Job Description

Title: Field Partner, Workforce Grantmaking (USA)

Department: Philanthropy & Community

Reporting to: Lead, Grantmaking

Location: USA - Remote

Compensation: $70K – $90K USD

Who We Are:

World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise that supports the educational, economic, and social inclusion of immigrants, refugees, and international students. For 50 years, WES has set the standard for international academic credential evaluation, supporting millions of people as they seek to achieve their academic and professional goals. Through decades of experience as a leader in global education, WES has developed a wide range of tools to pursue social impact at scale. From evaluating academic credentials to shaping policy, designing programs, and providing philanthropic funding, we partner with a diverse set of organizations, leaders, and networks to uplift individuals and drive systems change. Together with its partners, WES enables people to learn, work, and thrive in new places. For more information about WES, please visit our website at www.WES.org.

About the Opportunity:

The Field Partner, Workforce Grantmaking is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a portfolio of grants and initiatives in the United States that advance quality jobs, career pathways, and equitable workforce outcomes for immigrants. The role combines strategy, relationship management, project management and grantmaking responsibilities, which may evolve over time. They will report directly to the Lead, Grantmaking, and partner on key accountability areas with the Head of Career Pathways and the Lead of Skills. They will also work closely with members of the systems change team and broader WES teams.

What You'll Do:

Grantmaking and Program Management (50%)

• Serve as a day-to-day program manager for Career Pathways and Skills grantmaking initiatives in the United States, which includes initiative design, planning, and execution in coordination with other WES colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Establish and manage trust-based relationships with the WES’ existing grantee partners: provide support, respond to questions, design and facilitate meetings, track and review grantee partner deliverables and outcomes.
• Establish and manage trust-based relationships with prospective grantee partners, including tracking potential grantee partner conversations and pipeline and responding to questions.
• Support sourcing of potential grant opportunities, including outreach to potential grantees, tracking grant pipeline in WES’ CRM and GMS systems (including Salesforce), development of solicitation materials (e.g., terms of reference, request for proposals, etc.), and management of specific ideas sourcing approaches (e.g., participatory grantmaking).
• Implement streamlined, relationship-centered, trust-based processes that reduce burden on grantees and increase flexibility, including multi-year, general operating, and rapid-response funding where appropriate, in partnership with the Grants Management team.
• Maintain a deep understanding of American workforce trends, policies, and practices (e.g., sector strategies, apprenticeships, training providers, employer practices, worker power and protections) and use this knowledge to inform strategy and grant recommendations.
• Identify gaps, emerging opportunities, and potential risks in the workforce ecosystem and recommend strategic responses (e.g., new initiatives, collaborations, or capacity‑building efforts)
• Manage programmatic reviews of potential American grants and collaborate with other WES team members to undertake financial, organizational, and risk diligence.
• Contribute to the selection of WES grantee partners along with Career Pathways, Skills and Philanthropy and Community leadership, and - in certain circumstances - external advisors.
• Coordinate with other grantmaking, Career Pathways and Skills colleagues to ensure timely execution of key grants management activities.
• Prepare program and grants-related reports, memos, and presentations.

Data Management and Learning (25%)

• Co-create grant terms, milestones, and learning outcomes with grantees using trust‑based and participatory approaches.
• Monitor grants for progress and impact, including review of narrative and financial reports, check‑in calls, and corrective action when needed.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry, documentation, and reporting within the grants management system in partnership with operations staff
• Support internal knowledge sharing and contribute to organizational learning.

External Relations and Thought Leadership (25%)

• Represent WES’ grantmaking portfolio in select external forums, engage with external advisors and partners to represent the WES and to share our approach to trust-based philanthropy and centering equity in grantmaking.
• Represent WES in relevant networks, funder tables, working groups, conferences, and other forums disseminate key learnings from WES’ work and raise the visibility of WES’ grantee partners and supported initiatives.
• Convene partners and stakeholders to align efforts, share learning, and advance systemic solutions (e.g., regional talent pipelines, quality jobs agendas, worker‑centered policies).
• Identify and explore opportunities for co‑funding, pooled funds, or collaborative initiatives that leverage additional resources into the workforce ecosystem

Your Experience:

Required

• A Bachelor’s degree in public policy, economics, business, international relations, or other relevant degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 6-7+ years of relevant work experience with grantmaking including managing post-award activities at a funder or other relevant entity
• Experience with and/or deep interest in issues affecting the economic mobility of immigrants & refugees in the United States, including but not limited to: workforce training and development, education and employment technology, financial access and inclusion, and worker ownership and organizing.
• Exceptional project manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment, delivers high-quality work, is comfortable managing up, and enjoys juggling dynamic priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills that convey complex information to stakeholders in compelling formats, including via PowerPoint slides.
• Demonstrated analytical skills to assess situations, break down complex problems, identify strategic tradeoffs, and apply learnings in a larger context.
• Good interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility, and demonstrated experience building trust with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong command of technology tools, including Microsoft Office (especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive), Salesforce or other CRM systems, and Google Apps.
• Able to travel, attend, and represent WES at internal and external meetings, which would take place throughout the year in both the U.S. and Canada.

Desired:

• A strong preference for experience in philanthropy, workforce development, immigration, refugee resettlement, economic development, and/or social sector consulting.

What We Offer:

Joining our team at WES means embarking on a purpose-driven career with a global impact, where you contribute daily to making a tangible difference in the lives of people worldwide. You'll thrive in an employee-centric environment, with access to learning opportunities, pathways for personal and professional development, and recognition of your achievements. Our inclusive, mission-driven culture values employees and focuses on investing in our people through our culture, people framework, and programming while offering the flexibility of remote work options.

• Work-Life Harmony: We believe that success is all about maintaining balance. Enjoy the freedom of remote work and flexible scheduling, paired with generous time-off policies designed to assist you in maintaining a healthy equilibrium between your personal and professional commitments. Our comprehensive wellness programs and work environment are focused on fostering your well-being.
• Rewards and Recognition: Your dedication and achievements are the cornerstone of our success. We recognize the importance of valuing your hard work, which is why we offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and tangible rewards to celebrate your contributions.
• Professional Growth and Development: We are committed to nurturing growth within our team, recognizing that growth is essential to providing opportunities for career advancement and ongoing professional development. To prioritize your learning and success, we invest in comprehensive training programs and offer tuition reimbursement opportunities. We promote a culture of continuous learning that empowers you to thrive and evolve in your career.
• Innovation and Impact: Engage in work that directly transforms lives and empowers individuals and communities by expanding access to global educational and professional pathways. Join us in fostering a culture that values innovation, embraces new approaches, and leverages transformation to implement and drive impactful change.
• Community and Connection: Our team is made up of individuals from different cultures and backgrounds who have varying perspectives and ideas. Our diverse workforce reflects the global community we serve, and we take pride in it. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Experience the power of connection by participating in a range of activities, including employee-led resource groups, town halls, collaborative team events, meaningful volunteer opportunities, and initiatives that promote equity, celebrate diversity, and cultivate a strong sense of belonging within our organization.

Values:

• Opportunity - We open doors so people can build better futures.
• Inclusion - We become stronger, more creative, and more resilient when we embrace diversity.
• Equity - We uphold fairness and justice in our work and actions.
• Enterprising - We are resourceful, inventive, and driven.

Inclusive Recruitment Process:

We welcome all applicants, irrespective of their experience perfectly fitting the job description, as we value diverse and innovative viewpoints. At our organization, individuals who thrive in a culture of continuous learning and inclusive teamwork excel. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply.

Our Commitment:

World Education Services is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the rich tapestry of our communities, both in the US and Canada. This commitment is underscored by our unwavering dedication to providing equal opportunities to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or genetics. This commitment extends to every aspect of employment, from recruitment and hiring to promotions, training, and benefits. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. For us, diversity goes beyond compliance – it's about embracing unique perspectives and cultivating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

If you require assistance and/or accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please contact us at hiring@wes.org, we're here to support you. Our Talent Acquisition team is happy to work with you to find solutions that meet your needs.

For more information about WES, please visit our website at www.WES.org

This position is an existing vacancy and is currently open for hire.