Title: Program Manager, Nonprofit Resilience Hub

Reports To: Nonprofit Resilience Hub Director

Supervises: N/A

Org Context For over 50 years, Forefront’s mission has been to build a more vibrant and equitable social impact sector. It is one of the only regional associations in the US whose Membership includes Grantmakers, Operating Nonprofits, and their Advisors. Through active Membership engagement, Forefront provides opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, convening, education, policy engagement, leadership development, and solidarity among Members. We also provide access to our best-in-class Knowledge Center: the largest philanthropic collection in the Midwest offering unique services and resources to the social impact sector of Illinois.

Hub Summary The Nonprofit Resilience Hub (the Hub) is a collaborative initiative housed at Forefront. The Hub is a growing partnership between expert organizations dedicated to strengthening the capacity and resilience of nonprofits. Forefront serves as the backbone, providing coordination of partners and related programming, administrative oversight. The Hub provides education along with targeted services, including legal guidance, grant assistance, and strategic support, to help nonprofits navigate shifts in the sector’s ecosystem.

Position Summary The Program Manager supports the implementation and continuous improvement of the Nonprofit Resilience Hub. This role plays a key part in ensuring nonprofit partners have access to meaningful resources, support, and collaboration opportunities that strengthen organizational resilience. The Program Manager works closely with the Hub Director, partner organizations, advisory committees, and Forefront communications and grants teams to advance the mission and impact of the Hub.

General Job Description

Nonprofit Strategic Engagement & Support

Participate in intake conversations with nonprofit organizations to gather information about organizational needs, challenges, and priorities. Summarize findings and share observations with the Hub Director to inform program coordination and resource referrals.
Provide follow-up communication to participating nonprofits, including sharing resources, referrals, and information about Hub services.
Coordinate referrals among Hub partners to ensure nonprofits are connected to appropriate support.
Monitor the progress of nonprofit partners, adjusting support plans as needed and ensuring alignment with Hub goals.
Contribute insights and observations to the Hub Director regarding nonprofit needs, emerging trends, and potential program adjustments.

Program Management & Continuous Improvement

Manage the Hub’s shared programming calendar, coordinating webinars, workshops, and clinics delivered by Hub partners to ensure alignment, avoid duplication, and support a cohesive learning experience for nonprofits.
Analyze trends, partner reports, and nonprofit needs to make recommendations for program changes or new offerings.
Lead development of tools, processes, and frameworks that improve Hub operations and nonprofit experiences.
Identify opportunities for expanded partnerships, enhanced services, or improved program alignment.

Strategic Partnership Grants

Administer the Strategic Partnership Grants process, including management of the Foundant grant platform and coordination of application, review, reporting, and documentation workflows.
Monitor grant reporting requirements and timelines, ensuring partner organizations submit complete and timely reports and following up as needed.
Coordinate referrals of participating nonprofits to qualified consultants, facilitating introductions and ensuring alignment between nonprofit needs and consultant expertise.
Maintain relationships with participating consultants and summarize grant and engagement outcomes to inform internal reporting, program insights, and funder updates.

Data, Reporting, & Systems Leadership

Ensure accurate, timely strategic use of Salesforce data to inform decisions.
Analyze program participation data and partner reports to identify trends, operational insights, and opportunities for improving Hub programming.
Consolidate quarterly partner reports into high-level briefs for internal leadership and funders.

Outreach, Representation & Communications

Represent the Hub at public events, workshops, and sector convenings as a thought partner and leader in nonprofit capacity-building.
Collaborate with the communications team to shape program messaging, outreach strategies, and public-facing content.
Proactively identify opportunities to elevate Hub visibility and strengthen its statewide impact.
Assist with development and maintenance of program information and resources.

Advisory Committee Facilitation

Coordinate meetings of the Hub Advisory Committee, including scheduling, preparing agendas, and distributing materials.
Facilitate logistics and ensure effective meeting documentation.
Synthesize committee insights into recommendations for Hub strategy, programming, and policy.

Position Qualifications

Minimum 6 years of experience in the nonprofit sector.
Knowledge of nonprofit operations, governance, and common organizational challenges.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Ability to analyze information, identify trends, and make recommendations for program improvement.
Experience facilitating cross-sector or collaborative initiatives.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, navigate complex organizational dynamics, and make informed strategic recommendations.
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and facilitation skills.
Strong analytical, project management, and organizational abilities.

Location: Candidates must be based in Illinois. Forefront operates in a hybrid work environment. This role will be fully remote if the candidate resides more than 50 miles from downtown Chicago.

Position Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Salary range: $65,000-$75,000

Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage; generous PTO and paid holidays; 403(b) with employer contributions after one year of employment; paid volunteer day; life and disability insurance; FSA benefits.

To Apply: Please include your resume and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered.