Program Manager

San Diego Squared (SD2) connects underrepresented students to the power of STEM by providing access to education, mentorship, and the resources they need to lead the talent workforce. The four pillars of SD2 are: collaborate, disrupt, act and represent. Established in fall 2020, we are seeking a full‑time position to continue to help manage and grow our Squared Fellows Program and Squared Alumni Program.

The Programs Manager will be a key team leader vital to the success and growth of the organization.

We are looking for someone who is self‑motivated, highly independent and knows how to execute the organization’s vision. The ideal candidate has experience executing and enhancing programming, is detail oriented, comfortable assisting in additional projects, and is a relentless optimist.

This is a hybrid position that includes regular in‑office work and local travel throughout San Diego County. Because many of our student‑facing activities take place outside standard business hours, availability on weekday evenings and Saturdays is required.

• Manage, execute, evaluate, and enhance the Squared Fellows and Squared Alumni programs.
• Lead recruitment, screening, orientation, training, and ongoing support for program mentors and mentees.
• Provide oversight, training, and supervision to program staff.
• Plan and coordinate all program events, including in‑person sessions, workshops, site visits, and celebrations. Responsibilities include managing vendors, catering, registration, communications, transportation, speakers, volunteers, materials, and on‑site logistics.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with nonprofits, academic institutions, and key community and industry partners to expand program reach and impact.
• Comfortable speaking to and presenting in front of large groups, including students, families, partners, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop program budgets, track expenses, and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all program‑related matters, ensuring timely communication and strong stakeholder experience.
• Support development of marketing, outreach materials, and surveys to ensure SD2 effectively tells its story and captures program impact.
• Create reports, presentations, and data summaries for internal teams, funders, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Support additional cross‑organizational projects as needed.

• Ability to work independently with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated project management and program coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Event planning and coordination experience strongly preferred.
• Human‑Centered Design mindset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Positive, problem‑solving attitude.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to build repeatable systems and processes.
• Demonstrate commitment to character, culture, and community.
• Comfort using data, feedback, and evaluation tools to improve programs.

• 1–2 years of experience in program management, youth development, education, or related fields.
• Experience with , Google Suite, and Google Classroom is a plus.

This role requires the ability to lift and move items weighing up to 25 pounds as part of event and program setup. The physical demands listed are representative of those required to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

This position offers a salary of $60,000–$70,000 per year, commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.