Program Officer, Economic Mobility

ABOUT UNITED WAY:

For over 90 years, United Way of Massachusetts Bay has brought people, partners and communities together to solve our region's toughest challenges. Our work is centered on scaling safe and stable housing, strengthening educational opportunities, building economic mobility, centering youth and young adults, and stabilizing the safety net. United Way is advancing transformational impact through investing in communities and organizations, elevating community voice, sharing expertise and knowledge, convening partnerships across sectors and advocating for changes in public policy that scale what works. We believe real, transformative change only happens when people work together. We bring together community-based organizations, businesses, government, philanthropy, and neighbors to respond to today's challenges while building long-term solutions that help everyone thrive.

We offer excellent benefits including a BCBS PPO plan, dental, 401k retirement savings with company match and a discretionary employer base contribution. Our PTO policy offers summer hours and a three-day closure for Thanksgiving. We also offer a hybrid work schedule, with a minimum of 2 fixed days in office per week. Additional in person work will be required based on the needs of the position and the organization.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Economic Mobility impact area within the Community Impact division seeks to transform systems that do not work for everyone, advancing financial well-being and shared prosperity across race and ethnicity. We reimagine systems and work on solutions so families can earn, spend, and save enough to meet their goals. We seek to expand economic opportunity in Massachusetts by combining innovative financial coaching, asset-building, credit-building, direct cash, employment, and other strategies with policy, public narratives, and community voice, so that low- to moderate-income working households can achieve financial security and economic mobility.

Reporting to the Vice President, Economic Mobility, the Program Officer is responsible for managing a portfolio of UWMB partners and will drive impact area initiatives and coalitions that expand financial security and opportunity across local communities. You will work closely with community partners, financial coaches, and public leaders to scale proven wealth-building programs, advocate for equitable economic policies, and build a positive narrative of people striving for economic wellbeing. As a trusted partner and primary point of contact, the Program Officer will engage in comprehensive relationship management, grant compliance, and network building, emphasizing listening, responsiveness, and collaborative dialogue rather than transactional compliance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Initiative Direction & Implementation

- Work with the Vice President, Economic Mobility, to set the direction for assigned strategic initiatives and oversee implementation.
Manage programs, evaluate progress, and drive continuous improvement to achieve stated goals.

Coalition & Network Building- support our coalition work as assigned:

- Connect partners across sectors to establish shared goals and advance collective action by strengthening relationships, sharing best practices, and fostering learning.
Convene partners and support partner-led gatherings, including supporting or leading 2 All Agency Convenings per year, Impact Area Convenings, and Communities of Practice.

Relationship Management & Trust Building

- Serve as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of 10–20 nonprofit partners.

- Build relationships rooted in trust, transparency, and mutual accountability by listening actively, responding to partner needs, and creating space for partners to share organizational successes and challenges.

Community Engagement

- Participate actively in partner-led spaces, grassroots convenings, and local events to keep United Way initiatives grounded in community voices and experiences.

Grant Management & Compliance: Work independently or as part of a team with division leadership to design and implement United Way grants to community partners. Responsibilities include:

- Develop application eligibility and scoring criteria.

- Review applications and select grantees.

- Implement scopes of work and establish reporting requirements and performance measures.

- Provide technical assistance and thought partnership to help grantees achieve performance targets and grant goals.

- Support the development team in managing and implementing grant performance and compliance requirements, including MOUs, fiscal audits, contact management, and engagement trackers.

Program Operations & Team Leadership

- Develop and manage functional program budgets with strict cost control.

- Execute strategies and plans to achieve program objectives, with an emphasis on deliverables and results.

- On occasion and with the support of the Vice President, Economic Mobility, provide guidance to interns, or external contractors.

Special Projects

- Support assigned division special projects to advance the mission, meet division goals, and/or improve operations.

REQUIREMENTS :

Professional Requirements & Competencies: To project credibility and lead high-level dialogues with senior stakeholders, a successful candidate will combine deep subject matter expertise with strong interpersonal skills.

- Experience: 6+ years of related experience, ideally in a nonprofit environment.

- Education: Bachelor's or master's degree preferred.

- Leadership Presence: Possesses the professional presence and confidence to project credibility, navigate tough conversations with partners, and lead idea-generating dialogues with Senior Leadership Teams.

- Technical Expertise: Proven ability in data analysis for continuous improvement and the ability to translate research and public policy into investment strategies.

- Coalition Expertise: Demonstrated ability to lead diverse stakeholders and mobilize in partnership with other leaders.

- Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and to the mission of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay.

- Ability to work a hybrid work schedule, currently a minimum of 2 days per week in the Boston office.

United Way of Massachusetts Bay is committed to hiring individuals who reflect the diversity of our communities.