1. Building a Program of Work
Justin Jaworski
Abilene Industrial Foundation

2. What is a Program of Work?
A program of work is a map for the ensuing fiscal year
It is NOT a strategic plan
Let’s you form a specific, intentional direction for your organization
Should reflect the purpose outlined in your bylaws and the State laws for public funds
Outline for the budget

3. Strategic Plan vs Program of Work
A “community wide” plan that involves the economic development corp., chamber, school, and county
Has a scope of 3-5 years to implement
Addresses major issues like infrastructure, development and growth
Is specific to your organization regarding how you will accomplish your part of the community’s strategic plan
Has a scope of one fiscal year to implement
Addresses specific tasks that you will undertake for your organization

4. Inside the Program of Work
Preface
About Your Organization
About Your Community
Program of Work
Target Industries
Advertising
Public Program Awareness
Speaking Opportunities
Workforce Development
Downtown Revitalization
BRE
Program of Work (cont…)
At-Risk Industries
Collaboration
Measurability
Board of Directors and Staff

5. Preface of the Document
An organization without a focus lends itself to constant change of direction by the latest idea that seems like the best thing to do at the time.
As a result, the leadership finds it difficult to answer the question, “What have we accomplished?”
Therefore, the drafting of this document aims to focus the organization’s energies in such a way that creates a sense of continuity.
In doing so, goals are met, programs are completed and the activity of the organization becomes measurable in such a way that communicates value to the community for whom it serves.

6. Preface of the Document
Having a program of work is also one of the best marketing tools to promote both the organization’s ability to be effective and the select industries that are being sought.
The program is the translator that moves planning into action and gives direction to the organization. It will tell those outside the organization what you are and are not about.
While the items of focus listed in the plan are the primary guide for the activities, it should be flexible enough to take advantage of those rare opportunities that may present themselves.

7. Preface of the Document
Above all, the program of work should uphold the mission of the organization.
The program is only as effective as the leadership’s dedication to its implementation. It is possible to be busy, but not accomplish anything or to be busy accomplishing tasks that do not meet the mission.
Therefore, the organization benefits from the building of a plan of work to annually certify its activities as legitimate and worthy to dedicate its precious resources.

8. About the Organization
Explain the history and purpose of your organization
Describe your Type A or Type B money
DO NOT USE abbreviations; assume your audience knows nothing about what you do and your vocabulary
Create value for the services you provide

9. About Your Community Layout your strengths and challenges
Focus on your strengths and how they differentiate you
Be honest about what you don’t have
Contrast that with what you do and how you’re plan aims to address critical issues

10. Program of Work Target Industries Advertising Public Program Awareness
Speaking Opportunities
Workforce Development
Downtown Revitalization
BRE
At-Risk Industries

11. Measurability Pick some metrics that show you are doing your job
Stay away from numbers you can’t control
Publish your results in a press release

12. Collaboration List each organization you work with and how
Include all your membership organizations
Tie them together into the “BIG PICTURE”

13. Board of Directors and Staff
Give credit where credit is due; list your Board members
List the staff and your contact information
Invite your reader to do something with the plan

14. What They Don’t Tell You
Having a Program of Work is the best marketing tool
Defends your organization against attacks that ask, “what do you do?”
Prevents you from being disorganized
Keeps you from having to chase every good idea that comes down the road.

15. Sandhill Crane Example

16. Questions and Answers