Scholarship Program Manager

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

A private foundation is seeking a Program Manager for its Scholarship and Mentoring Program. The mission of the Program is to remove barriers to success for talented and hardworking students to help them achieve their academic potential in college and prepare for rewarding careers and long-term success.

The Program provides targeted, flexible, and individualized financial and social support that helps students excel academically, dream and plan for meaningful careers, and develop the skills to secure long-term financial independence. The financial support provided by the program is intended to fill gaps in financial aid and help students take advantage of opportunities to explore careers and ideas about their future.

The Program’s social support helps students build a network of caring adults and peers to encourage, guide and inspire them. Scholars are paired with Mentors who have volunteered to be a resource and a sounding board to help students navigate challenges and think boldly about their futures.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Deputy Director, the Program Manager will manage all scholarship awards made in partnership with a third-party scholarship provider and all accompanying activities administered directly by the Program. These activities include scholar support, the mentoring program, mentor recruitment, scholar workshops, and other scholar support throughout students’ journey to ensure college and career success.

This is a full-time, in-office position based in the Foundation's office in the Back Bay of Boston, with occasional local travel when needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management

• Build and maintain high-quality relationships with all program stakeholders, including scholars, external partners, scholars, mentors, advisors, and others.
• Provide timely responses to inquiries from scholars, mentors, and other partners on behalf of the program
• Identify and build relationships with community leaders and prospective partners who can advance and execute program goals and objectives
• Represent the program in the community

Program Operations

• Oversee and regularly recruit new mentors to ensure robust pipeline of new mentors that are ready and willing to address scholar needs and interests
• Develop and administer active calendar of enrichment workshops and events that bring meaningful content to program participants and foster the development of strong relationships and sense of community
• Continually evaluate the quality, breadth, and depth of programming and participant experience through regular gathering of feedback through surveys, focus groups, individual interviews, etc.
• Work with staff and board to conceptualize, design, and execute new program offerings and special initiatives that strengthen the program for scholars and mentors
• Manage all aspects of the scholar enrollment process each year, including annual selection of new scholars, annual renewal process for returning scholars, and annual enrollment and onboarding of all scholars
• Ensure ongoing scholar support and engagement through regular check-ins with scholars and their mentors, connecting scholars to appropriate resources whenever needed, and responding to immediate needs and questions

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 8-12 years of experience in education and/or youth development required. Experience with mentoring and/or with college aged youth a plus.
• A clear, proactive, communicator who is comfortable working in a small team and is willing to ask questions, proactively share updates, and collaborate.
• Ethical, impeccable integrity, judgment, and discretion along with a professional demeanor and interpersonal style that elicits trust.
• A self-starter who anticipates and actively seeks opportunities to problem solve.
• Strong organizational and time management skills and ability to multi-task.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Adaptable, with a commitment to learning and growth.
• Strong desire to work within a collaborative and interdependent staff team

While the above is intended to describe the general nature and level of work for this position, it is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of individuals in this role.

Benefits include paid vacation, sick, and personal days as well as paid holidays, health insurance, and retirement plan with an employer contribution.