Vice President of Programming & Innovation

Overview:
Graduate Philadelphia seeks a visionary and results-driven leader to help advance the organization’s mission to help lower-to-moderate income families achieve social mobility and economic security through the levers of education and employment.

The Vice President of Programming & Innovation will be instrumental in steering the diverse portfolio of educational initiatives and projects, driving innovation, and shaping the future of the organization. The professional in this role will support the President and CEO in establishing and executing important business strategies and will expand partnerships through program development and innovative program design. Ideal candidates will have experience cultivating relationships with partners and stakeholders, knowledge of Workforce Development, and a proven ability to represent organizations in a public-facing role. The Vice President of Programming and Innovation will report directly to the President and CEO and is a key member of the Graduate Philadelphia executive leadership team.
About Graduate Philadelphia
Graduate Philadelphia was the first program in the country to align regional resources inside and outside of higher education specifically to help adults, typically aged 24 years and older, “return to learning,” obtain a credential, and advance in their careers. Graduate Philadelphia helps non-traditional adult learners earn a postsecondary credential and bridge the gap between educational attainment, workforce progression, and living-wage employment. Graduate Philadelphia is committed to advancing social and economic mobility through academic, workforce, and community engagement supported by strategic partnerships and key initiatives. At its founding, Graduate Philadelphia understood that education remained society’s greatest “equalizer” and that when paired with workforce training, professional development, mentorship, and wrap-around support services, individuals, families, and households can step firmly into the economic mainstream of society.
Background of A Highly Favorable Candidate:
An innovative and dynamic leader with extensive experience navigating the intricate landscape of Workforce Development. Competitive candidates will be able to masterfully cultivate and leverage relationships with the nonprofit sector, private sector, educational institutions and the community at large. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in curriculum and program design and implementation, and fostering strategic partnerships across diverse sectors. Competitive candidates will be master communicators, adept at articulating the compelling value proposition of the organization’s programmatic offerings to a wide range of stakeholders. The successful candidate will be an established executive leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and is comfortable supporting business development and external-facing activities alongside the President & CEO and the Vice President of Development.
Professional Characteristics:
  1. Organizational Leadership Experience: Minimum of at least 8 years of managerial experience (program and staff management) with strong team-building skills and a proven ability to cultivate a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
    a. Organizational development experience
    b. Strong data analysis and visualization skills
    c. Strong program budgeting & forecasting
    d. Strong program evaluation skills
  2. Stakeholder Relationship Accountability: Employer Engagement Experience, Business Development Experience.
  3. Strong Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey and present complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
  4. High-Level Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex situations, think strategically, and develop effective solutions.
  5. High Level of Flexibility and Adaptability: Adept at navigating and leading in dynamic and evolving educational landscapes.
  6. Proactive Planning Skills: Strong project management experience including foresight and planning abilities to anticipate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
  7. Relevant Sector Experience: Professional experience in the higher education, workforce development, and workforce training sectors with an established network in the higher education, postsecondary credentialing, and workforce ecosystems
  8. Workforce Development Expertise: Career and postsecondary education advising experience with an understanding of national models related to adult learner best practices, degree attainment, and student success coaching; Researching adult learner, credentialing, and workforce stats and information (qualitative and quantitative); Working knowledge of career development - theory, practice, resources, and assessments including familiarity with career ladders, lattices, and mapping
  9. Training & Facilitating Experience: Instructional design & content development experience; National training development and delivery experience (in-person and virtual); session facilitation (e.g. brainstorming session/whiteboarding); Familiarity with LMS platforms (e.g. Canvas, Blackboard); Power (Soft) Skills curriculum design and delivery
  10. Certified DEI practitioner (preferred)
  11. Board experience & training (preferred)
  12. Foreign credentials process and evaluation experience (preferred)
  13. Marketing experience (preferred)
  14. Strong PowerPoint and Canva skills (preferred)
  15. Bi-lingual/multilingual (preferred)
Responsibilities:
  • Assigning outcomes-oriented tasks and roles to team members.
  • Career Integrated Learning and Advising (CILA) Services: Spearhead advising services to ensure comprehensive support for learner success.
  • Career Integrated Learning Advising Product & Training: Oversee the development and implementation of cutting-edge products and training programs.
  • Structured Advising Program: Lead the design and execution of a structured advising program, enhancing learner guidance.
  • Skills Plus: Drive initiatives to increase enrollment, participation and retainment in our proprietary workforce learning management system.
  • Community Engagement: Work with the Community Engagement Specialists to grow and foster community and civic partnerships.
  • Recruitment Services: Develop and implement strategies to attract diverse and talented adult learners.
  • Retention Services: Implement retention programs and facilitate seamless referrals to community partners to ensure the continued success of enrolled learners.
  • Business & Partnership Development: Explore and cultivate partnerships to expand program reach and impact.
  • Develop inclusive programming, such as the virtual Community Resources Series, to encourage engagement with the current Graduate Philadelphia community.
  • Collaborate with external partners to create impactful programming initiatives.
  • City of Philadelphia: Lead multi-department outreach initiatives to benefit the local community.
  • Transformative Consulting: Drive the process and implementation of new services for transformative educational experiences.
  • Other duties as assigned
Compensation:
$115,000-$120,000 annually, with a very competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, dental, and vision coverage, short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, training and development opportunities, paid holidays, hybrid work schedule, and more.
Organizational Information:
The Vice President of Programming and Innovation will have several direct reports and will report directly to the President and CEO of Graduate Philadelphia.
Relevant Financial Information:
Graduate Philadelphia’s Fiscal Year 2023 Revenue is approximately $1.4M with funding from various sources including grants, fee for service, city funding, and various other contributions and events.
Service Area / Industry Information:
Through a network partnership with colleges, universities, and other learning providers, Graduate Philadelphia provides access to upskilling and reskilling resources and programs focused on credential attainment and degree completion in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
Additional Information:
This is a full-time, hybrid position based in the Philadelphia office.
Application Process:
Email your resume to Monica Wildes, MHS at gphl@diverseforce.com by 07/05/2024. This is the final date for applications. Confirmation of receipt of application will be sent by return email. Virtual screening with preferred candidates will be arranged forthwith. No phone calls, please.