Commonwealth Corps Program Manager

Massachusetts Service Alliance

Massachusetts' official State Service Commission

Job Description

About the Massachusetts Service Alliance

The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA), established in 1991, is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as Massachusetts' official State Service Commission. Through service and volunteerism MSA builds a stronger social fabric in our communities across the Commonwealth. We are committed to increasing the number of people engaged in meaningful volunteer and corps-based opportunities across Massachusetts that are both fulfilling for the volunteers and that meet critical needs in our community. As a dedicated partner to community organizations throughout Massachusetts, we are attuned to critical areas of need—from education and workforce development to health and the environment—and utilize volunteerism and service to address those needs in order to make our Commonwealth stronger. 
 
The Massachusetts Service Alliance is committed to a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environment.  We carry these beliefs into our grantmaking, recruitment and support of board and staff, and how we support the service and volunteerism field in Massachusetts. We invite you to read MSA’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Guiding Statement.
 
We care passionately about service and volunteerism and our employees. For more information about our organization, visit www.mass-service.org

Position Summary

The Commonwealth Corps Program Manager is a member of the program team and is responsible for the oversight and management of the Commonwealth Corps program. Each year, approximately 30 Commonwealth Corps members from diverse backgrounds serve with approximately 12-16 host site organizations across Massachusetts. Primary responsibilities of the position include overall program implementation, member and host site management and support, training for members and host sites, and supervision of the Commonwealth Corps Program Team. This position reports to the Director of Training & Technical Assistance. 

Essential Functions

Program Leadership and Management: 
  • Provide overall leadership and oversight of the Commonwealth Corps (CC) program to ensure an impactful service experience. 
  • Supervise and support the CC Associate Program Manager and Program Fellow and their administrative and programmatic responsibilities. 
  • Cultivate a service program and environment that is inclusive and values diversity, including defining and updating the CC Commitment to Equity and annual priorities with input from the CC Advisory Committee and in alignment with MSA's organizational goals related to diversity, equity and inclusion. 
  • Manage program budget to maximize available resources, report updates to fiscal team. 
  • Utilize all available data for program evaluation, dissemination of program highlights, and continuous improvement efforts, including leading annual strategic planning meetings with CC team to reflect on challenges/successes and evaluate and update priorities. 
  • Oversee the Community Advisory Committee, including the annual committee member selection process and setting and leading the agenda for committee meetings. 
  • Manage the annual recruitment and selection of the CC Program Fellow. 

Partnership Management and Support: 
  • Provide ongoing support to host site partners through monthly check-ins and technical assistance, including during the recruitment and selection process. 
  • In partnership with Assoc. Program Manager, manage and resolve member and host site challenges as they arise in alignment with program values and mission. 
  • Conduct year-round outreach and partnership development with organizations across the state for member recruitment, host site partner cultivation, and additional partnership opportunities.  
  • Design and lead the annual host site recruitment and selection process. 
  • Manage host site data collection through host site intake form, recruitment checklist, first and last member rosters, and midyear and final progress reports.
  • Manage host site partnership contributions and other host site fiscal matters. 
  • Coordinate with internal and external partners to promote Commonwealth Corps and pursue additional resources. 

Professional Development and Event Planning: 
  • Lead the development and delivery of host site partner and member professional development sessions, including member and host site orientation, member monthly training and/or reflection sessions, webinars and online offerings, and additional trainings and networking opportunities throughout the year (seeking and contracting with outside consultants and trainers when appropriate). 
  • Manage end of year reflection and celebration events for members and host site staff, with logistical support from MSA staff. 
  • Ensure accommodations are provided for equitable access to MSA training and resources, including language interpretation/translation.
  • Set the vision and strategy for alumni programming, including managing alumni mentors, alumni ambassadors, alumni communications and events, with support from the CC Program Fellow.

Marginal Functions

  • Support the member recruitment and selection process by conducting member interviews and sending offer letters and other communication to a portion of incoming members.  
  • Conduct annual host site visits and attend in person meetings and events at host sites.  
  • Sign and approve important CC documents, including member offer letters, partnership agreements, and member payroll.  
  • Serve on the MSA Participatory Grantmaking Workgroup for cross-team collaboration. 
  • Represent the CC program in various public settings, including board meetings, speaking engagements, and Celebration of Service. 

Organizational Responsibilities (required of all employees)

  • Participate in MSA events and activities including AmeriCorps Opening Day, Commonwealth Corps Celebration of Service, and the Massachusetts Conference on Volunteerism (may require travel within Massachusetts).
  • Participate in at least one MSA grant review including AmeriCorps, Commonwealth Corps, and other volunteer programming grant reviews.
  • Participate in MSA workgroups with the aim of improving internal operations, strategy, and organizational culture.
  • Support and strengthen MSA’s overall Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) priorities and guiding principles.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
  • Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion  
  • Excited to contribute new ideas and brainstorm new initiatives  
  • Collaborative spirit and ready to work with a team, as well as independently 
  • Strong communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, and problem solving ability. 
  • Ability to balance competing priorities and succeed with the demands of a fast-paced, multi-faceted role 
  • 5+ years of experience in direct service and program management, particularly working with community partners and providing coaching and support to a diverse team of individuals. 
  • High level of confidence and experience with the development and delivery of training for a wide variety of participants. 
  • Strong demonstrated commitment to and understanding of service and volunteerism. 
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively to build strong, productive relationships with diverse individuals and organizations to achieve common goals. 
  • Comfort with mediation and difficult conversations. 
  • Highly comfortable with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Zoom, and learning new technology 
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. 
  • The ability and willingness to travel independently and frequently within Massachusetts. 

Preferred Qualifications 
  • Personal experience with corps-based service and statewide programming as a member and/or program staff. 
  • Experience managing grant processes. 
  • Proficient in the use of Salesforce, Form Assembly, Google Drive. 
  • Prior supervision experience. 

Compensation & Policies

Salary range is $73,000 - $81,000 annually and is commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefit package including health and dental insurance and 401K with employer match. Professional development and training provided to support learning and continuous improvement.

Hybrid Work Policy: MSA has a 2 days in-office/3 days remote hybrid work policy with flexibility. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Policy: Vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment. The selected candidate will be required to provide proof of vaccination to MSA prior to start date. Reasonable accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis for exemptions to this requirement in accordance with applicable law.

To apply, please complete this application form: https://www.tfaforms.com/5021193
 
Massachusetts Service Alliance is committed to hiring practices that support the values of a diverse workplace and reflect the composition of the Massachusetts communities it serves. MSA is an equal opportunity employer and candidates from historically marginalized populations are strongly encouraged to apply. MSA does not discriminate against any employees or job applicants on the basis of any legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. MSA is dedicated to ensuring an accessible and inclusive workplace; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for interviews. To request a reasonable accommodation for the interview, please contact Lindsay Rooney at lrooney@mass-service.org

Massachusetts Service Alliance participates in E-Verify. All newly-hired employees are queried through this electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify their identity and employment eligibility.

Massachusetts Service Alliance is a proud Employer of National Service. Individuals with service experience, such as Commonwealth Corps and AmeriCorps alumni, are highly encouraged to apply.
 
For more information about the Massachusetts Service Alliance, please visit www.mass-service.org.