Program Manager - Training And Engagement

Organization Overview

The Center for Sustainable Finance and Private Wealth North America (CSP North America) is a non-profit with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. CSP North America is strategically focused on transforming social, environmental, and economic systems by enabling holders of wealth to use all their forms of capital for positive impact.

CSP North America was founded in February of 2022 to expand the work of CSP at The University of Zurich. CSP’s global vision is that scientifically robust evidence enables the entire portfolio of every wealth holder to fully advance sustainable development. CSP North America’s mission is to enable ultra-high net worth (UHNW) entrepreneurs with the community and knowledge they need to co-create regenerative systemic change.

Now that CSP North America is fully operational, the organization will focus on scaling its existing programs and growing its portfolio of programs and research in the North American region. In 2023 and 2024, the team will build the foundation for the entity to reach a working model for systems change investing, leveraging the collective power of impact-oriented UHNWIs.

Historical Background

CSP North America developed out of CSP at The University of Zurich, an academic research and teaching institution that has a distinctive edge in bringing together wealth holders, investment professionals, scientists, and policymakers to generate knowledge and to mobilize substantial amounts of financial capital toward impact.

CSP at The University of Zurich developed out of the Impact Investing for the Next Generation program for wealth holders that was launched in 2015 at the Initiative for Responsible Investment at Harvard Kennedy School. The program is now going into its 9th iteration, with 220 alumni globally and a teaching module at MIT Sloan. Our “Next Gen Program” is at the core of our wealth holder training programs, and is complemented by the ACCELERATE program for self-made wealth holders. ACCELERATE is CSP North America’s strategic focus, together with an emphasis on utilizing polycapital - meaning financial and non-financial capital, systems change, regenerative approaches, and personal development, to transform our economic and financial system.

The CSP Platform

The CSP platform is deeply integrated in the global private wealth community, including via close partnerships with key impact investor networks such as Toniic and The ImPact, and the key groups at leading universities ranging from Harvard Kennedy School to MIT Sloan and The University of Zurich.

The work of CSP addresses three barriers in steering capital to impact, including:

• Capabilities
• Knowledge
• Support networks

These barriers are addressed through:

• Engagement with key networks, banks and regulators that amplifies the work of CSP and its partners
• Scientific and applied research into the key questions of how finance can further sustainable development, as well as the aggregation of such research globally
• Training programs for UHNWIs and wealth managers that translate insights into practice

In sum, due to its positioning, CSP has a distinctive edge in bringing together wealth holders, investment professionals, scientists, and policy makers in a protected environment. CSP generates and disseminates knowledge to trigger meaningful action, and to mobilize substantial amounts of financial capital toward impact.

The effectiveness of this unique model has been proven in hundreds of workshops and programs with UHNWIs and financial advisors globally, moving both substantial amounts of capital, and entire organizations towards impact. Since its inception, CSP has generated over $ 10 million in operating revenues and grants for its work from actors ranging from private individuals and family offices, to foundations, governments and firms.

Role Overview

As the Program Manager - Training and Engagement, you will be responsible for developing, managing, and evaluating training initiatives and engagement activities targeted at our UHNW wealth holder audience. You will work closely with the executive team to create and deliver high-quality educational content, develop strategic partnerships, and provide ongoing support to our participants. You will play a vital role in expanding our network, increasing participation in impact investing, and deepening knowledge and expertise within this specific demographic.

Tasks

Market Analysis and Product Design

• Analyze data and industry reports to understand the needs and preferences of potential wealth holders interested in impact investing.
• Lead market and landscape analyses to inform development and design of new programs, products, and services, including pricing offerings to generate recurring revenue channels from programs.
• Lead market and landscape analyses to inform the development and design of new programs, products, and services, including pricing offerings to generate recurring revenue channels from programs.
• Develop customer personas to guide product design and marketing strategies.

Training Program Development

• Develop and manage contracts with a roster of experts to contribute to training initiatives.
• Utilize various instructional methods, including workshops, seminars, webinars, online courses, and guest speakers, to deliver engaging and effective training sessions.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure the accuracy and relevance of training content, incorporating industry best practices and the latest developments in impact investing.
• Based on these analyses, design and develop comprehensive training programs, curricula, and materials tailored to the specific needs and interests of UHNW wealth holders.

Participant Engagement and Support

• Monitor participant progress, track their learning outcomes, and provide individualized guidance and support to maximize their understanding and application of impact investing principles.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase participant engagement and retention throughout the programs, including personalized communication, regular check-ins, and networking opportunities.
• Act as the primary point of contact for program participants, providing exceptional customer service and addressing their inquiries, feedback, and concerns promptly.

Outreach and Partnership Development

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with relevant organizations, institutions, and key stakeholders in the finance, investment, and philanthropic sectors to expand the reach and impact of our programs.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to develop targeted outreach campaigns, including social media, email marketing, and website content, to promote training programs and engage with potential participants.
• Represent the organization at conferences, industry events, and networking functions to raise awareness of our mission and build relationships with potential supporters, sponsors, and participants.
• Recruit participants for training programs, as well as attendees for community events, by developing and leveraging deep relationships within the alumni community and wider ecosystem.

Program Evaluation and Reporting

• Prepare regular reports on program performance, outcomes, and recommendations for continuous improvement, presenting findings to the executive team and board of directors as required.
• Collect and analyze feedback from program participants, partners, and other stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and ensure program alignment with participants' needs.
• Establish metrics and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of the training programs and engagement initiatives.

Additional Cross-Functional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the executive, finance and development teams to support fundraising efforts by contributing to grant proposals and assisting with donor stewardship activities.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of internal processes, systems, and policies to enhance program effectiveness and organizational efficiency.
• Provide input and support for the development and execution of strategic initiatives and organizational goals, collaborating with the executive team and board of directors as needed.
• Work closely with the marketing and communications teams on the development of impactful messaging, content, and collateral to promote the organization's mission and training programs.

Note: As a small, startup nonprofit organization, we value flexibility and teamwork. This position may require occasional support or participation in other areas of the organization's work to meet overall objectives and fulfill our mission effectively. By taking on these cross-functional responsibilities, the Program Manager - Training and Engagement will contribute to the overall success and impact of the organization, ensuring a cohesive and collaborative approach to achieving our goals.

Requirements

• Proven experience designing and conducting landscape analyses, competitive analyses, and market research.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Proven experience designing and managing data-driven, high-value, fee-for-service programs, preferably in the nonprofit sector, with a focus on training, adult education, and/or community engagement.
• Proficient in using technology and digital platforms for program delivery, participant engagement, and data management.
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies and experience in collecting, and analyzing program data.
• Bachelor's degree and relevant training in a relevant field such as business, finance, education, or nonprofit management (advanced degree preferred).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and build relationships with UHNW individuals, donors, and industry professionals.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team environment.
• 5-8 years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver training programs or educational initiatives effectively, incorporating various instructional methods and adult learning principles.
• Knowledge of impact investing, sustainable finance, and responsible investment practices preferred, or proven ability to quickly learn new topics.
• Passion for sustainability, social impact, and creating positive change through finance.
• Impeccable written communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive health insurance coverage
• For the state of California only, the range of starting salary for this role is $85,000-110,000. Actual compensation is influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, experience, qualifications, and geographic location.
• Annual stipend for role-related professional development
• 25 annual paid vacation days, 12 annual paid personal leave days, 12 paid holidays
• Be part of a very results-oriented, entrepreneurial, pragmatic, science-based, and fast-moving global team that is highly qualified and deeply intrinsically driven for the advancement of sustainable development.
• Be deeply embedded in our unique global community of impact-minded academics (e.g., Harvard Kennedy School, MIT Sloan), practitioners (e.g. UBS), and investors (e.g. ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their family offices). Be part of an important movement and have a tangible impact on sustainable development.
• Up to 9% employer-matched 401k pension contributions
• Generous parental leave policy

Due to the nature of our work, CSP North America is only able to hire US Citizens, DACA recipients, and current Legal Permanent Residents (i.e. you currently have a Green Card). If you are in the process of getting a Green Card in the future, you are not currently eligible to work for CSP North America. We are not able to sponsor work visas. By applying to this role, you are acknowledging that you are a U.S. Citizen, DACA recipient, or current Legal Permanent Resident.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities. We believe that unique perspectives drive innovation, so if you're passionate about our mission and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet all of the criteria – we welcome the opportunity to grow together!

While this position is fully remote, we have a strong preference for a candidate in Central or Northern California who can meet on at least a monthly basis with the team currently located in Berkeley and Monterey, CA.

Regular office hours may include some early mornings and weekends due to the nature of training programs, community activities, and other CSP entities in Europe and Asia. Please note that occasional travel will be required to attend and present at conferences and events nationwide.

To apply, please submit: (1) your cover letter where you outline why you are interested in this role, (2) your resume, and (3) an example of your work (article, business plan, pitch deck, etc.). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until September 15. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.