Jobs for the Future
Senior Director, Center for Career Navigation (Apply By: Wednesday, November 20,
Jobs for the Future, California, Missouri, United States, 65018
About JFF
Jobs for the Future (JFF) drives transformation of the U.S. education and workforce systems to achieve equitable economic advancement for all. 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 more
about 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’s 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.
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. JFF is a fair chance employer and in alignment to our North 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. It is imperative 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:
Engaging JFF’s networks across the learn to work ecosystem
Driving thought leadership
Building and launching impactful digital marketing campaigns across key stakeholder groups
Engaging in advocacy work with federal and state policy
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.
In this 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. 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
Contribute to the strategic development of the Center, inclusive of the research, policy, and learning agendas
Support or lead initiatives to raise JFF’s visibility among key stakeholders and influencers
Collaborate as a subject matter expert on topics related to career navigation and postsecondary education and training for Gen Z
Contribute to the Center’s and JFF’s thought leadership in the field at conferences, convenings, working groups and advisory panels
Position JFF’s point of view and theory of action for career navigation within the broader ecosystem
Translate research into actionable insights that mobilize the field
Support the building, scaling, and sustainability of the Center’s work
Partner with others on the Center and the Development Team to pursue partnership, fundraising, and/or business development opportunities
Cultivate and nourish relationships with funders, clients, and partners
Lead operational improvement initiatives to increase quality, value and efficiency of the Center’s work
Partner with the JFF Markets/Networks team to tailor and execute JFF’s networks strategy focused on Career Navigation
Deliver powerful results through leadership and execution of multiple, complex projects and programs
Drive the overall performance of a portfolio of work, including sponsorship, oversight, and leading of cross-functional projects
Lead and execute key initiatives, in close partnership with the Center VP, members of our team and other leaders across JFF’s centers and practices
Propose and implement high-impact ideas and creative solutions to accelerate the CCN’s goals
In partnership with the VP, allocate resources and manage priorities effectively
Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into programmatic and leadership practices
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. If you believe that you can meet the overall expectations of the position, we encourage you to apply.
You bring a track record of leadership in young adult (16 – 24-year-olds) talent development at the national level
You bring significant experience and are a deep subject matter expert in the career navigation space
You bring deep familiarity and expertise in instructional design, learning and development and/or career pathways strategies
You understand what Gen Z learners need and have experience designing and structuring educational programs
You have developed strong relationships with funders, clients, and partners
You are familiar with best practices, leading organizations, policy landscape and research relevant to improving career outcomes
You demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
You bring demonstrated capacity to conceptualize, plan, launch, manage multiple complex initiatives
You are highly skilled at leading in a matrixed and highly collaborative capacity
You understand and demonstrate equity-centered and inclusive analysis and practice
You excel working collaboratively with a diverse range of decision-makers
You demonstrate a growth mindset with the ability to create and maintain standards of high performance
You are energized by stewarding JFF’s DEIBW values and practices
You have a willingness to travel (up to 30%)
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 comprehensive
benefits program .
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. 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. 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 of December 2, 2024.
At JFF, we’re also committed to accessibility. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability and/or have specific access/accommodation needs, 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Jobs for the Future (JFF) drives transformation of the U.S. education and workforce systems to achieve equitable economic advancement for all. 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 more
about 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’s 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.
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. JFF is a fair chance employer and in alignment to our North 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. It is imperative 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:
Engaging JFF’s networks across the learn to work ecosystem
Driving thought leadership
Building and launching impactful digital marketing campaigns across key stakeholder groups
Engaging in advocacy work with federal and state policy
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.
In this 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. 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
Contribute to the strategic development of the Center, inclusive of the research, policy, and learning agendas
Support or lead initiatives to raise JFF’s visibility among key stakeholders and influencers
Collaborate as a subject matter expert on topics related to career navigation and postsecondary education and training for Gen Z
Contribute to the Center’s and JFF’s thought leadership in the field at conferences, convenings, working groups and advisory panels
Position JFF’s point of view and theory of action for career navigation within the broader ecosystem
Translate research into actionable insights that mobilize the field
Support the building, scaling, and sustainability of the Center’s work
Partner with others on the Center and the Development Team to pursue partnership, fundraising, and/or business development opportunities
Cultivate and nourish relationships with funders, clients, and partners
Lead operational improvement initiatives to increase quality, value and efficiency of the Center’s work
Partner with the JFF Markets/Networks team to tailor and execute JFF’s networks strategy focused on Career Navigation
Deliver powerful results through leadership and execution of multiple, complex projects and programs
Drive the overall performance of a portfolio of work, including sponsorship, oversight, and leading of cross-functional projects
Lead and execute key initiatives, in close partnership with the Center VP, members of our team and other leaders across JFF’s centers and practices
Propose and implement high-impact ideas and creative solutions to accelerate the CCN’s goals
In partnership with the VP, allocate resources and manage priorities effectively
Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into programmatic and leadership practices
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. If you believe that you can meet the overall expectations of the position, we encourage you to apply.
You bring a track record of leadership in young adult (16 – 24-year-olds) talent development at the national level
You bring significant experience and are a deep subject matter expert in the career navigation space
You bring deep familiarity and expertise in instructional design, learning and development and/or career pathways strategies
You understand what Gen Z learners need and have experience designing and structuring educational programs
You have developed strong relationships with funders, clients, and partners
You are familiar with best practices, leading organizations, policy landscape and research relevant to improving career outcomes
You demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
You bring demonstrated capacity to conceptualize, plan, launch, manage multiple complex initiatives
You are highly skilled at leading in a matrixed and highly collaborative capacity
You understand and demonstrate equity-centered and inclusive analysis and practice
You excel working collaboratively with a diverse range of decision-makers
You demonstrate a growth mindset with the ability to create and maintain standards of high performance
You are energized by stewarding JFF’s DEIBW values and practices
You have a willingness to travel (up to 30%)
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 comprehensive
benefits program .
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. 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. 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 of December 2, 2024.
At JFF, we’re also committed to accessibility. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability and/or have specific access/accommodation needs, 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr