Sr. Program Associate, GovEx (Bloomberg Center for Government Excellence)

Job Details

Johns Hopkins, founded in 1876, is America's first research university and home to nine world-class academic divisions working together as one university.

Why Join GovEx?

Working at GovEx means joining a dynamic team committed to improving the lives of people living in cities around the world through data-driven, innovative solutions. You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with cities at the forefront of public sector innovation and be part of transformative projects that improve government performance and outcomes.

General summary/purpose:

The Bloomberg Center for Government Excellence at Johns Hopkins University (GovEx or the Center) seeks to hire a Sr. Program Associate, GovEx for the City Data Alliance Program to join our team of government, data, and performance practice experts to support senior government leaders across the United States, Canada, and Latin America to use data to get better results for residents.

The Sr. Program Associate plays a critical role in the delivery of GovEx’s data advisory services for city government partners, enabling them to leverage the power of data for better decision-making in the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance program

The Sr. Program Associate role will be a part of a team that is responsible for managing full-cycle projects, including scoping, scheduling, and implementation of data analysis and performance practices, while providing direct technical assistance in program implementation. The role also entails advising and guiding public sector teams’ data techniques, supporting them to achieve resident impact, and presenting strategic recommendations based on program performance. Additionally, this role contributes subject matter expertise to develop curriculum, workshops, and new initiatives, while coordinating program delivery with various partners and stakeholders.

Since 2015, GovEx has supported over 10,000 public sector leaders in 37 countries, and over 568 cities, counties, and states by providing coaching and technical assistance; research and analytics; training and capacity building; and human resource support. GovEx is a recognized leader in the provision of public sector training to upskill employees and improve data practices through self-guided courses and instructor-facilitated learning.

GovEx is dedicated to supporting governments in leveraging the power of data to identify, understand, and dismantle legacies of structural and entrenched racism. We seek candidates who are committed to using data-driven approaches to promote equity and justice in communities. For more information about GovEx, please visit https://govex.jhu.edu/.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Program Management and Delivery - 70%

• Act as the primary programmatic point of contact for clients on behalf of the Center, reporting to program and Center leadership on progress, support needs, and escalation of issues.
• Provide full-cycle project management for assigned jurisdictions and programs, encompassing project scoping, scheduling, reporting, and data analysis.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative program performance data, identify areas of concern and opportunities for improvement, and present data and recommendations to public sector leaders, Center leadership, and funders, as needed.
• Provide direct technical assistance to client teams in the design, development, and implementation or deployment of new services, programs, tools, and platforms.
• Lead regular check-ins with teams to monitor progress, provide guidance, and adapt strategies to achieve program goals.
• Provide strategic support to clients, ensuring project success through effective coaching
• Oversee the development and implementation of work plans and other program deliverables.
• Teach skills, techniques, and approaches to public sector teams and support them through the program to achieve desired resident impact.
• Perform strategic reviews of program performance; recommend solutions to obstacles and challenges; and develop strategies to reach and reinforce positive trends in performance.
• Contribute subject matter expertise, including broad knowledge of the field, to the design, organization, and facilitation of curriculum, on-site and virtual trainings, workshops, and meetings with clients and partners, both as part of standard programs and also in response to unique and emerging needs.
• Lead preparation and presentation of reports, summaries, and other work products for dissemination to the Center’s leadership and external partners, including funders.
• Develop and implement strategies that scale solutions and drive impact across broader program objectives and the field of study.
• Plan, develop, and deliver assigned program workstreams, including but not limited to program outreach, quality assurance, procurement management, and communications management.
• Coordinate program delivery with contracted and collaborating partners.

Program Planning - 30%

• Contribute to Center-wide initiatives focused on new programs, performance measurement, and training initiatives.
• Provide training, mentorship, and supervision to Center staff or contractors.
• Work closely with program sponsors, Center leadership, and cross functional teams to develop the scope, deliverables, required resources, work plan, and timeline for new initiatives.
• Perform other duties, as assigned, in support of the mission and work of the Center.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Prior experience working in or with local, state, or national governments and in the design of public sector service delivery programs.
• Possess understanding of the types of performance and service delivery challenges typically faced by local or state governments.
• Prior experience leading strategic planning processes and in the provision of strategic guidance to senior-level officials within public sector organizations.
• Prior experience in the successful management of complex projects and initiatives from design to completion and high-volume portfolios of clients and projects.
• Strong leadership and relationship management skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented collaborative environment.
• Knowledge of public sector data practices or innovation methods and strategies.
• Effective facilitation, written, and verbal communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field
• Five years of experience in program or project management, public policy, public administration, change management, business administration, or related subject matter expertise.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a related field.
• Conceptual and practical understanding of innovation tools and the role of human centered design, data, and policy in the public sector.
• Experience working for local, state, or federal government.
• Experience or familiarity with structures and functions common to city and state governments.
• Proficiency speaking/conversing in Spanish or Portuguese in the business setting.

Additional Requirements

• Up to 20% travel required, to lead site visits and in-person program delivery.