Program Associate / Manager

The Burning Glass Institute believes that everyone deserves meaningful work and the chance to move up.  A fully independent non-profit, we advance data-driven research and practice on the future of work and on the future of learning. We work with educators, employers, and policymakers to develop solutions that build mobility, opportunity, and equity through skills. Through our expertise in mining new datasets for actionable insight, The Burning Glass Institute’s discourse-shaping research draws attention to pressing problems and frames the potential for new approaches. Through project-based engagement and collectives, we put ideas into practice, bringing forward solutions that are high-impact and replicable.   

Building on a legacy of breakthrough innovation in labor market analytics, the Institute serves as a trusted source bridging industry, educators, policy makers, and workers. As rapid change increasingly challenges employers and workers alike, the Institute delivers insightful analysis of labor market trends and develops innovative models for economic mobility and workforce equity.

The Role: 

The Program Associate/Program Manager for Education Insights and Workforce Innovation has responsibilities for developing analysis, supporting program implementation, and developing partner ready deliverables to support the Burning Glass Institute’s applied research and pilot projects across the country. The Program Associate/Manager will support the implementation of projects and research products. Working in partnership with Burning Glass Institute leadership, the Program Associate/Manager will help to deliver effective research products, consultative communications and convenings.  

Specific tasks include: 

·       Supporting the communication, writing, and presentation of data analysis conducted within the workforce innovation and economics teams

·       Supporting data analysis and data visualization

·       Crafting research and engagement products and helping to derive insights and strategies on workforce innovations

·       Coordinating with partners to deliver high quality insights and products on time

·       Managing and facilitating partner meetings

·       Performing baseline research, including literature reviews, market analysis or other techniques

·       Helping to translate and distill complex data analysis and insights for non-technical audiences

·       Supporting development of summary findings for research focused communications

·       Organizing and managing virtual and in person convenings

·       Supporting proposal development and connections with funders and partners

·       Delivering research presentations and reports to audiences as assigned

·       Supporting thought leadership products and communications to elevate Burning Glass Institute Initiatives 

Skills and Profile  

The incumbent should be highly organized and able to manage multiple projects with interrelated deadlines and able to develop an understanding and framework for how to drive impact at an organization focused on research and analysis. The incumbent will be adept at supporting team execution and helping to understand a variety of research approaches and hold a passion for making research and analysis actionable.

They will have a deep understanding of or ability to develop a deep understanding of the policies, practices, and programs that help workers connect to meaningful work. The Program Associate will have an ability to connect analysis and strategies with the goals of worker-serving organizations, postsecondary institutions, state and local government, economic development professionals and employers is critical.

Experience developing data analysis and visualization, particularly through presentations and writing, and potentially data interactives is highly desired. An interest and understanding of public policies that support economic development and employment through education are important as well. Experience developing engagement with community and employer partners both in person and virtual, crafting communications, and producing written products is desired.  

Successful candidates will have experience and exposure to economics, workforce development, education and higher education policy and practice.  

Candidates will typically hold education and experience commensurate with a degree in public policy, business, education policy, economics or economic development or urban studies and 1-2 years of experience or work-based learning. Candidates may also have additional experience in lieu of a degree. Experience working in a research setting is desirable.

Candidates for the Program Manager level will have education and experience that prepare them to independently manage partner projects and lead initiatives with executives at BGI.  

The Burning Glass Institute is primarily a remote work environment. Candidates will be expected to travel periodically to BGI work summits (typically on the east coast of the US) and/or partner meetings.

Application Process: 

If you are passionate about labor market analysis, data-driven research, and contributing to meaningful insights in the world of work, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter to research.hiring@burningglassinstitute.org with the subject line "Program Manager / Associate - [First Name][Last Name]".

The Burning Glass Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We’re committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at The Burning Glass Institute are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, family or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.