Program Manager

Program Manager

Location: San Francisco Bay Area

(with regular travel to San Francisco and San Jose)

Reports to: Director of Programs

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Start Date: March 2026

Starting Salary: $75,000

About Minds Matter Bay Area

Minds Matter is a national nonprofit organization that connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. Since 1991, every Minds Matter student across the country has been accepted to a four-year college — helping to address the widespread issue of college undermatching. Their success is rooted in holistic programming and a unique, volunteer-powered model that fosters deep, long-standing relationships between students and mentors.

Founded in 2010, Minds Matter Bay Area (MMBay) is one of 14 chapters in the national network. To date, MMBay has graduated more than 250 students — 100% have been accepted to four-year colleges, and 75% attend some of the most selective institutions in the country.

Our free weekly programming is delivered by a powerful network of volunteers who mentor, teach, and walk alongside students on their journey to — and through — college. We are driven by equity, relationships, and a deep belief in the brilliance and potential of our students.

Learn more atwww.mindsmatterbay.org.

About the Role

Minds Matter Bay Area is seeking a thoughtful, driven Program Manager to help lead and strengthen our college access programming. This role is ideal for someone who cares deeply about students, enjoys building strong systems and relationships, and wants to take on meaningful responsibility in a growing organization.

Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Program Manager plays a central role in the day-to-day execution of MMBay’s programming. You will work closely with students, volunteers, and staff to ensure programs are well-run, welcoming, and impactful. This role blends hands-on program delivery with coordination, planning, and continuous improvement.

Minds Matter Bay Area is in a period of growth and evolution. The Program Manager will join a small, collaborative team and help strengthen systems that already exist while contributing ideas for how we can continue to improve. This is a role for someone who enjoys both leading and doing, and who is excited to grow alongside the organization.

This position is well-suited for someone ready to take on significant responsibility with strong support, coaching, and partnership from the Director of Programs.

Note: During the school year (September–June), regular workdays are Tuesday through Saturday to align with student programming. The role requires regular in-person presence for Saturday sessions and key meetings across our San Francisco and San Jose sites, with up to 2–3 in-person days per week.

Key Responsibilities

The Program Manager is responsible for the effective execution and continuous improvement of MMBay’s college access programming. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

Program Coordination and Planning

• Track, analyze, and report on key program indicators to support learning, improvement, and impact.
• Own and maintain the program calendar and core program communications.
• Coordinate onboarding and training for volunteer leaders, mentors, and students.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partner high schools, colleges, and community-based organizations.
• Develop and support culturally responsive strategies to engage caregivers and the broader community.
• Partner with staff and volunteers on curriculum planning and delivery strategies.

Events and Community Celebrations

• Lead the planning, execution, and improvement of program events, including orientations, trainings, milestone events, graduation, and end-of-year celebrations.
• Serve as the primary owner of event timelines, logistics, run of show, and coordination across staff, volunteers, students, and caregivers.
• Partner with volunteers, students, and caregivers to design events that reflect MMBay’s values and strengthen community belonging.
• Manage event operations such as venue coordination, vendors, materials, accessibility needs, and day-of execution.
• Gather and incorporate feedback to improve future events and community experiences.

Program Execution

• Serve as a primary point of contact for student needs and concerns, partnering with the Director of Programs on complex or specialized support.
• Lead and support MMBay’s volunteer-led Program Leadership Teams across both San Francisco and San Jose sites.
• In partnership with the Director of Programs, oversee Saturday sessions to ensure strong operations, prepared volunteers, and consistent attendance.
• Manage program data and student records in Salesforce, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and ongoing process improvement.

Recruitment Strategy and Execution

• Support and coordinate volunteer-led Mentee Recruitment and Volunteer Recruitment teams to ensure all roles are filled for each cohort.
• Coach and support recruitment volunteers through a leadership-through-influence approach that respects volunteer ownership while strengthening strategy and execution.
• Support administrative onboarding for new students and volunteers.
• Analyze recruitment data and feedback to identify barriers, refine outreach strategies, and improve outcomes year over year.

What Success Looks Like in the First Year

• Programs run smoothly and consistently across both sites
• Volunteers feel supported, prepared, and well-communicated with
• Volunteer and student onboarding / offboarding processes run smoothly
• Events feel organized, welcoming, and reflective of our values
• Recruitment goals are met with stronger systems and clearer processes

Qualifications

We strongly encourage alumni and candidates with transferable skills to apply. If you're excited about this role and believe you can contribute meaningfully to our team, we encourage you to apply — even if your experience looks a little different.

Note: A background check, fingerprinting and a reference check will also be a part of the process.

We are looking for someone who brings the following experience and strengths:

• 3–5 years of professional experience in education, youth development, nonprofit program management, or a related field. We welcome candidates who have gained relevant experience across different roles or sectors.
• Experience supporting or overseeing volunteer teams, programs, or initiatives, with an appreciation for leading through influence and strong relationships.
• Experience planning and executing events, with attention to both logistics and creating meaningful, welcoming experiences for students and community.
• Strong relationship-building, project management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance day-to-day execution and longer-term planning.
• Comfort working in a dynamic, growing organization, with the ability to contribute to and improve systems, processes, and structures over time.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and follow-through, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and keep programs running smoothly.
• Clear and thoughtful written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage across lines of difference.
• A collaborative, flexible team member who is willing to pitch in as needed and approach challenges with curiosity and care.

The following experiences are helpful and valued, but not required:

• Experience supporting volunteer-led programs, particularly in environments that balance high accountability with high autonomy.
• Experience working with first-generation college students or students from historically underrepresented communities.
• Background in culturally responsive teaching, youth leadership development, mentoring, or advising.
• Familiarity with Salesforce, Google Suite, or other program management or data systems.
• Experience collaborating across functions, such as development, operations, or external partners.
• Bilingual proficiency in Mandarin/English or Spanish/English.

Additional requirements:

• Given the nature of our program, a Bachelor’s degree is required. Backgrounds in education, psychology, child development, or related fields are a plus.Availability to work Saturdays during the school year (September–June) and some evenings for volunteer meetings.
• Ability and willingness to travel between San Francisco and San Jose program sites. Access to a vehicle is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Bay Area schools, communities, or education systems is helpful but not required.

Work Schedule and Flexibility

This role includes a thoughtful mix of in-person and remote work. During the school year (September to June), regular workdays are Tuesday through Saturday to align with student programming and volunteer engagement. The Program Manager can expect to be in person for Saturday sessions and key meetings, with up to 2 to 3 in-person days per week (some weeks are fully remote).

When not traveling between program sites or attending in-person meetings, employees work remotely.

Minds Matter Bay Area is committed to sustainable workloads and recognizes the time required for evening and weekend programming. We actively support staff in taking time off and flexing schedules as needed to ensure balance over the course of the year.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting Salary: $75,000

To promote internal equity and transparency, Minds Matter Bay Area offers a clearly defined salary for this role and does not negotiate compensation. We aim to be upfront so candidates can make informed decisions from the start.

Benefits include flexible paid time off, a health insurance stipend, and a 3% monthly 401(k) contribution.

Apply

Applications must be submitted to the link provided (https://thv8hhkj.forms.app/mmbayprogmanager2026). Applications submitted through any other medium will not be considered. The search process will encompass three rounds of interviews and a thought exercise with various members of the organization.

Core Values

We are looking for someone who is deeply committed to living out and modeling Minds Matter Bay Area’s core values:

• We Show Up – We are present, reliable, and ready to support one another.
• We Do the Hard Work – We embrace challenges and take responsibility.
• We Believe and Persist – We stay hopeful and keep going, even when it's tough.
• We Prioritize Communication – We value transparency and honest dialogue.
• We Practice Emotional Courage – We lead with heart and aren’t afraid to be vulnerable.
• We Are the Culture – We shape and protect the culture we want to be part of.

To learn more about our core values, please visit: www.mindsmatterbay.org/our-core-values

Equal Opportunity

Minds Matter Bay Area is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and volunteers. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and first-generation college graduates, are strongly encouraged to apply.