Manager ER Strategy & Innovation

Reporting to the Senior Director, External Relations, the Manager, ER Strategy & Innovation is a hands-on technical and operational leader who advances how the External Relations department uses technology, data, and processes to work smarter and deliver greater impact. This role owns AI and automation initiatives across ER, serves as product owner for the Grants Management System, administers the department’s SharePoint environment, and establishes reporting and dashboard standards that give ER leaders clear, timely visibility into departmental performance. The Manager partners cross-functionally with ER Operations leads, functional teams, and enterprise partners to build the systems, tools, and training that enable the department to operate consistently at scale. This role is well-suited for a systems-minded innovator who is energized by solving operational problems through technology, who can translate complex ideas into practical solutions, and who takes genuine ownership of the platforms and processes they steward.

This role operates in a standard office environment and requires the ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods, operate a computer and standard office equipment, and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. 

• →Lead ER AI & Automation: Develop, pilot, and implement AI and automation strategies across External Relations platforms and teams, including evaluating tools, defining requirements, assessing risk, and guiding adoption to improve efficiency and productivity department-wide. 
• →Establish Reporting & Dashboard Standards: In partnership with ER Operations leads, design and maintain consistent reporting and dashboard standards across External Relations, including Smartsheet surveys, dashboards, and operational tracking tools that give leadership clear visibility into departmental performance. 
• →Own SharePoint Administration: Lead governance, information architecture, and ongoing administration of the External Relations SharePoint environment, ensuring shared resources are organized, current, and aligned with ER’s ways of working. 
• →Serve as Product Owner for the Grants Management System (GMS): Lead enhancements, backlog prioritization, user acceptance testing, vendor coordination, release communications, and training and adoption across External Relations. 
• →Partner on Training, Onboarding & Capacity Building: Design, manage, and deliver training and onboarding resources for ER staff on key systems, platforms, and processes; develop toolkits, documentation, and knowledge resources that build capability and ensure consistency across the department. 
• →Support BGCA Conferences & Events: Support logistics, and coordination for large-scale BGCA conferences and events (e.g., National Staff Summit, National Conference), ensuring meaningful engagement for staff and donors. 
• →Partner on Project & Change Management: Ensure on-time delivery of ER technology and operational initiatives by establishing clear timelines, milestones, dependencies, and success metrics; apply change management best practices to support adoption of new systems and ways of working, including stakeholder engagement, communication planning, and reinforcement strategies. 

• →Maintain and continuously improve ER’s operational processes, tools, and knowledge management infrastructure, including forms, surveys, Smartsheet dashboards, and SharePoint resources. 
• →Serve as a subject matter expert and go-to resource for ER staff on AI tools, Grants Management System questions, SharePoint, and reporting platforms; provide guidance, troubleshooting, and user support as needed. 
• →Coordinate with enterprise Technology Services, vendors, and cross-functional partners on system integrations, upgrades, data architecture, and platform governance to ensure ER’s tools align with organizational standards. 
• →Track, monitor, and report on technology project status, adoption metrics, and system performance; escalate risks and issues proactively and maintain documentation of processes, decisions, and configurations. 

• →Build and maintain effective working relationships with External Relations leadership and management teams, and with cross-functional partners across BGCA. 
• →Lead special projects as assigned by the Senior Director, External Relations. 
• →Provide superior customer service to internal and external partners; demonstrate and integrate BGCA’s ICARE values into all work and interactions. 
• →Adhere to all organizational policies, including those outlined in the Employee Handbook and Ethics Policy. Perform other related duties as assigned. 

• AI and automation initiatives are implemented on time and with measurable impact on ER team efficiency and productivity, with documented adoption and clear guidance for staff. 
• Reporting and dashboard standards are established, consistently used across External Relations, and provide leadership with accurate, timely insight into departmental performance. 
• The ER SharePoint environment is well-governed, current, and easy to navigate, with high staff satisfaction and adoption, with a focus on driving efficiency and staff time savings.  
• The Grants Management System is maintained and improved through a clear product roadmap, with timely releases, strong adoption, and effective training across ER. 
• Training and onboarding resources are developed, current, and effectively equip ER staff to use department systems and platforms with confidence. 
• Technology and operational projects are delivered on time and within scope, with strong stakeholder communication and change management that drives durable adoption. 

• AI & Technology Fluency: Evaluates and applies AI tools, automation platforms, and emerging technologies with sound judgment, translating organizational needs into practical, policy-aligned solutions that drive efficiency and adoption. 
• Systems Thinking: Understands how workflows, technology, data, and organizational structures interact; identifies opportunities to improve performance and reduce friction at scale across a complex department. 
• Product Ownership: Manages the full lifecycle of a system or platform — from backlog prioritization and vendor coordination to training and release communications — with a user-centered mindset and clear accountability. 
• Data & Reporting: Designs and maintains dashboards, surveys, and reporting frameworks that translate complex information into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences. 
• Project & Change Management: Manages multiple concurrent initiatives with clear timelines, milestones, and risk mitigation; applies structured change management practices that bring stakeholders along and ensure durable adoption. 
• Collaboration & Influence: Builds strong cross-functional relationships and works effectively without direct authority to align stakeholders, solve operational challenges, and advance shared priorities. 

• Capacity Building: Invests in the capability of colleagues across External Relations by developing practical training, documentation, and knowledge resources that reduce dependency and build team-wide confidence in key systems and tools. 
• Change Leadership: Guides colleagues through new processes, systems, and ways of working with clear communication, practical support, and a patient, user-centered approach that builds trust and durable behavior change. 

• Advanced proficiency in AI tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and similar platforms) and demonstrated experience applying them to improve team efficiency, documentation, analysis, and decision support. 
• Strong experience with SharePoint administration and information architecture, including site governance, permissions, content organization, and user adoption. 
• Experience serving as a product owner or system administrator for a CRM, grants management, or enterprise operational platform, including backlog management, vendor coordination, and release management. 
• Proficiency in Smartsheet (dashboards, surveys, forms, and automated workflows) and Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and operational tracking. 
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver training and onboarding programs that build capability and drive adoption of new tools and processes. 
• Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple concurrent initiatives, tracking milestones, and communicating status to senior stakeholders. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear, accessible guidance for non-technical audiences. 
• High standards of discretion, integrity, and attention to detail; strong problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset. 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, information systems, communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Minimum of four to six (4–6) years of experience in process improvement, systems administration, AI enablement, analytics, and/or project and program management. 
• Experience working in or supporting nonprofit development, external relations, government relations, or similar function strongly preferred. 
• Demonstrated experience managing technology platforms and driving adoption through training and change management. 
• Experience with grants management systems, donor databases, or advocacy platforms a plus.