Program Manager (Lebanon)

The Program Manager is a key leader responsible for advancing the mission of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation (Boone EDC) and the Boone County Early Learning Coalition (BCELC) by driving both early learning and childcare initiatives and broader economic and community development strategies that support families and the local workforce.

This role blends program execution and strategic coordination across sectors. The Program Manager will work closely with the BCELC, and committee leads to implement the organization’s strategic priorities while also identifying opportunities to align early childhood efforts with workforce, economic development, and community well-being goals. This role will also support the strategic priorities and projects of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation.

This is a highly collaborative, hands-on role suited for someone who is equally comfortable managing projects, engaging community stakeholders, analyzing data, and advancing cross-sector initiatives in a nonprofit environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Implementation & Program Management
Manage and coordinate key initiatives, ensuring alignment between childcare access, workforce needs, and community priorities.
Track progress, evaluate impact, and regularly report on outcomes, challenges, and opportunities.
Identify and pursue opportunities to expand Boone EDC and BCELC’s role in broader community and economic development efforts.

2. Systems Building
Develop and support a network of early learning providers and professionals.
Advance initiatives that improve childcare access, quality, and sustainability across Boone County.
Collaborate with providers, schools, and families to strengthen the local early childhood ecosystem.

3. Economic & Community Development Alignment
Work with Boone EDC staff to build partnerships with employers and local government to position childcare as critical infrastructure for workforce development.
Support initiatives that connect early learning with broader goals such as talent attraction and business growth.
Represent Boone EDC in cross-sector collaborations, coalitions, and community planning efforts.
Help integrate early childhood priorities into local and regional economic development strategies.
Work with the Director of Strategy and Innovation on responding to economic development inquiries and leads.

4. Community Engagement
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with families, providers, employers, schools, nonprofits, and public sector leaders.
Serve as a visible and trusted connector across sectors.
Facilitate meetings, convenings, and working groups to advance shared goals.
Represent Boone EDC at public events, forums, and stakeholder gatherings.

5. Communications & Public Awareness
Develop and execute communications strategies that speak to diverse audiences, including families, providers, employers, and policymakers.
Oversee website and social media presence.
Produce newsletters, reports, and outreach materials.
Elevate the role of early learning as a key community and economic priority.

6. Data, Research & Advocacy
Gather and analyze data related to childcare supply/demand, workforce trends, and community needs.
Translate data into actionable insights and policy or funding priorities.
Support advocacy efforts that advance early learning and economic mobility.
Help position Boone EDC and Boone County Early Learning Coalition as a data-informed leader in the community.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, nonprofit management, early childhood education, economics, community development, or related field (or equivalent experience).
2–3+ years of experience in program management, project coordination, nonprofit operations, or community/economic development.
Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives or cross-sector programs.
Strong ability to coordinate projects, track outcomes, and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experience building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to collect, analyze, and translate data into actionable insights for program improvement and decision-making.
Proficiency with standard business and productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office) and comfort managing digital communications or outreach platforms.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience in early childhood systems, childcare access initiatives, or education-focused programming.
Background in economic development, workforce development, or regional planning.
Experience facilitating coalitions, working groups, or community convenings.
Familiarity with public funding, grants management, or nonprofit reporting requirements.
Experience supporting communications efforts, including newsletters, websites, or social media content.
Knowledge of local government systems or community planning processes.

How to Apply
Email a cover letter and resume (PDF format) to Shelby Farthing, Director of Strategy & Innovation, at hello@BetterInBoone.org.