Program Manager, California

About TICAS 

The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS) is a national nonprofit with offices in Oakland, California and Washington, D.C. We are a trusted source of research, design, and advocacy for student-centered public policies that promote affordability, accountability, and racial equity in higher education. Our staff combines expertise in research and data, laws and regulations, change management, and the policymaking process. For more information, please visit the website: www.ticas.org 

Position Summary 

The Program Manager, California, will work with the Director of the California team to support and co-lead the policy planning, advocacy, and implementation oversight for a portfolio focused on increasing college affordability and student success and improving racial and economic equity in higher education. The portfolio also includes a focus on college affordability, strengthening state protections for students attending private and public postsecondary institutions, and strengthening state data considerations for students, including high quality metrics for institutional financial aid access and supporting California’s Cradle-to-Career data system and state higher education oversight and coordination. 

The Program Manager will manage two existing statewide coalition of advocates, monitor and coordinate responses to relevant legislative and administrative higher education related proposals, collaboratively plan next steps for TICAS and the coalition, collaboratively manage operations for specific consultants/lobbyist, and represent TICAS in meetings with state executive, legislative branch policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance those goals in the state. 

As a member of TICAS’ California team, the Program Manager will help deepen the organization’s strategic partnerships and alliances and build connections across the California team’s portfolio and across the organization, where appropriate. 

Note: This is currently a remote position; CA-based location required, with a preference for Sacramento or Bay Area applicants. Occasional travel required, including but not limited to the TICAS Oakland office and Sacramento. 

Essential Job Functions 

Coalition Management & Strategic Planning 

• Manage two California-specific coalitions focused on affordability and accountability. 
• Organize regular coalition calls, partner management, collaborative work products, and an annual convening. 
• Contribute to advancing and updating the strategic approach. 
• Manage external relationships with coalition partners, policymakers, media, and other stakeholders. 

Policy Analysis & Advocacy 

• Monitor relevant legislation, budget items, and regulatory agencies. 
• Coordinate TICAS and coalition responses. 
• Identify viable state policy approaches related to college affordability, fraud prevention, and improving college quality. 
• Brief policymakers, journalists, researchers, and advocates on TICAS research and policy recommendations. 

Project Management & Collaboration 

• Oversee all aspects of certain projects, from planning to execution and delivery. 
• Ensure projects are completed on time and meet stakeholder satisfaction. 
• Author and publish collateral such as blogs, fact sheets, and issue briefs. 
• Collaborate with various teams (e.g., federal Accountability, Basic Needs, Communication, Research) to advance TICAS policy priorities. 
• Foster an inclusive working environment that respects colleagues’ diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Education and Qualifications Required  

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree.  
• Minimum of 5 years of policy advocacy on higher education issues.  
• Comprehensive knowledge of California’s state policymaking process, higher education systems, and financial aid programs is required.  
• Working knowledge of one or more of the following issues is preferred:  
• Measures of institutional quality such graduation rates and cohort default rate 
• Guardrails around access to federal and state financial aid 
• Postsecondary accreditation 
• Regional compacts and reciprocity (e.g., NC-SARA) 
• Consumer protection issues in higher education 
• Postsecondary data and California’s Cradle-to-Career data system 
• Demonstrated success in independently managing projects to completion and an ability to lead an ongoing portfolio of work. 
• Experience with developing and maintaining trusted relationships with external partners. 
• Strong written and verbal communication and organizational skills. 
• Excellent at working in a team and independently. 
• Can balance both short- and longer-term priorities. 
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement. 
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

 Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion  

TICAS is committed to sustaining a diverse community with a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and encouraging to all. TICAS fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and cultivates diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, culture, and experience. 

TICAS strongly encourages applicants from diverse and historically underrepresented backgrounds to apply.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Application process: 

Candidates should submit a brief cover letter and resume. Incomplete applications without a cover letter will not be considered. In your cover letter, please include: 

• Why you are passionate about TICAS’ mission 
• How you believe you are the right fit for this position 

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement 

TICAS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.