About JFF
Jobs for the Future (JFF) drives transformation of the U.S. education and workforce systems to achieve equitable economic advancement for all. Seeing that millions of people are unfairly shut out of quality jobs and the chance for a better life, our goal is to align education, workforce, and employment changemakers toward a shared North Star: By 2033, 75 million people facing systemic barriers to advancement will work in quality jobs.
To achieve that goal, we design solutions, scale best practices, influence policy and action, and invest in innovation. With a staff of more than 300 people across the country working remotely and in offices in Boston (headquarters), Washington, DC, and Oakland, California, we operate at the national, state, and local levels, forging deep partnerships with employers, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and education and workforce development providers to break down barriers and reimagine what’s possible.
We’re on a path of ongoing growth and expanding impact. We have an operating budget of $105 million, and we’re funded by dozens of leading government agencies, foundations, and corporations. Learn moreabout JFF and join us as we build a future that works—for everyone.
DEIBW at JFF
Diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and well-being (DEIBW) are core to JFF’sNorth Star and mission. We employ and build diverse teams across race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, age, and lived experiences and are constantly working toward ensuring these differences are celebrated and included. We aim to cultivate a culture that centers the overall care, well-being, and success of the employee through flexible work hours, balanced workloads, professional development, and equitable career advancement opportunities.Learn more about what DEIBW looks like in practice at JFF.
We seek to invest in and learn from those who represent the communities we serve, particularly individuals from populations who have been explicitly or implicitly excluded from the workforce. Knowing its importance to the success of our work and the engagement of our staff members, we aspire to attract and retain a diverse team and welcome people of all backgrounds to apply to our open roles. JFF is a fair chance employer and in alignment to ourNorth Star, we strongly encourage individuals whose highest level of education attained is less than a 4-year degree; People of Color; and people with records to apply.
About the Team
As a part of JFF’s Solutions Design and Delivery unit, the Field Implementation Team (FIT) plays a central role in advancing JFF’s mission by applying capabilities, expertise, and talent to implement field-facing programs, initiatives, and strategic solutions. As the largest functional team at JFF with more than 150 members, the Field Implementation Team consists of key project personnel who design and deliver technical assistance, coaching, asset mapping, community of practice facilitation, design of convenings or events, and other key lines of service. FIT members may be largely dedicated to projects and programs sponsored or led by a specific Center or Practice, or JFFLabs team.
About the Position:JFF is seeking a Director to lead JFF’s State of Maryland Strategies & Partnerships initiative, driving efforts to transform the state’s workforce system and promote economic advancement. This role will help address critical workforce gaps in key sectors like IT, healthcare, and education, where many positions remain unfilled. Reporting to a FIT Cluster Director on the Field Implementation Team and working closely with the Senior Director, Workforce and Regional Economies Practice, the Director will manage and lead multiple project teams and delegate work across various projects. The Director will foster collaborative partnerships with colleagues within FIT and across different Practices and Centers at JFF and will direct project teams across multiple workstreams in addition to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across these initiatives. As a strategic, equity-oriented project leader, you will set ambitious and achievable goals to drive JFF’s influence in the state of Maryland and will advance JFF’s Workforce and Regional Economies (WRE) strategy by leading project teams and aligning workstreams with JFF’s mission. As a Director on the Field Implementation Team, you could be assigned to other portfolios of project work sponsored by different Practices and Centers at JFF, based on the organization’s evolving needs and your skill sets and interests.
The Director will oversee JFF’s efforts across Maryland through these workstreams with potential for portfolio growth:
This position represents an exciting opportunity for an experienced project and program leader who is deeply knowledgeable of Maryland’s workforce development landscape, including apprenticeships, career coaching, and sector strategies. This Director will be energized by helping deepen our reach and impact in the region with their knowledge, skills and expertise. We encourage applicants who are eager to drive visionary, impactful contributions and are comfortable leading multiple cross-functional, complex projects with different workstreams to apply.
Because of the region-specific nature of this work, this role is completely remote for candidates based in Maryland or those in the surrounding areas with depth of experience in sector strategies, apprenticeships, and related programs within the state of Maryland.
What You’ll Do
Lead impactful project and program efforts:
Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion and results:
Contribute to JFF's programmatic strategy:
Who You Are
The qualifications listed within the job description are intended as a guide and we do not expect candidates to bring all experiences and skills listed. Research supports that self-selecting out of potential professional opportunities is particularly common among individuals with identities that are marginalized in professional spaces. So, if you believe that you can meet the overall expectations of the position, we encourage you to apply so that we have an opportunity to learn more about you and the unique strengths you would bring to the work.
What We Offer
At JFF, we’re fueled by the desire to create a world where everyone has equal opportunity for economic advancement. Our team works hard to push the boundaries of what is possible, and in return, we provide a gratifying work experience, competitive salaries, and a comprehensivebenefits programthat includes flexibility and choice as core values in order to support people wherever they are in their lives and careers.
JFF has offices in Boston, Oakland, and Washington, DC; employees are welcome to use JFF office space to work in-person or hybrid, or completely remote. To improve the employee experience and promote productivity while working remotely, JFF offers an annual home office stipend to all regular full-time and part-time employees. In addition, new employees receive office equipment as needed.
The hiring range for this role is $120,000 - $150,000 annually, in alignment to JFF’s Director II salary band and our compensation philosophy. Starting salaries for new hires will be determined based on a combination of the new hire’s relevant experience and market demands.
To Apply
As part of your application, please include your resume and a thoughtful cover letter, addressed toJen Horton, Senior Director, Workforce and Regional Economies Practice,outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position.
We are accepting applications through Monday, December 2nd. Applications submitted by that date will be reviewed and candidates will receive updates on their candidacy by the end of the week of December 9, 2024.
At JFF, we’re also committed to accessibility and want to ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities, can fully access and engage with our application and hiring process. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability and/or have specific access/accommodation needs in order to fully participate in our hiring process, please contact us at hiringaccommodations@jff.org.