Program Design Specialist, Program Partnerships

About the role

The Program Design Specialist, Program Partnerships serves as the institutional steward for partnership data, policy, and administrative systems across IJM’s global programs. This role ensures partnership activities are governed by clear policies, supported by rigorous data collection and analysis, and translated into credible reporting for programs, leadership, and donors. It manages the systems, standards, and processes required to collect, analyze, and administer customer and partner data and capacity‑development activities, enabling IJM to demonstrate impact, meet donor and grant requirements, and support consistent capacity strengthening at scale. The position anchors innovation and experience in compliance, evidence, and operational reliability. Based in the Washington, DC area, the role is hybrid (onsite Tuesdays & Thursdays) and reports to the Director, Program Innovation. Current authorization to work in the United States is required; visa sponsorship is not available.

Responsibilities

• Strategy, Policy & Standards Development – Develop, refine, and maintain global policies, standards, and procedures related to program partnerships (data use, onboarding requirements, administrative processes) using a human‑centered design approach; ensure alignment with IJM safeguarding principles, data privacy requirements, and donor expectations; serve as the organizational point of accountability for policy interpretation and application related to partnership data and reporting.
• Data Collection, Administration & Analysis – Design and manage partner and customer data collection systems ensuring consistency, accuracy, communication, and usability across regions and platforms (including the Protection Collaborative); develop and oversee simple, user‑friendly data administration processes (permissions, documentation, quality control); conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis of partner data to support program decision‑making and organizational learning; maintain JDS features and documentation for long‑term usability and integrity of partner data.
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting – Develop and maintain measurement frameworks and instruments related to partner performance, engagement, and capacity development; produce regular reports and analytical summaries for internal teams, leadership, and functional stakeholders; lead synthesis of partner‑related evidence to inform program reviews, strategy refinement, and learning agendas.
• Grant & Donor Reporting Support – Serve as the primary technical lead for partner‑related data and analysis used in grant and donor reporting; ensure customer‑facing data systems (Protection Collaborative) produce defensible, audit‑ready outputs aligned with donor indicators and reporting cycles; collaborate with grants, finance, and program teams to anticipate and meet reporting requirements efficiently.
• Partner Capacity Development Administration – Administer systems and processes to track, coordinate, and document partner and customer capacity‑development activities (training, technical assistance, resourcing) via Protection Collaborative; maintain centralized records of partner capacity‑development inputs and outputs to support reporting, learning, and improvement; support internal teams by providing guidance and tools to consistently document partner capacity efforts across regions.
• Documentation, Knowledge Management & Data Governance – Maintain centralized repositories for partner policies, datasets, methodologies, tools, and learning reports; ensure continuity of institutional knowledge related to partnerships and capacity development; uphold data‑governance practices balancing accessibility, security, and accountability; manage the Protection Collaborative website.
• General Tasks – Serve as the administrative focal point for Protection Collaborative user communication (new features, questions, etc.); coordinate cross‑functional discussions related to partner data, reporting, and administration; support planning and preparation for audits, evaluations, and external reviews involving partner data; perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor; participate in IJM’s community of spiritual formation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in International Development, Public Administration, Monitoring & Evaluation, Data Analytics, Social Sciences, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3‑5 years of professional experience in program management, partnership management, grants management, compliance, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing organizational data systems, reporting processes, and knowledge‑management initiatives across multiple teams, stakeholders, or regions.
• Experience supporting donor‑funded programs, including grant reporting, compliance, audit preparation, and performance‑measurement requirements.
• Experience developing and implementing policies, procedures, standards, or operational frameworks that support organizational accountability and effectiveness.
• Expertise in, and enthusiasm for, design thinking, human‑centered design, and prototyping methods.
• Expertise in partnership data management, including data collection, administration, quality assurance, governance, and reporting.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative data‑analysis skills, with the ability to translate findings into actionable insights and decision‑making tools.
• Experience developing and maintaining policies, standards, operating procedures, and compliance frameworks.
• Knowledge of donor compliance requirements, safeguarding principles, data‑privacy regulations, and audit‑ready documentation practices.
• Strong workshop facilitation and process‑design skills, including the ability to lead trainings, consultations, and cross‑functional working sessions.

Skills

• Eager commitment to IJM's Core Values: Christian, Professional and Bridge‑Building.
• Self‑starter with strong initiative; disciplined with priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and self‑awareness.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication.
• Flexible, collaborative, and eager to support others.
• Effective team player who fosters a collaborative environment.
• Adept at creative problem solving.
• Strategic thinking – ability to connect partnership and customer systems, policies, data, and reporting to broader organizational goals and impact.
• Collaboration – skilled at building trust and working effectively across regions, cultures, and functions to achieve shared outcomes.
• Communication – ability to communicate complex information clearly and translate technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Attention to detail – demonstrates accuracy, rigor, and consistency in managing data, documentation, compliance, and reporting requirements.
• Integrity & stewardship – demonstrates accountability, sound judgment, and ethical management of organizational information, resources, and relationships.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Monthly commuter and parking benefits in the DC metro area.
• Retirement benefit options.
• Paid leave starting at 23 days.
• 12 holidays (plus early release the day prior).
• Daily, quarterly, and annual community spiritual formation.
• Robust staff‑care resources.