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: In 10 years, 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 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 Center
JFF is excited to launch a new Center for Career Navigation to mobilize the field around a bold vision for building the bridge from learning to work for Gen Z. Over the next decade, Gen Z will enter an evolving workforce with new opportunities and challenges. So, it is more imperative than ever that they can find, evaluate, finance, secure, and flourish in opportunities that lead to high-quality jobs they can trust. We believe in the power of building connections between learners and workers aged 16 - 24, training providers, and employers so that Gen Z can navigate non-degree and degree pathways and work-based learning opportunities.
By 2030, this Center will realize our vision to impact more than 20 million Gen Z learners, providing them the tools, access, and experience needed to confidently navigate various pathways. The Center aims to mobilize the field in youth career navigation and launch a tech experience that helps young people across the US bridge the education-to-career cliff. The Center’s work will focus on:
About the Position
The Senior Director of the Center for Career Navigation will support the development, refinement, and execution of JFF’s thought leadership and strategy to build the bridge from learning to work for Gen Z learners. Reporting to the Vice President, Center for Career Navigation, the Senior Director will be responsible for contributing to thought leadership and supporting the mobilization of the field around the Center’s network strategy. The Senior Director will also leverage the knowledge, skills, and expertise of other Centers and Practices across JFF to deepen our reach and impact in the field.
In this exciting new role, you will represent JFF across a wide array of stakeholders, including Gen Z, employers, education and training providers, K-12 systems, policymakers, and state/regional workforce agencies. This work sits at a pivotal point in JFF’s long history of impact in the young adult field, and you will have the opportunity to evolve and grow our strategies and efforts focused on young adults in the context of a fast-growing organization.
As the Center becomes fully integrated into JFF’s Solutions Group, the Senior Director works with other team members of the Center to attract partnerships, funding, and other resources to fund the center visions.
What You'll Do
Advance the Center’s vision and strategy through thought leadership
Support the building, scaling, and sustainability of the Center’s work
Deliver powerful results through leadership and execution of multiple, complex projects and programs
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 $140,000 - $175,000 annually, in alignment to JFF’s Senior Director 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 to Jeff Bulanda, Vice President, Center for Career Navigation outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position.
We are accepting applications now through Wednesday, November 20. Applications submitted by that date will be reviewed and candidates will receive updates on their candidacy by the end of the week ofDecember 2, 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.
Positions at JFF are not eligible for employer-visa sponsorship or open to F-1 student visa holders.