Program Operations Associate

About Lead For America

Lead For America (LFA) creates service pathways that connect local people with mission-driven organizations, helping communities shape solutions that reflect local context and needs. In 2021, LFA launched the American Connection Corps (ACC), an AmeriCorps service initiative focused on reducing the digital divide in communities that lack reliable digital access. Backed by AmeriCorps and a wide network of corporate partners, ACC members serve across more than 30 states.

Department Overview

The Programs team designs, runs, and assesses programs that advance LFA’s mission. The department is responsible for building thoughtful initiatives, delivering them effectively, and measuring their long-term impact. Its work is guided by the organization’s core values of Connection, Innovation, Service, Stewardship, and Trust.

The team also ensures that each program stays aligned with the organization’s mission through careful budget management, strong execution, and rigorous evaluation so that both immediate community needs and longer-term goals are met.

Role Summary

The Program Operations Associate supports research, development, and end-to-end implementation of Lead For America programs throughout each program year. The position calls for strong understanding of operational workflows, multi-stakeholder project management, in-person and virtual event logistics, and day-to-day program operations.

This role curates resources, training materials, events, and opportunities for members and host sites to strengthen the service experience. The Associate reports to the Director of Program Operations and works closely with Program Coordinators, who act as the key link between program design and day-to-day realities. Some travel within the United States and its territories is expected.

Key Responsibilities

This role spans process improvement, compliance support, convening logistics, data management, and organizational operations.

• Create and maintain templates and tracking tools in systems such as Asana, Google Sheets, Google Forms, and Campground to build, refine, and update standard operating procedures and to monitor core workstreams.
• Record operational processes, rules, and resources that support consistent and efficient program delivery.
• Review current programs, collect feedback, and analyze data to identify opportunities to improve workflows and procedures.
• Support feasibility testing for new program growth and expansion ideas.
• Assist with retrospectives after major milestones by preparing templates, taking notes, and tracking team commitments in project management tools.
• Coordinate task assignments in Campground, the program CRM and learning platform.
• Help ensure smooth transitions for host site supervisors and members across recruitment, onboarding, orientation, and the full service term.
• Support end-of-program wrap-up work, including setting up member exit boards and organizing final files.
• Stay informed about current process-improvement practices, including automation and AI tools.
• Work with Monitoring & Evaluation and Program Coordinators on data collection, data quality, monitoring, and grant compliance tasks.
• Support audit readiness, evaluation requirements, and broader program compliance in partnership with the Director of Program Operations and the Compliance and Grant Manager.
• Coordinate with Marketing & Communications, Program Coordinators, and Team Leads to gather service highlights and pipeline updates through internal systems and site visits for internal and external communication.
• Partner with Recruitment and Grant Management/Compliance teams to troubleshoot requirements and help streamline execution.
• Support the planning and delivery of virtual and in-person convenings, training sessions, and PC Pods.
• Manage logistics for Host Site Orientations and Program Launches, including Zoom setup, RSVP tracking, and attendance management.
• Set up project boards, shared folders, and planning documents using organizational templates to support convening preparation.
• Maintain accurate data in CRM, communication, and project management systems to support program goals and grant compliance.
• Move data between platforms, including exports and uploads such as from America Learns to Campground.
• Moderate the member Slack channel by sharing resources, encouraging peer support, strengthening community, and coordinating technical support with the COO and IT Manager.
• Build onboarding and orientation task assignments in CRM and tracking tools.
• Track and report host and member progress, including weekly member highlights and exit counts, using tools such as Workable, Campground, and Asana.
• Interpret data needs across workstreams and operational activities to support organizational priorities.
• Contribute to organization-wide operational needs such as expense reporting, benefits administration, and KPI tracking.
• Take on additional organizational projects and responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

• 2 to 5 years of relevant experience in nonprofits, government, philanthropy, or corporate settings, with exposure to program management, data analysis, process development, or program operations.
• Demonstrated ability to support complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives and help them run on time and effectively.
• Experience working both independently and with teams, in person and remotely, while setting clear expectations and maintaining accountability.
• Strong operational and project management background, including building systems, organizing workflows, coordinating timelines, and handling multiple priorities at once.
• Ability to identify issues, gather input, test solutions, and improve processes through a feedback-driven approach.
• Comfort with numbers and data for budgeting support, performance tracking, analysis, and leadership reporting.
• Clear and professional communication style with the ability to set expectations and next steps confidently.
• Ability to collaborate across departments such as program design, recruitment, finance, marketing, and development.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion in operational systems and team practices.
• Strong alignment with national service, civic leadership, and community-rooted change.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this role is $50,000 to $65,000 annually. The starting amount will depend on the role and the candidate’s experience. Compensation is expected to grow over time with experience, inflation, and organizational growth, and promotion opportunities may be available.

Additional Information

This is a remote full-time position based in the United States, with occasional travel within the U.S. and its territories. The role also involves support for organizational operations beyond the core program duties.