Open Position:
Senior Manager, Baltimore Summer Funding Collaborative
Posted: April 24, 2024
Position Overview
The Senior Manager, Baltimore Summer Funding Collaborative is Baltimore’s Promise’s primary staff for our work as the Administrative Backbone of the Baltimore Summer Funding Collaborative (SFC or Collaborative). This position is the lead strategic and implementation point person of the SFC and directly supervises the Program Associate for the Baltimore Summer Funding Collaborative as well as onboards, monitors, and collaborates with consultants and contractors supporting the work of the Collaborative. With guidance from Executive Leadership as well as logistical, coordination, and implementation support from the Program Associate and the Administrative Coordinator for Funding Innovation, the Senior Manager is responsible for the successful planning and execution of critical SFC processes, identifying process refinements through a continuous improvement frame, and advancing the Collaborative’s Race Equity and Inclusion agenda as well as the agendas of other standing workgroups (e.g. Data and Evaluation Workgroup) and ad-hoc working groups.
About the Baltimore Summer Funding Collaborative
The Baltimore Summer Funding Collaborative (SFC or the Collaborative) is a partnership between public, private and nonprofit organizations that supports high-quality summer programs that serve low-income youth in Baltimore City. While retaining individual priorities, members of the Collaborative share the same goal: funding diverse summer opportunities to help keep students engaged and reduce summer learning loss so that more youth have the chance to reach their full potential. In 2023, the SFC granted over $5M in funding to organizations providing summer programming. Baltimore’s Promise is the administrative backbone of the SFC. For more information, please visit www.bmoresfc.org.
Organizational Values
Foundational to all of Baltimore’s Promise’s work is ensuring it is developed, implemented, and evaluated in alignment with our organizational values, listed below, and our race equity and inclusion statement. It is of critical importance that all staff are fully aligned with our values and commitment to race equity and inclusion. This position must consistently live our values in the way they think about, approach, engage, and support Baltimore City’s young people.
In our fight for justice and systems change, our values as individuals, teams, and as an organization are the following:
Equity – Our efforts and initiatives are co-developed and driven by the lived experiences of those most negatively impacted by the outcomes we seek to improve. Race, ethnicity, gender, or other attributes should not have predictive power over support, resources, and opportunities that one can access.
Hustle – We are self-starters who take the initiative to strategically identify and advance solutions to address failures in achieving positive outcomes for children, youth, and families. We work efficiently, cross-functionally, and resourcefully – with a sense of urgency – to carry out the mission of the organization.
Humanity – We honor individuals and communities by holding ourselves and our partners accountable to act with integrity, compassion, kindness, and empathy.
Creativity – We are fun and innovative. Our first idea may not be the final strategy because we look for and embrace new ideas from diverse sources. We celebrate the accomplishments of staff and partners.
Shared Accountability – Shared Accountability is our collective responsibility for the work of the organization, not a threat of sanction. When we say we will do something, we will do it, and if we don’t, we will communicate our reasons why. We must be both supportive and critical of one another to ensure that we meet individual and team responsibilities that contribute to larger organizational goals.
Senior Manager, Baltimore Summer Funding Collaborative Duties and Responsibilities
The division of functions and responsibilities as outlined below are over the course of a year. Due to the nature of this position, there may be certain periods of the year focused on one function whereas other times in the year may require focus on a different function or set of responsibilities.
Project Management and Continuous Improvement
Serve as the lead planning and strategic point person for the SFC
Ensure the successful execution of key components of the SFC process that are critical to the success of the SFC, including but not limited to the following:
Development and publication of annual RFP
Process to submit SFC applications
Community review process
Funder review and aligned decision-making processes
Awards and contracting coordination
Data collection and reporting for grantees
Grantee and applicant events including technical assistance and professional development
Co-development of an administrative budget for the SFC with Executive Leadership and Data Team
Project manage, monitor, and execute processes and workflows related to the reporting requirements of public and private funding flowing through Baltimore’s Promise for SFC investment, including but not limited to investments from the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund
Serve as hiring manager for permanent and temporary staff members (i.e. SFC Program Associate)
Develop scopes and contract language for engagements with consultants/contractors who may be brought in to support any of the processes as outlined above
Supervise Program Associate and monitor contractors by developing or co-developing work plans, holding regular check-ins, assessing progress against key process benchmarks
Work closely with Baltimore’s Promise Data Team to monitor contractors and vendors and/or project manage internal capacity necessary to advance the data and evaluation agenda of the SFC
Work closely with the Baltimore’s Promise Data Team to develop and execute processes and workflows related to the continuous evaluation of the SFC and implementation of recommended changes
Monitor programmatic contractors and vendors necessary to the administration of the SFC
Identify, develop recommendations for, and implement process or workflow improvements that ensure that SFC administration is efficient and in alignment with Baltimore’s Promise values
Improve SFC processes through a Continuous Quality Improvement approach (e.g. before and after actions, feedback sessions)
Monitor the SFC Initiative Budget and approve all spending within the approved budget and scope
Stakeholder Coordination and Facilitation
Staff all SFC workgroups and the full group meetings and ensure action items determined from meetings are executed by the appropriate party by the agreed-upon deliverable dates
Work closely with the SFC Governance Committee and Executive Leadership to determine strategic direction for Collaborative and develop related work plans
Develop and sustain active relationships and two-way communication with SFC stakeholders including funders and community-based organizations
Draft SFC Workgroup and meeting agendas based on prior meeting input, time-sensitive decision items, and decision items or discussion points elevated from SFC workgroups and ensure that required materials are sent out in advance and support Program Associate in developing and sharing meeting packets and public-facing agendas
Support the SFC’s participation in local and national systems-building efforts related to summer and out-of-school time opportunities; identify and move forward opportunities for cross-systems collaboration and alignment
Work closely with the Data Team to ensure that data-sharing agreements among SFC administrative partners are drafted and executed
Develop and ensure the implementation of an engagement strategy to ensure that youth program providers, particularly BIPOC-led, community-based organizations, are aware of the SFC application and related capacity-building opportunities
Ensure the facilitation of relevant TA/PD offerings for SFC applicants and grantees
Support and monitor the progress of the SFC’s equity agenda, including coordinating ongoing capacity-building opportunities for funders
Develop and execute strategy to effectively engage stakeholders that have been historically underrepresented in SFC processes and offerings, including but not limited to the application process, community review process, and accessing or providing TA and capacity-building supports
External Communication
Provide excellent “customer service” to SFC applicants, grantees, funders, prospective funders, and other stakeholders through written, electronic, and phone communication
Communicate with and/or respond to inquiries on behalf of the SFC.
Work closely with the BP Data Team to support the development of a workflow for data-sharing requests and field data requests from funders and external parties according to the SFC data-sharing protocol.
Maintain regular communication and explore opportunities for collaboration with other summer stakeholders such as the Maryland Philanthropy Network and Baltimore City Schools.
Actively seek opportunities to share learning from SFC via written and video publications, conference attendance, etc.
Work with the Communications Manager to determine and oversee the implementation of an annual communications strategy for the SFC
Represent the SFC publicly at conferences, on TV, radio, etc
In addition to the aforementioned responsibilities, all Baltimore’s Promise staff are expected to seek out and take advantage of opportunities that our partners and our community provide for us to learn, connect, and show up to support values-aligned efforts in Baltimore. In particular, the staff is encouraged to be in spaces that are focused on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) youth and young adults and stakeholders who directly relate to your portfolio of work and professional network.
Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics)
Five years of experience in youth development, human services, philanthropy, or other similar contexts with evidence of increased responsibilities over time
Knowledge of the following Baltimore City networks and context:
Out-of-school time (OST) system and its providers and partners
Summer and OST funding landscape
Youth development provider capacity-building opportunities and providers
Technical assistance providers supporting access to grant opportunities and compliance with grant reporting requirements
Public funding reporting requirements for OST providers
Demonstrated success in coordinating and facilitating multidisciplinary or multi-organizational teams desired Demonstrated success in coordinating and facilitating multidisciplinary or multi-organizational teams desired
Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate small group and large group meetings that drive toward action and decision-making
Demonstrated success in complex project management inclusive of multiple stakeholders and concurrently running processes
Experience directly engaging with and coordinating among a diverse group of stakeholders, inclusive of young people, parents and caregivers, community residents, funders, program providers
Proficiency in the following software platforms, or demonstrated ability to learn technical platforms quickly and comprehensively: Microsoft Office suite, Zoom/WebEx/Ring/Google Meets, Google applications, Dropbox, Adobe Acrobat, Formstack (online form builder with conditional logic function)
Baltimore City residency (strongly preferred)
Experience in continuous improvement (preferred)
Excellent project management and organizational skills
Excellent attention to detail
Ability to work independently and develop work plan(s) based on a known set of upcoming deliverables and targets
Ability to effectively differentiate communication approaches for a diverse group of stakeholders
Ability to work in collaboration with team members, funders, and stakeholders
Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interpersonal skills
Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when routinely handling sensitive information
Familiarity with the Results Count/results-based facilitation framework (preferred)
Familiarity with Baltimore City’s public agencies including education (secondary and higher education), social services, and public health institutions
Understanding of the social, racial, and economic context of Baltimore City and having the ability (or willingness to learn how) to apply a race equity and inclusion lens to all aspects of work
Possess the following characteristics: enduring curiosity, proactive communication, collaborative spirit and a commitment to collective impact, humility, a good sense of humor, and the desire to continuously learn and improve
Demonstrated commitment to understanding and working in service of youth from low-income families; Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) communities; and communities experiencing concentrated poverty. Preferred understanding of Baltimore's historical, social, and political context, particularly issues facing children and youth
Strong alignment to Baltimore’s Promise’s Organizational Values and Race Equity and Inclusion Statement
Compensation and Benefits
This position is classified as exempt and is not eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with the policies set forth by Baltimore’s Promise in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The annualized compensation for this position is $84,000. Please note that this compensation is firm. Baltimore’s Promise compensation ranges are determined by the responsibilities and level of authority required by each position as opposed to individual candidates’ qualifications or pedigree. This is an intentional attempt to mitigate pay inequities that are in part driven by systemic and implicit racism and gender bias impacting career trajectories and negotiation. However, to honor individual candidates’ unique experiences and assets, this position is eligible for a one-time hiring bonus.
This is a full-time position with full benefits, including CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield health insurance, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, paid parental leave, cellphone and mileage stipends, and support for professional development opportunities.
Baltimore’s Promise provides a hybrid working environment that gives staff the flexibility to work remotely when not required for in-person meetings or tasks.
Please visit www.baltimorespromise.org/benefits to view the many additional benefits that Baltimore’s Promise offers its staff.
Travel
In normal circumstances, travel around Baltimore City for external meetings or convenings would be a regular occurrence, but in general, very little travel outside of Baltimore City is required. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Baltimore’s Promise team currently works remotely. Out of an abundance of concern for the safety and well-being of its staff, Baltimore’s Promise prohibits staff from participating in in-person convenings or meetings in accordance with current public health guidance and best practices.
To Apply
Submit the following application materials as a Word document or PDF by clicking the link below.
Resume
Cover Letter
Names, titles, and relational context of three professional references. We will not contact references unless you advance in the application process, and we will inform you prior to contacting your references.
We are reviewing application submissions and scheduling interviews on a rolling basis and will close the position when it is filled. Please submit your materials as soon as possible.
ABOUT BALTIMORE’S PROMISE
Baltimore's Promise is a citywide collaborative composed of public, business, higher education, nonprofit, community, and philanthropic leaders. We serve as a catalyst for organizing efforts and resources around a shared vision: all Baltimore City youth will travel a safe, healthy, and successful educational path from cradle to career. Baltimore’s Promise uses data to report on outcomes for children from birth through their early careers in order to understand the complex needs of our city’s children.
We promote a data-based approach to program and policy design--one that is informed by context and lived experience of the communities affected and conducted with the participation of all stakeholders. Recognizing enduring inequalities resulting from persisting racism, ethnocentrism, sexism, and the intersections thereof, we employ a race equity lens to all aspects of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
RACE EQUITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT (Last Updated May 17, 2017)
Too many Baltimore City children and youth face significant obstacles to achieving their full potential. Opportunities and paths to success are not equitably available to all of our children. Through generations of collective history in our city—confirmed by bodies of research—we know inequities in opportunity and disparities in outcomes are driven by race, gender, socioeconomic status, culture, disabilities, and other societal factors.
In Baltimore, systemic race-based barriers disproportionately affect Black children and youth and those in other communities of color. For Baltimore’s Promise to fulfill our mission of ensuring that all children succeed, we must apply an equity lens that allows us to better understand these barriers and the challenges faced by our vulnerable children, youth, and the family supporting their pathway. Acknowledging these entrenched structural impediments, Baltimore’s Promise must commit to long-term strategies that will create opportunity and foster transformative change across Baltimore City.
A rigorous and sustained focus on eliminating systemic and institutional race-based barriers to opportunity is essential to achieving our objectives from cradle to career. Through this intentional approach, we can better shape targeted strategies that meet the specific needs of our vulnerable children and youth while improving conditions and outcomes for all populations we serve, creating new pathways for opportunities for children, youth, and families to thrive in Baltimore.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Baltimore’s Promise is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train, and promote individuals, as well as administer all personnel actions, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin or ancestry, status as an individual with a disability who is otherwise qualified to perform the essential functions of his or her position, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws. Baltimore’s Promise will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination, and any such conduct is prohibited.