Job: Open Education Resources (OER) Program Manager | Michelson 20MM Foundation

The Michelson Open Education Resources Initiative (OER) promotes programs and policies that advance the proliferation and adoption of open educational resources in order to improve the affordability of instructional materials, efficacy of faculty instruction, and equitable access to educational opportunities. We do this through funding, by leading advocacy and research efforts, and through policy work.

Reporting to the CEO, COO, and Program Director the OER Program Manager will be responsible for managing and supporting the foundation’s long term commitment to OER. The role will require strong research capabilities, strategy refinement, and cross-sector coordination with partners. This role will be responsible for developing and executing the Foundation's OER strategy. They will also provide recommendations to the Foundation’s leadership team regarding funding and partnership opportunities.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication, project management, analytical skills, and have in-depth knowledge of grant management and the nonprofit sector. They are a team player who has a strong interest in the education sector and social impact work. The successful candidate will also possess excellent interpersonal communication skills and is able to work well with multiple constituencies and audiences, including academics, policymakers, researchers, advocates, educators, the public at large, and a range of media outlets. 

Requirements

Lead Open Education Resource Initiative which includes providing technical, programmatic, and administrative support for ongoing OER activities. This shall include but is not be limited to:

• Leading the strategy development and refinement;
• Development of programmatic materials with the support of the Marketing & Communications Manager, such as fact sheets, brochures one-pagers, etc;
• Monitoring and evaluation of activities, this includes developing milestone-based performance objectives;
• Managing relationships with key stakeholders;
• Support the management of current and future OER grantees. Including but not limited to:
  • Reviewing and evaluation of letters of inquiry;
  • Providing written analysis and funding recommendations;
  • Drafting of grant agreements;
  • Establish and sustain partnerships with grantees through regular check-ins and other communications;
  • Manage grantee reporting;
• Guide the Foundation's OER policy work in the OER space. Including but not limited to:
  • Communicating with public officials to educate and inform them on issues with which the Foundation is familiar;
  • Educating the public on the impact of current laws and policies;
  • Engaging stakeholder organizations to educate and inform others about public policy issues related to the Foundation’s mission;
  • Preparing model legislation on issues with which the Foundation is familiar;
  • Performing research on public policy issues related to the Foundation’s mission;
• Stay informed of developments and emerging trends in the education sector and particularly the OER space
• Review and synthesize research to inform grantmaking activities and internal initiatives
• Manage internal program processes and ensure appropriate documentation, budgeting, and reporting that supports operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Undertake additional projects and assignments as requested by Foundation leadership

Qualifications include: 

• A minimum of 5 years experience with administration, program management, and/or grants management & a college degree in related field (BA, BS). Or, an equivalent combination of experience and education that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Familiarity with the open educational resources space and the current stakeholders
• Understanding of how policy is shaped at state and federal levels in addition to policy done at educational institutions and systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently
• Strong project management skills and follow through
• Ability to take ownership of new projects and work well with ambiguity
• Relationship builder with the flexibility and finesse to “manage by influence”
• Sincere commitment to working collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, advocates, partners, program participants, and other supporters
• Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives
• Must be willing to travel occasionally upon being deemed feasible relating to COVID

Compensation: 

• The pos