Program operators provide leadership and support to develop and grow Encore Fellowships and to ensure strong management structure for all aspects of program operation. Their mission and programs align with the Encore Fellowships program design and operation. They can be different types of organizations, such as nonprofit intermediaries, social ventures, professional and membership associations or community-wide collaborations.

Key Roles

• Generating interest and support – Serve as the “champion” for Encore Fellowships, energizing other stakeholders, creating a strong funding base and building support within its own area of work or community.
• Program launch – Develop and implement processes to recruit and select work hosts and fellows. Serve as the broker to determine the right fit in the work host/fellow matching, making sure that skills sets, cultural and work assignment are complementary.
• High-quality implementation – Provide guidance and support to work hosts for on-boarding and work implementation over the period of the fellowships. Utilize check-ins and periodic reporting to track progress. Convene fellows in a learning community, and also work closely with work hosts to learn from their experience and to continuously improve program operations.

Functions:

• Designs and manages the program
• Coordinates recruitment, selection and matching of work hosts and fellows
• Oversees Encore Fellow support and development, delivering program activities and linking with work hosts and outside experts
• Provides quality assurance
• Designs program funding model, which may include corporate, foundation, work host, government or direct funding of fellow’s compensation and operating costs
• Secures funding and other resources in alignment with program funding model
• Forges partnerships to support a high-quality fellows program implementation

Selection Considerations

• Commitment to Encore Fellowships program goals and model
• Strong management capacity
• Well positioned to secure work hosts and funding supporters
• Mission alignment and enhancement with Encore Fellowships
• Prior experience with similar programs