VP of Programs
Fast Forward
ABOUT FAST FORWARD
Tech is ubiquitous. Tech solutions for social problems are not. An emerging class of startups is building tech to solve these social problems. They are tech nonprofits. Fast Forward bridges the tech and nonprofit sectors to build capacity for tech nonprofits, so they can scale solutions to our world’s most urgent problems.
To date, Fast Forward’s portfolio of tech nonprofits have impacted 262M lives and raised $1 billion in follow-on funding. 85% of the portfolio have a founder who has personal experience with the problem, 62% have a founder who is a woman, and 75% have a founder who is a person of color.
As the first and only organization focused exclusively on scaling startups that combine the best tech with sustainable nonprofit business models, Fast Forward’s mission is to accelerate impact. Visit us: http://www.ffwd.org.
THE POSITION
The VP of Programs is a critical leadership role at Fast Forward, responsible for the vision, strategy, and execution of all programs that support and accelerate tech nonprofits. This role will lead the design and implementation of innovative programs that provide tech nonprofits with the resources, knowledge, and networks they need to scale their impact. The VP of Programs will report directly to the President and collaborate closely with other members of the leadership team.
This position is based in San Francisco, CA; it is a full-time, in-office role (no remote work).
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Program Management & Execution:
- The Accelerator and Demo Days
- The Growth Platform (tech nonprofit portfolio support)
- Annual Alumni Portfolio Retreat
- AI Bootcamps and other AI programming
- Pitch Camps
- Tech nonprofit resources (Tech Nonprofit Job Board, Tech Nonprofit Directory, Funder Database)
- Other large-scale in-person events
- Oversee and manage the execution of all Fast Forward programs, ensuring high-quality delivery and impactful outcomes, including:
- Manage program budgets, timelines, and resources effectively.
- Develop and track key performance indicators to measure program effectiveness and impact.
- Manage relationships with external program partners and experts.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders about program updates, impact, and opportunities.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to Fast Forward portfolio organizations.
- Program Strategy & Development:
- Continue development and implementation of a comprehensive program and AI strategy in partnership with the Director of AI Programs, aligned with Fast Forward's mission and strategic goals.
- Identify and assess the evolving needs of tech nonprofits and design programs that address those needs effectively.
- Explore new program models and initiatives to enhance Fast Forward's offerings and maximize impact, including collaboration with external partners and experts.
- Evaluate how to best support nonprofits with changes in the tech and fundraising landscape.
- Organizational Strategy:
- Core member of Fast Forward’s exec leadership team, helping regularly re-evaluate our organization’s mission, strategy, and goals.
- Collaborate across teams to execute on Fast Forward’s mission.
- Represent Fast Forward publicly at events and conferences.
- Team Leadership & Development:
- Lead and mentor a high-performing team of 4+ program managers and staff.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the programs team.
- Provide professional development opportunities and support for team members.
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- 10+ years of experience in program design, management, and leadership, preferably in the nonprofit or social impact sector.
- The ideal candidate has experience running an accelerator, running a nonprofit, working in a leadership role at a startup, and/or supporting portfolio companies within a venture capital firm.
- Experience planning and managing large-scale in-person and virtual events.
- Deep understanding or willingness to learn the challenges and opportunities facing tech nonprofits.
- Proven track record of developing and scaling successful programs with measurable impact.
- Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and social change.
- Proven comfort working in a fast-paced startup work environment; must be flexible, adaptable, organized, and excel in working cross-functionally.
- Exemplary communication (both written and verbal).
- Excellent project and process management skills and attention to detail.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
- Unlimited paid time off (PTO)
- 401k retirement plan & employer matching
- Office is located in a beautiful national park - The Presidio - with free transit to/from downtown San Francisco!
- Every other Friday is a half day
- Platinum medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Most importantly, input on the office snack order
COMPENSATION
Salary: $160,000 - $190,000 - negotiable depending on experience.
Note: In accordance with federal, state, and local safety guidelines, this role is expected to be performed in-person, in San Francisco.
Fast Forward is a social justice organization founded on the idea that those with proximity to the problem should have proximity to the power to fix them. Our true north is empowering tech nonprofit leaders with the tools, community, and capital they need to scale solutions for underserved groups, and we know that a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion is inextricable from that pursuit. Read our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Guidelines to learn how we approach DEI across our investments, community, and workplace.
Fast Forward is an equal opportunity employer.