-program reviews to assess successes, challenges, and lessons learned.

Project Management

• Manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
• Identify and implement improvements to strengthen The Hunt Institute's support for state early learning education and policy.
• Ensure project schedules and timelines facilitate meaningful participation from elected officials.
• Provide grant deliverable details regarding impact for grant and funder applications and reports.
• Perform all related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Commitment to the mission and vision of The Hunt Institute, alongside a passion for challenging entrenched systems of educational inequity towards the bettering of public education for all children.
• Awareness of key state and national education policy issues.
• Exceptional project management skills.
• A strong work ethic, with a results-oriented philosophy and personal qualities of trustworthiness, openness, accessibility, kindness, flexibility, and a sense of humor.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments and accomplish deadlines; ability to pay attention to accuracy and detail while thinking broadly.
• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Minimum three years' experience in public policy, government relations or public relations required. Experience working directly for or with elected officials is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and flexible, responsive work style.
• Ability to travel (anticipated 10 - 15%).

Ideal candidates will also demonstrate:

• Knowledge of state and national P-16 education policy.
• Resourcefulness and good judgment.
• Leadership by example.
• The value of diversity of thought, backgrounds, and perspectives.
• Integrity/ethics beyond reproach.
• Constant seeking to apply best practices.
• Exceptional attention to detail, strong project management, and the ability to handle multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Willingness to travel and work outside regular business hours as needed for event schedules.
• Willingness to work collaboratively and consider new ideas.
• Commitment to The Hunt Institute's mission, vision, financial growth, and success.

Benefits and Compensation

The Hunt Institute offers competitive compensation and an attractive benefits package, including employer paid health, dental and vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan with an employer matching contribution policy.

We feel passionately about equal pay for equal work, and transparency in compensation is one vehicle to achieve that. The salary recruitment range for this position is $79,240- $87,164

Work Schedule

This position is based out of our office at 5000 Centregreen Way, Suite 150, Cary, NC, 27513. This is a hybrid position requiring on-site presence at our office in Cary, NC, three days per week. The remaining two days may be completed remotely from your home office. Employees are expected on-site on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to collaborate on team projects and attend strategic planning meetings. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

Office hours: 8:30am-5:00pm