Program Associate or Program Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

GENERAL JOB INFORMATION

THE MISSION & VISION 

The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) partners with educators, students, families, and young adults to advance innovative research and advocate for equitable policies that address systemic barriers in schools, workplaces, and communities.

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Associate/Program Manager position is responsible for coordinating the implementation of two grant-funded initiatives designed to improve educational outcomes for students with learning disabilities. This position oversees project planning, partner engagement, resource development, and day-to-day implementation to ensure project goals, timelines, and deliverables are achieved successfully and on schedule.

Approximately 75% of this role will support a multi-state Career Connected Learning (CCL) initiative focused on advancing systems change and expanding CCL opportunities for students with learning disabilities. The remaining 25% will support a statewide Wyoming initiative aimed at strengthening AI literacy and educator capacity for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in special education, with a focus on improving the development and quality of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

This position requires approximately 40% travel during 2026–2027.

This is a two-year, grant-funded position with the possibility of extension contingent upon future funding.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & KEY OUTCOMES

Program Associate/Program Manager

• Coordinate the implementation of two grant-funded initiatives, ensuring project milestones, deliverables, reporting requirements, and grant objectives are completed on time and with high quality.
• Manage project plans, timelines, meetings, and communications across internal teams and external partners to support successful project execution.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with state agencies, educators, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders to advance project goals and strengthen partnerships.
• Support the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of Career Connected Learning (CCL) pilot programs across multiple states.
• Develop, review, and disseminate high-quality resources, guidance documents, presentations, tools, and other project materials.
• Coordinate stakeholder meetings, trainings, and communities of practice to foster collaboration, learning, and knowledge sharing.
• Monitor project activities and outcomes, track progress toward goals, and support data collection, evaluation, and grant reporting efforts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional staff to ensure alignment across organizational priorities, strategic initiatives, and grant-funded projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of program and organizational objectives.

Additional Responsibilities for the Program Manager Role

• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, work plans, and implementation timelines to ensure successful project delivery.
• Lead the development of program logic models, implementation frameworks, and overall program strategy.
• Support the development, monitoring, and oversight of project budgets to ensure effective use of grant resources.
• Present or co-present project content, findings, and lessons learned to funders, partners, conference audiences, and other stakeholder groups.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS

Program Associate

• 1–3 years of project coordination, project management, program management, or related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

Program Manager

• 3+ years of project management, program management, or related experience.
• Demonstrated success leading projects or programs from planning and implementation through completion, including responsibility for achieving goals, deliverables, and outcomes.
• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Career Connected Learning (CCL) initiatives, workforce development, transition services, or related fields.
• Experience designing, launching, or scaling new programs or initiatives.
• Experience working in education, including as a classroom teacher, special educator, instructional coach, administrator, or other education professional.
• Lived, personal, or professional experience supporting individuals with disabilities.
• Experience working with state agencies, school districts, nonprofits, or other cross-sector partners.

COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of project planning, coordination, and implementation.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of quality and accuracy.
• Ability to analyze information, incorporate stakeholder feedback, and use data to inform decision-making and solve problems.
• Proficiency with standard office and collaboration software, including Google Workspace and virtual meeting platforms.
• Commitment to NCLD's mission, vision, values, and commitment to advancing opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment and initiative.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, remote work environment and adapting to evolving priorities and project needs.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, flexibility, and adaptability in managing complex projects and partnerships.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly, including conducting site visits and attending meetings, trainings, and events in target states.
• Knowledge of or experience with education policy, systems change, implementation science, or continuous improvement processes (preferred).
• Familiarity with special education, Career Connected Learning (CCL), artificial intelligence in education, workforce development, or related fields (preferred).

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands

Mental Demands

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position is primarily performed in a remote office environment with typical office working conditions and no anticipated adverse environmental exposures. The role requires travel of up to 40%, including attendance at meetings, conferences, trainings, and site visits.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The National Center for Learning Disabilities is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees are valued and respected. Employment decisions are based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We are committed to creating an accessible workplace and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees throughout the hiring process and employment relationship. We strongly encourage individuals from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities to apply, even if their experience does not align with every qualification listed in the job description.

LOCATION 

This position is open to remote candidates; however, Wyoming-based applicants are especially encouraged to apply and may be given preference based on organizational needs.