Director, Program Innovation

Braven

. Lead execution and iteration of high-potential strategies from organization-wide strategic exploration .

Posted 9/25/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $95,900 - $119,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in program design and execution, with a strong focus on strategic initiative management and cross-functional collaboration. Proficient in synthesizing data and insights to inform decision-making and enhance program effectiveness.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program DesignStrategic Initiative ManagementCross-Functional CollaborationData SynthesisStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program DesignStrategic PlanningData CollectionProject ManagementLandscape Research

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsCollaborationInfluencing Without AuthorityAdaptabilityCultural Competence

Tools & Technologies

AsanaTrelloSalesforceClaudeZoomSlack

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationNonprofit SectorAlumni EngagementEmployer PartnershipsEdTech

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead execution and iteration of high-potential strategies from organization-wide strategic exploration
Design and execute alumni engagement, talent/employer-pathway, AI-centered, and higher-education partnership pilots
Test and refine pilots at initial and future partner sites
Establish frameworks for what can be replicated versus adapted for different contexts, cultures, and student populations
Coordinate sequencing and dependencies with the Director, Transformation and Operations
Gather team updates and synthesize progress and challenges into structured presentations
Prepare stakeholder meeting materials, briefings, and talking points
Conduct landscape research on peer institutions, employer partners, and edtech organizations
Define the strategy for a fully embedded career experience at scale
Translate pilot vision into program frameworks, decision documents, and design principles
Lead team debriefs and incorporate learnings into program design
Manage pilot logistics from design and promotion through execution and follow-up
Create and own project plans, timelines, milestones, and cross-functional dependencies
Lead and influence teammates in a matrixed environment without direct reports
Design and run data collection campaigns
Build forms, trackers, and processes for low-friction, high-compliance data collection
Synthesize findings into actionable narratives, reports, memos, briefings, and presentations
Support organizational understanding of data, outcomes, and implications for future decisions
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
5+ years of experience managing multiple complex, cross-functional strategic initiatives and leading others to outcomes
Experience building or launching a new program, function, or business line from the ground up
Ability to work in-person in Atlanta, Chicago, Newark, or New York City
Willingness to travel 20–30% of the time, including periodic travel to partner campuses
Availability for consistent evening and weekend work, especially during peak pilot periods
Authorized to work in the U.S.
Braven does not offer employment visa sponsorship
Experience with program or instructional design
Experience in the education or nonprofit sector
Fluency in Asana, Trello, Salesforce, Claude, Zoom, and Slack is ideal
Ability to navigate numerous technology tools
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to collaborate and work in cross-functional teams
Ability to synthesize information and adapt programs to different contexts
Ability to influence and drive alignment across senior stakeholders without formal authority
Experience operating in ambiguous environments and creating structure
Commitment to building strong and welcoming cultures
Alignment with Braven’s core values
Experience informing belief in Braven’s mission and preparing the candidate to work with Braven’s student Fellow population

Benefits

Comp & perks

Salary growth over time based on performance
Unlimited vacation time, plus organization-wide holidays and week-long shutdowns in July and at the end of the calendar year (minimum 20 days per year)
$25,000 in lifetime Carrot benefits for fertility, family-building, and hormonal health
401(k) contribution match up to 5% of base annual salary, starting the first full month
85% coverage of health insurance premium for employee and dependents
12 weeks of paid parental leave
One-month paid sabbatical after 4 years on staff
Career development opportunities
Recognition programs