JOB DESCRIPTION: Program Associate

Rising Sun Center for Opportunity is hiring a Program Associate to support the Opportunity
Build team. This position is responsible for tracking and analyzing participant data,
supporting classroom management, and coordinating program events. The Program
Associate reports directly to the Senior Program Manager and works closely with the
Opportunity Build team.

Opportunity Build is a certified Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) apprenticeship readiness
program that provides a pathway out of poverty for adults through high-road careers in the
union construction trades. Opportunity Build serves low-income adults experiencing
significant barriers to employment, with an emphasis on women and individuals impacted
by the justice system.

For more information about Rising Sun, please visit www.risingsunopp.org.

A successful Program Associate...

• Is well-organized; skilled at creating systems to track, maintain, and analyze data and

information.

• Quickly and naturally learns and understands new systems and databases;

possesses strong technical skills.

• Uses good judgment and makes sound decisions in accordance with established

procedures and policies.

• Thrives in a fast-paced environment. Ability to manage competing priorities and work

with numerous interruptions.

• Demonstrates self-awareness in terms of understanding their own culture, identity,

biases, prejudices, power, privilege, and stereotypes.

• Demonstrates willingness to challenge and change institutional practices that

present barriers to different groups.

• Is passionate about Rising Sun’s mission and excited to actively champion it.
• Is enthusiastic about working in a nonprofit setting; comfortable wearing many hats

and getting creative with available resources.

The Program Associate is responsible for…

Data Management

 

• Managing and entering participant data into Salesforce, NABTU, DAS/DIR, CalJobs

and other data platforms.

• Creating, running, preparing, and analyzing data reports using Salesforce for grants

and other program needs.

• Creating and administering participant surveys.
• Supporting job placement tracking and verification in Salesforce.
• Training incoming program staff on all items relating to program data and operations.
• Gathering research and data for program enhancements and new initiatives.

Classroom Management

• Working closely with the Opportunity Build Senior Program Manager to supervise

cohort classroom activities.

• Support the successful day to day operations of the cohort including taking

attendance, printing handouts, setting up technology, and welcoming visitors and
guest speakers.

• Providing coverage and support during program activities, including recruitment and

outreach, field trips, classroom presentations, and more.

• Maintaining and organizing the classroom space. Ordering materials and supplies.
• Securing food and beverages for program participants.

Program Administration

• Conducting outreach to alumni to collect pay stubs and retention documents and

administer incentive gift cards.

• Support Case Manager with the administration of supportive services and childcare

stipends.

• Supporting the coordination of info sessions, participant interviews, and the intake

process.

• Coordinating biweekly Opportunity Build team meetings; recording meeting notes.
• Collaborating with the Opportunity Build team to continually improve the program

placement, and retention goals, as well as to ensure a seamless, positive experience
for each participant.

Program Events

• Coordinating program events, such as graduation, networking, and welcome

breakfast.

• Contributing to the development of the event schedule and ensuring its smooth

execution.

• Overseeing event logistics, such as securing venues, ordering catering, booking

speakers, decorating, setting up technology, and coordinating with staff.

 

• Assisting in the creation of event invites, signage, outreach materials, and managing

guest lists.

• Contacting and informing alumni about 2-3 alumni events per year.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

To be considered for this position, you must have…

• Intermediate-level (at a minimum) Excel and Google Sheets skills and have applied

those skills in a work setting to develop tracking systems, analyze data, and
communicate information.

• Experience and comfort using a range of technology including databases, Google

Suite, Microsoft Office, A/V equipment, and more.

• The ability to work some flexible hours – occasional evenings and weekends,

including during the summer cohort (Tuesdays and Thursdays 6-9pm, Saturdays)

• Be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Proof of completion of the primary series of an approved COVID-19 vaccination by

It’s a big plus if you have…

• Advanced Excel and/or Google sheet skills.
• Expertise in Salesforce.
• Experience working with workforce development programs or with the re-entry

About Rising Sun…

Rising Sun is a premier nonprofit organization operating in the San Francisco Bay Area and
Central Valley. Our mission is to build career pathways for economic equity and climate
resilience. With offices in Oakland and Stockton, Rising Sun’s workforce development
programs, Climate Careers and Opportunity Build, specialize in preparing youth, women,
and individuals in reentry for high-road careers and green pathways that offer family-
sustaining wages. Since our founding in 1994, Rising Sun has trained and employed more
than 3,000 youth and adults while helping over 53,000 households reduce their carbon
footprint. Our vision is a just and sustainable future for all people and our planet.

About our culture…

We are mission-driven and work hard because we care about what we do. We are deeply
committed to equity, inclusion, and antiracism, and are actively advancing on that journey,

 

though we know the work is never done. We like working with each other and we like to
make work fun. We’re into continuous improvement, learning, transparency, and tough
conversations. We practice appreciation and start each meeting with a team-builder, and it’s
not uncommon for staff to bring snacks to share that tell a story about who they are and
where they come from. When we’re at the office, there’s usually at least one dog hanging
around. We put people first, especially our program participants. We like to promote from
within and build each other up, but we also like to bring in new ideas and different
perspectives. We’re looking forward to meeting you and hearing about how you can
contribute to making Rising Sun a great place to have an impact.

You might also be wondering about pay and benefits...

This is a permanent, full-time, exempt, salaried, and benefited position with an annual salary
range of $63,000 - $66,150 commensurate with experience. Rising Sun offers a competitive
benefits package that includes:

• 100% coverage of Medical, Vision, Dental insurance for employees, 50%

coverage for dependents

• 403b contribution option and 3% matching employer contribution after first

year

• $100,000 Life Insurance Policy
• 17 PTO days/year (increases each year until year 10)
• 17 Holidays/year (includes 2 floating holidays and a week of closure during

RISING SUN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Rising Sun is committed to diversity and considers all applicants for all positions without
regard to color, ethnic background, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin,
age, and disability status. Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action; women and
individuals who are Black, indigenous, and/or people of color are encouraged to apply.

Ready to apply?

To apply, please email your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to
careers@risingsunopp.org with “Program Associate” in the subject line.