EDS Scholarship and Mentorship Program Manager

A private foundation is seeking a Program Manger 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

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 stipends/reimbursements/ discretionary awards, the mentoring program, enrichment workshops and other events, 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, 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

·       In consultation with the staff and board, work to continually enhance program policies and procedures to ensure high-quality implementation of the program

·       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

·       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.

Administrative 

·       Ensure thorough tracking and record keeping – research, recommend, and implement database tracking program

·       Implement background screening process for mentors

·       Update welcome packets and other onboarding materials and ensure they are disseminated to all parties in a timely manner

·       Build systems to collect data, distribute news and resources, and support program participants

 

QUALIFICATIONS

·       At least 5-7 years of experience in education and/or youth development required. Experience with mentoring and/or in philanthropy in greater Boston a plus

·       A clear, proactive, communicator who is comfortable working in a small team and is willing to ask questions, take responsibility, and be accountable

·       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 and serve

·       Strong organizational and time management skills

·       Excellent written and oral communication skills, with strong attention to detail

·       Ability to remain warm, courteous, and positive even in challenging circumstances

·       A calm, secure person who is not easily overwhelmed, and appreciates open and direct feedback

·       Demonstrated diplomacy, judgment, initiative, and problem-solving skills

·       Strong multi-tasking skills; flexible and able to work well under pressure

·       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.

Salary/Benefits:  

Salary range for the position is $110,000 to $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience. The foundation offers a competitive benefits package. 

Process

The Foundation has contracted with Hemenway & Barnes LLP to manage the hiring process. Please submit resume and cover letter by September 15, 2024 to Gioia Perugini, Director of Philanthropic Services, at gperugini@hembar.com. 

Equal Opportunity Employer statement 

The foundation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on merit, ne, individual qualifications, and job requirements, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by law.