Program Operation and Development Specialist

Overview AllieKits Network is seeking a mission-driven, highly organized, and self-directed Program Operations & Development Specialist to help build the operational foundation of ASCEND, our creative workforce initiative preparing young women for careers in video production, branding, and digital storytelling. This role is critical to ASCEND's predevelopment phase, with a focus on operational coordination, partnership development, research, documentation, and implementation readiness.

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Specialist will coordinate operations, strengthen internal systems, support program planning, and keep projects, partners, and teams moving forward. The ideal candidate takes initiative, develops practical solutions, and helps transform ideas into organized, implementation-ready plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Operations & Implementation: Coordinate ASCEND’s day-to-day planning activities by managing project timelines, implementation plans, task trackers, meeting follow-up, documentation, and operational readiness to keep program development on schedule.
• Operational Systems & Process Improvement: Develop, implement, and continuously improve workflows, templates, tracking systems, and standard operating procedures that strengthen communication, documentation, collaboration, and operational efficiency across ASCEND.
• Project & Team Coordination: Coordinate the work of interns, consultants, volunteers, and project contributors by organizing priorities, monitoring progress, clarifying assignments, and following up on deliverables to ensure projects move forward efficiently.
• Stakeholder & Partnership Coordination: Coordinate communication, scheduling, follow-up, and relationship management with employers, educators, creative professionals, consultants, funders, and community partners to support ASCEND’s predevelopment activities.
• Quality Assurance & Documentation: Review planning documents, curriculum drafts, research summaries, presentations, trackers, and program materials for completeness, consistency, accuracy, and alignment with ASCEND’s goals while maintaining organized project records.
• Research & Continuous Improvement: Conduct research on promising practices, gather stakeholder feedback, identify operational gaps, and recommend practical improvements that strengthen ASCEND’s systems, participant experience, and implementation readiness.
• Independent Problem Solving: Exercise sound judgment by anticipating needs, resolving routine operational challenges, identifying next steps, and bringing recommendations to leadership while elevating strategic decisions, policy matters, budget issues, or organizational risks for approval.

You may be a good fit if you are:

• An operations, program, project, nonprofit, education, or workforce development professional with experience coordinating projects, people, or organizational initiatives.
• A self-starter who takes initiative, anticipates needs, and follows through with minimal day-to-day direction.
• Someone who enjoys creating systems, improving processes, and bringing structure to new ideas.
• A practical problem-solver who exercises sound judgment, resolves routine challenges, and knows when to seek leadership guidance.
• A strong communicator who builds positive working relationships with consultants, interns, community partners, creative professionals, and organizational leadership.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment where priorities may shift as the program grows.
• Passionate about expanding career opportunities for young women through creative workforce development.

Qualifications & Skills 

• 2–5 years of experience in program operations, program coordination, nonprofit operations, workforce development, education, project coordination, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating projects involving interns, volunteers, consultants, community partners, or cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, manage competing priorities, and move projects forward with limited day-to-day direction.
• Experience developing or improving workflows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), project trackers, timelines, checklists, or other operational systems.
• Strong project management, organizational, documentation, follow-up, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to identify operational challenges, recommend practical solutions, and implement process improvements.
• Sound judgment with the ability to determine when to act independently and when to seek leadership guidance or approval.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Canva, Monday.com, or similar project management and collaboration tools.
• Commitment to youth development, equity, community engagement, and creative workforce pathways.
• Familiarity with the creative industries, media production, storytelling, branding, entrepreneurship, or workforce development is preferred.

Note: A college degree is not required. Applicants with relevant professional, volunteer, or lived experience are encouraged to apply.

Why Join Us?

• Help build ASCEND, an innovative creative workforce initiative preparing young women for careers in video production, branding, and digital storytelling.
• Work alongside creative professionals, educators, workforce partners, and nonprofit leaders who are helping shape the future of the program.
• Play a meaningful role in developing the operational systems, partnerships, and infrastructure that will support ASCEND's long-term success.
• Gain hands-on experience in program operations, cross-sector collaboration, and nonprofit leadership within a growing organization.
• Enjoy a flexible hybrid work environment with opportunities for professional growth and increased responsibility as the organization expands.

Additional Information

• This is a hybrid position requiring regular in-person meetings, events, and community engagement activities in the Long Beach area.
• Candidates should be comfortable working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where priorities may evolve as ASCEND continues its predevelopment phase.
• Reliable transportation is preferred for attending local meetings and community events.

How to Apply

Please submit the following:

• A current resume 
• A brief cover letter (maximum 500 words) explaining why you’re interested in this role and how your experience aligns with ASCEND’s mission and responsibilities of this position. 

Email: ascend@alliekitsnetwork.org

Subject line: Program Operations & Development Specialist - ASCEND