Program Manager, ECLIPSE

The Program Manager, ECLIPSE will lead the development and implementation of a K–12 climate and civics education program in Colorado. This role oversees program design, partnership management, team supervision, and fundraising to support student engagement and teacher development statewide.

Description

Location: Hybrid – Remote within the Front Range of Colorado, with occasional in-person work required in the Denver area. Preference for candidates based in Pueblo.

Job Type: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $65,000 to $70,000

Reports To: Executive Director

Term: 1-2 year(s) grant-funded position with the possibility of extension

About Us

Climate Democracy Initiative (CDI) leads initiatives at the intersection of democracy and climate change, supporting communities to take a participatory governance approach to climate solutions. Our Environmental Civics in Leadership: Project for Student Engagement (ECLIPSE) work enhances K-12 education in Colorado by integrating teacher professional development, in-classroom learning, and hands-on student experiences with community partners. We are focused on fostering an informed and active citizenry from a young age, making environmental stewardship accessible and relevant to every community.

About the Role

As the Program Manager for ECLIPSE, you will lead critical educational initiatives, manage strategic partnerships, and oversee fundraising efforts. This role is responsible for developing and implementing the initial launch of programming efforts in Colorado. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Development:

• Lead the strategic visioning and planning process for K-12 educational programs, ensuring alignment with CDI's mission to integrate climate and democracy education.

  • Develop comprehensive program strategies that address both short-term objectives and long-term goals for each participating partner, incorporating innovative educational practices and technologies to enhance learning outcomes for educators and students. 

  • Collaborate with academic experts, educational authorities, and community leaders to ensure program relevance and effectiveness.

Budget and Resource Management:

• Develop and manage program budgets with a focus on maximizing resource efficiency and sustainability.

  • Monitor financial performance against budget and forecast, making adjustments as necessary to ensure financial health and program continuity.

  • Oversee the allocation and optimization of resources, including technology tools, educational materials, and human capital, to support program objectives.

Team Leadership and Staff Development:

• Oversee the recruitment process for program staff, ensuring that hires are well-aligned with CDI’s values and program needs.

  • Implement a comprehensive training program for new hires and ongoing professional development for all team members to ensure high levels of competence and performance.

  • Foster a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and mutual support among program staff through regular feedback, team-building activities, and performance evaluations.

  • Provide leadership and mentorship to two direct reports, setting clear expectations and goals, offering regular feedback, and supporting their professional growth and development.

  • Cultivate leadership skills within the team, encouraging staff to take initiative and lead sub-projects or components of the program.

Strategic Partnership Management:

• Develop and maintain partnerships with educational institutions, non-profits, and community organizations to expand program reach and impact.

  • Negotiate and manage partnership agreements, ensuring alignment with educational content and delivery standards.

Fundraising and Resource Development:

• Lead efforts to secure funding through grant writing, donor engagement, and partnership development.

  • Build and sustain relationships with donors and funding agencies, reporting on program progress and impact.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Public Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• At least 5 years of professional experience in K-12 program management.

• Demonstrated experience in team leadership and staff development.

• Proven ability to manage budgets, projects, and stakeholder relationships.

• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Interested in This Role? Here is What to Expect

Our application process includes three steps:

Step 1: Complete Your Application

Submit your resume, cover letter, and responses to the following questions on application:

1. What motivates you to work for the Climate Democracy Initiative?

2. Describe a successful K–12 program you have managed. What were the key elements of its success?

3. How do you approach managing teams and developing staff, especially in a remote setting?

4. What strategies have you used to secure funding for educational initiatives?

Step 2: HR Video Interview

Selected candidates will be invited to a video interview with our HR team to further assess your experience and alignment with the role.

Step 3: Final Interview with Executive Director

Finalists will participate in a video interview with the Executive Director to explore leadership experience, program alignment, and your vision for the ECLIPSE program.

We recognize that strong candidates may not meet every qualification listed. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—your experience and perspective may be exactly what we need.