Summary

We are seeking a Program Director to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of the Fiscal Challenge’s annual program cycle. This role reports directly to the organization’s founder and collaborates closely with national partners, university faculty, and students. The Director will be responsible for strategic implementation, day-to-day operations, stakeholder engagement, and impact evaluation of our flagship competition.

Description

Core Responsibilities

Annual Program Management

Own the full program lifecycle from registration to finals: outreach, proposal tracking, communications, and event delivery.

Maintain the competition calendar and track progress toward key milestones.

Manage program documentation and student-facing resource hubs (e.g., OneDrive, website).

Outreach & Engagement

Develop and execute student recruitment strategies through email campaigns, university outreach, and digital advertising.

Coordinate with partner organizations on advisor recruitment and alumni engagement.

Track and steward communications with participating students, faculty, and partner organizations.

Student & Advisor Support

Field incoming inquiries and provide timely, clear support to students and faculty.

Maintain and distribute program toolkits and proposal resources.

Coordinate with our partners to plan and execute virtual webinars and info sessions.

Event & Vendor Coordination

Plan and manage logistics for the annual in-person finals in Washington, D.C., including vendor coordination, participant travel, and on-site execution.

Coordinate participant travel stipends, lodging details, and day-of-show documentation.

Serve as on-site lead for the event, ensuring smooth execution and high-quality experience.

Evaluation & Reporting

Assist with data collection and pre/post-surveys in partnership with corporate partners.

Track key program metrics and help prepare reporting deliverables for funders and stakeholders.

Support strategic planning and post-event debriefs to continuously improve the program.

Shape

Ideal Qualifications

Required

2–5 years of experience in program coordination, event management, or nonprofit operations.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Experience with Microsoft Teams, Mailchimp, Asana, Canva, and/or similar tools

Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines independently.

Comfort working with undergraduate students and faculty in a remote, academic setting.

Preferred

Knowledge of or interest in economics, public policy, education, or civic learning.

Familiarity with university networks, academic competitions, or student programs.

CRM or survey management experience (e.g., Mailchimp, Zapier, Typeform, Airtable).

Shape

Position Details

Start Date: July 2025 preferred

Location: Remote (U.S.-based); EST, ideally located in NY or DC.

Travel: Required for the annual D.C. Finals event (April 2026). Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States of America without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

Schedule: Full-Time (40 hrs/week) $68,000–$82,000

Benefits: Flexible scheduling, mission-driven work, and the opportunity to shape the future of fiscal policy education

Share this job listing