Senior Manager, Program Management

The Senior Manager, Program Management provides leadership to Program Managers through operational management and sponsor-facing responsibilities in support of scholarship program fulfillment. The Senior Manager, Program Management oversees staff who manage a spectrum of scholarship and education assistance programs while ensuring sponsor retention, profitable growth, and the highest level of relationship management.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Leadership & Operations Management

• Supervise a team (typically comprised of Lead Program Managers and Program Managers) by overseeing their essential job duties while providing leadership through encouragement, motivation, and support to ultimately hold them accountable for program outcomes
• Mentor and train new and existing staff by providing support and guidance on an individual basis
• Manage and address personnel issues within the team and conduct ongoing performance discussions
• Conduct ongoing performance discussions and promote professional growth within the organization.
• Coordinate workloads within the team and department to ensure staffing is available to meet program deliverables
• Oversee operational functions to meet department-wide needs, including ad hoc duties as assigned
• Ensure quality assurance measures are in place for the department and consistently adhered to by team members
• Assess scholarship program administration processes within the team and department
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of staff for the department

Program Administration & Oversight

• Provide oversight into the administration of all programs assigned to the team
• Oversee and participate in allocation of awards to ensure contract requirements are fulfilled
• Develop procedures and reports, in accordance with functional policies and practices, to address needs of non-standard programs
• Review and approve external materials including contracts, program documents, reports and invoicing
• Maintain accuracy of financial records for programs within the team
• Recommend program design changes when new products or features become available or if there is potential for program improvement or growth

Communication & Documentation

• Create and edit documents for sponsor contracting renewal processes, annual reviews, and presentations
• Provide effective communication to internal and external customers
• Facilitate appropriate communication with sponsors, students, and parents, including conference calls, webinars, and committee meetings
• Facilitate management & team meetings, and cross-functional working sessions, including preparing agendas and recording minutes

Strategic Support & Development

• Support organizational change by providing input to increase efficiency and improve processes & technology
• May provide operational insight regarding new feature requests as part of standard prioritization processes
• Facilitate and lead projects, as assigned
• Participate in management and oversight of department functions in partnership with executives, supervisors, sales, implementation, and marketing staff
• Engage in professional development opportunities through workshops, webinars and training sessions
• Occasional travel may be required

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Excellent communication, leadership and organizational skills
• Proven ability to successfully manage multiple complex projects with varying deadlines and requirements
• Ability to encourage and support active team involvement while addressing deficiencies
• Comfortable learning and working in program management platforms and data or reporting tools like Microsoft Office and scholarship management software
• Strong time management & prioritization skills to effectively manage competing priorities
• Strong attention to detail to ensure programs are administered according to contract parameters and timelines
• Expertise in making effective business decisions
• Thorough knowledge of sponsored student aid program design, procedures and systems
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively cross-functionally in on-site and virtual environments
• Confidence to lead diverse discussions with potentially high-level external audiences
• Demonstrated ability to effectively present key concepts and recommendations in formal and informal settings
• Passion for improving student outcomes and commitment to serving students with financial need
• Associate's degree or equivalent experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• At least one year of experience as a Program Manager at Scholarship America or relevant association.
• Bachelor's Degree in areas such as business, marketing, management, or education – or equivalent experience
• Prior experience managing a team of individual contributors and developing them into a high-performing team
• Ability to coach and counsel partners on designing programs that support students of greatest need
• Experience supporting diverse populations
• Cultural awareness to appreciate varied lived experiences and potential impact on educational achievement

Full Pay range: Exempt ($49,600 - $62,000 - $74,400) This is the pay range for our staff in this position, from entry-level to fully independent and proficient in the role. The candidate selected for this position will be offered a wage commensurate with their background and skill set, as aligned with our business needs

Reports to: Director, Program Management Department: Scholarship Management – Program Management

Application deadline: Sunday, November 15 (by 11:00 pm CT)

NOTE: If you are personally applying for this position, go to your ADP Portal > MYSELF >TALENT > CAREER CENTER, and click on the job opening you’re applying for.

We are an equal opportunity employer and believe in the power of a diverse workplace to better serve a broad range of student needs. All qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, parental or marital status