Manager, Community Programming

Description

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis Its National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) provides trusted information, real-time help, peer and family support, community investment, outreach, education, partnerships, and performance-driven services nationwide. It provides the most comprehensive knowledge, tools, and services for individuals impacted by paralysis through a dedicated Information Specialist team.

The newly designed Community Outreach & Access (COA) program strengthens outreach, education, systems navigation, self-advocacy support, military/veteran engagement, and partner coordination. COA leads community education, healthcare and professional engagement, partner collaboration, military and veteran engagement, systems education, self-advocacy support, annual needs assessment coordination, barrier identification, and outreach to people not already connected to services.

Purpose:

The Manager, Community Programming leads strategic development and implementation of the National Paralysis Resource Center’s national programming portfolio, including calendar, delivery formats, speakers/facilitators, educational agendas, participant learning experience, implementation, feedback, and continuous improvement metrics.

The Manager develops and oversees a comprehensive programming strategy that includes virtual, in-person, and hybrid educational experiences; national learning series; workshops; webinars; conference sessions; and peer-learning opportunities providing increased access and exposure to NPRC programs, services, and resources, as well as community supports and programs that enhance full participation, independent living, and self-sufficiency.

Programming will address emerging issues across the broader paralysis ecosystem and may include community health, secondary conditions, healthcare professional education, mental health, caregiving, financial wellness, benefits navigation, adaptive recreation, employment, transition support, and research-to-practice topics.

The Manager, Community Programming will be responsible for creating and maintaining an organization-wide Speakers Bureau, which creates a roster of experts and thought leaders for in-person and virtual educational events, conferences, and community engagement opportunities. This role is also responsible for finding, vetting, and securing talent.

This role serves as the primary COA/NPRC program partner to the Marketing and Communications (MarComms) department for development of programmatic content used across the website, social media, dashboards, campaigns, events, and other public-facing channels, ensuring subject-matter accuracy while working with MarComms on brand standards, messaging, accessibility, and channel requirements.

Additionally, the individual will be responsible for performing job duties, interacting with the community and coworkers, and managing themselves in a manner consistent with and in support of the organization’s mission and core values.

Job Responsibilities:

People/Events/Other

• •Develop and implement a national community programming portfolio, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and community needs to improve the quality of life of individuals living with paralysis, their families, caregivers, other healthcare providers, community stakeholders, and the broader paralysis ecosystem.
• •Develop and manage an annual programming calendar that includes virtual, in-person, and hybrid educational experiences, webinars, workshops, conference sessions, and learning series.
• •Develop programming focused on key topics affecting individuals living with paralysis and their caregivers, including community health, secondary conditions, healthcare provider education, mental health, caregiving, financial wellness, benefits navigation, adaptive recreation, employment, transition support, and research-to-practice initiatives.
• •Identify emerging issues, trends, and unmet needs across the paralysis community and translate insights into relevant, timely, and impactful educational programming.
• •Oversee all aspects of program planning and execution, including logistics, facilitation support, technology platforms, participant communications, and post-event follow-up.
• •Establish, manage, and maintain an organization-wide Speakers Bureau, including recruitment, outreach, vetting, onboarding, and relationship management of subject matter experts, thought leaders, clinicians, researchers, and community advocates.
• •Identify, evaluate, and secure speakers, facilitators, presenters, and panelists for educational programs, conferences, community events, and engagement opportunities.
• •Serve as the primary programmatic liaison to the Marketing and Communications (MarComms) team, providing subject matter expertise and content guidance for public-facing communications.
• •Collaborate with MarComms to develop accurate and engaging program-related content for websites, social media channels, campaigns, email communications, events, dashboards, and other outreach initiatives.
• •Ensure program content aligns with organizational messaging, brand standards, accessibility requirements, and channel-specific communication strategies.
• •Manage program budgets, contracts, vendor relationships, and related resources to support effective and efficient program delivery.
• •Work closely with the COA Director and Managers to plan and implement cross-functional initiatives that advance NPRC’s mission, expand community engagement, and increase the impact of educational programming nationwide.

Data

• •Maintain accurate and timely program data in designated NPRC systems.
• •Ensure required program records and participant/partner feedback are complete.
• •Monitor assigned Work Plan outputs and outcomes.
• •Review program-level findings with the COA Director and Data & Impact function; and use findings to strengthen program delivery, reach, and outcomes.
• •Provide program context, documentation, and required information to support NPRC-wide evaluation, dashboards, performance reviews, and federal reporting.

Requirements

• •Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• •Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships and effectively engage diverse stakeholders
• •Excellent program management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• •Demonstrated ability to think strategically, develop innovative solutions and drive results
• •Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• •Extensive knowledge about the Reeve Foundation and the paralysis community
• •Uses critical thinking and creativity in problem solving and decision making
• •Demonstrates strong judgement and confidentiality in all situations

Language Skills:

Excellent English written, verbal, and communications skills.

Computer/Technical Skills:

• •Advanced level Microsoft Office Suite
• •Basic level knowledge of social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn)
• •Intermediate level knowledge of Virtual Platforms (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, Slack)

Travel:

Approximately 20% - 35% local and national travel including overnight stay

Physical Demands/Office Environment:

This position is primarily a sedentary, remote role, but includes periodic physical activity. As noted, the role includes occasional travel to conferences and periodic on-site activity at the Foundation's headquarters. They will need to be able to lift up to 10 lbs.

• •During travel : The individual must be able to set up live events, including exhibit booths, presenter stages, and displays.
• •During on-site work at headquarters : The individual may occasionally need to move about inside the office to liaise with staff, access files, and use office