Program Manager

Minds Matter Bay Area - Multiple Locations - Full time

Program Manager

(with regular travel to San Francisco and San Jose)

Reports to: Director of Programs

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Start Date: March 2026

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 under matching. 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 dsmatterbay.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,…