• Deadline: October 18, 2023
• Salary: $160,000 – $185,000
• Location: California, USA

About the Organization

Jobs for the Future (JFF) drives transformation of the U.S. education and workforce systems to achieve equitable economic advancement for all. Seeing that millions of people are unfairly shut out of quality jobs and the chance for a better life, our goal is to align education, workforce, and employment changemakers toward a shared North Star: In 10 years, 75 million people facing systemic barriers to advancement will work in quality jobs.  

To achieve that goal, we design solutions, scale best practices, influence policy and action, and invest in innovation. With a staff of more than 300 people across the country working remotely and in offices in Boston (headquarters), Washington, DC, and Oakland, California, we operate at the national, state, and local levels, forging deep partnerships with employers, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and education and workforce development providers to break down barriers and reimagine what’s possible.   

We’re on a path of ongoing growth and expanding impact. We have an operating budget of $105 million, and we’re funded by dozens of leading government agencies, foundations, and corporations. Learn more about JFF and join us as we build a future that works—for everyone.  

About the Workforce and Regional Economies Practice

One of six Practices and Centers in JFF’s Solutions Group, the Workforce and Regional Economies (WRE) Practice works to transform policies and practices, build capacity and drive behavior change of federal and state public workforce and economic develop systems and organizations, labor unions, nonprofits and community-based organizations, and regional or community actors and coalitions to achieve equitable economic advancement for all. The Practice’s portfolio includes sector and industry partnerships, public workforce system transformation, public sector partnerships, and job quality. 

DEIBW at JFF 

Diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and well-being (DEIBW) are core to JFF’s North Star and mission. We employ and build diverse teams across race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, age, and lived experiences and are constantly working toward ensuring these differences are celebrated and included. We aim to cultivate a culture that centers the overall care, well-being, and success of the employee through flexible work hours, balanced workloads, professional development, and equitable career advancement opportunities. Learn more about what DEIBW looks like in practice at JFF.   

We seek to invest and learn from those who represent the communities we serve, particularly individuals from populations who have been explicitly or implicitly excluded from the workforce. Knowing its importance to the success of our work and the engagement of our staff members, we aspire to attract and retain a diverse team and welcome people of all backgrounds to apply to our open roles. In alignment to JFF’s North Star, we strongly encourage individuals whose highest level of education attained is less than a 4-year degree; People of Color; and people with records to apply. 

About the  Position

Reporting to the Vice President of the Workforce and Regional Economies (WRE) Practice, the Associate Vice President (AVP) provides leadership for our work in California to ensure that all people within and across regions in the state have access to quality jobs that lead to economic mobility throughout their lifetime.  As a strategic, equity-oriented thought leader, you will advance JFF’s influence and market position to a range of state, regional, and local stakeholders, by building collaborative relationships and championing innovative and impactful programs and initiatives.   

As the primary driver of JFF’s presence in the state of California, you will have primary responsibility for business development and fundraising, cultivating relationships and partnerships, and building workforce and inclusive economic development initiatives, utilizing and building upon an approach that is attuned to the unique and diverse political and cultural landscape of California. In addition, you will implement equity-centered design principles and population-specific strategies, and influence policy and capital flows that promote prosperous regional economies.  Like all members of the Workforce and Regional Economies Practice, you will be accountable for individual fundraising targets and goals. 

The AVP will be a visible leader, working closely with a team of California-based project leaders and other members of the WRE Practice. You will leverage the knowledge, skills, and expertise of other Centers and Practices across JFF to deepen our reach and impact in California.  We encourage applicants who are eager to drive visionary, impactful contributions and thought leadership in support of the WRE Practice and our California-based initiatives.  

This role is completely remote for candidates based in California. JFF has an Oakland office which is available for use, and candidates can expect up to 30% business travel.  

Responsibilities:

Strategic Partnership Development and Expansion:  

• Proactively build, cultivate, and expand strategic partnerships across California’s workforce and economic development systems and cross-sector regional stakeholders, as well as project-specific partnerships, to support the development and execution of compelling and impactful work in support of JFF’s goals and impact in the State. 

• Influence and deepen JFF’s California strategy and approach that is aligned with JFF’s North Star and the Workforce and Regional Economies Practice, including building relationships and representing JFF’s capacities and interests to a range of stakeholders across the State 
• Expand and leverage JFF’s networks, strategic communications and convening power to advance this work and drive impact  

Program and Practice Influence:  

• Drive the overall performance of a portfolio of work, including sponsorship and oversight of projects 
• Mentor and support, staff development, and learning opportunities to California-based colleagues from Solutions Design & Delivery and a matrixed team from across JFF with respect to subject matter and functional expertise
• Provide leadership and consultation on projects across other Centers and Practices at JFF and JFF Labs that have a presence or implications in California
• Contribute to the strategic development of the Practice, inclusive of the research and learning agenda  
• Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in programmatic and leadership practices   
• Model inclusive leadership and build a collaborative team amongst colleagues from other teams within JFF   

Thought Leadership on Inclusive Workforce & Economic Development:  

• Lead as a subject matter expert, providing guidance and strategic support to partners in the field and colleagues at JFF to shape program design and development 
• Champion the work of JFF and the Practice externally in conferences, convenings, working groups and advisory panels, or through media inquiries; author blogs, reports, and other communications products that contribute to JFF’s thought leadership in the field  
• Sponsor and lead the design and scoping of concepts, proposal development, relationship management, and opportunity pursuit in keeping with JFF’s strategic priorities, in collaboration with the Development Team and other programmatic leaders. 

Requirements:

• You are a field recognized leader in California who brings an expansive and innovative vision and deep experience in workforce and economic development, place-based conditions, and community inclusion, as well as domain and sector/system expertise as evidenced by your experiences leading portfolios of work. (New hires at the AVP level, typically bring 15-20 years of experience, through a combination of full time, part time, internship and/or freelance positions)
• You have demonstrated success leading and being accountable for fundraising and business development efforts, cultivating and managing relationships with existing and new funders, writing or leading the development of concepts and proposals, and raising money that advances an organization’s work
• You possess a wide and diverse network of relationships with key state and local leaders, workforce and economic development agencies, state agencies, public and private sector economic development actors, business leaders, community-based organizations, workers organizations, training providers, community colleges, and philanthropy and are familiar with their major programs and areas of investment 
• You understand and demonstrate equity-centered and inclusive analysis and practice in the way you develop relationships, steward partnerships, and develop initiatives
• You excel working collaboratively with a diverse range of decision-makers and have a proven ability to motivate, inspire colleagues and partners and produce exceptional outcomes
• You are skilled at identifying, designing and carrying out strategic advising, capacity building, and program design with and for partners, and coaching others to do so 
• You have a demonstrated ability to manage disparate and competing priorities with multiple timetables and deliverables, and to keep work on track and on budget 
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to synthesize and communicate complex issues to a variety of audiences in a variety of media and settings  
• You are highly skilled at leading in a matrixed and highly collaborative capacity to lead project teams in the successful delivery of work at varying levels of complexity  
• You possess high energy and passion for JFF’s mission and the ability to apply JFF’s core valuesto all areas of your work 
• You are energized by stewarding JFF’s DEIBW values and practices within your day-to-day work, including embracing the differences and celebrating the diversity that each individual brings to JFF 
• You value building positive and collaborative relationships with others, including people whose identities and backgrounds differ from your own
• 30% travel is anticipated, including travel across California, internal meetings at one of JFF’s offices (DC or Boston), and conferences 

Benefits

At JFF, we’re fueled by the desire to create a world where everyone has equal opportunity for economic advancement. Our team works hard to push the boundaries of what is possible, and in return, we provide a gratifying work experience, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits program that includes flexibility and choice as core values in order to support people wherever they are in their lives and careers. 

JFF has offices in Boston, Oakland, and Washington, DC; employees are welcome to use JFF office space to work in-person or hybrid, or completely remote. To improve the employee experience and promote productivity while working remotely, JFF offers an annual home office stipend to all regular full-time and part-time employees. In addition, new employees receive office equipment as needed.   

The salary range for this role is $160,000 – $185,000 annually, in alignment to JFF’s Associate Vice President salary band and our compensation philosophy. Starting salaries for new hires will be determined based on a combination of the new hire’s relevant experience and market demands.  

How To Apply 

As part of your application, please include your resume and a thoughtful cover letter addressed to Tameshia Bridges Mansfield, Vice President, Workforce and Regional Economies Practice, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position.