Program Manager

College Access Program Manager

Job Description

About Mission Scholars

Located in Santa Barbara, Mission Scholars proudly supports 200 high-achieving, low-income students who aspire to be the first in their families to graduate from college. We empower these Scholars to realize their full potential by providing comprehensive college admissions guidance, dedicated college mentorship, and career development training that opens doors to lasting opportunity. Our Scholars are thriving: 93% are enrolled in four-year universities, with more than 85% of their educational costs covered by grants and scholarships.

We are a team of highly dedicated and passionate individuals who care deeply about our mission and the students and families we serve. Mission Scholars is also in an exciting phase of growth—entering our eighth year in 2026—and we’re seeking someone eager to join us in shaping this next chapter of impact.

Position Summary 

Mission Scholars is seeking an enthusiastic and strategic College Access Program Manager to lead our high school Scholars through the college preparation and admissions process. This full-time, hybrid position requires in-office presence at least three days per week and offers a unique opportunity to have a direct, transformative impact on students’ educational journeys.

The primary role of the College Access Program Manager is to provide staff oversight and guidance for Program Coordinators, ensuring consistent, high-quality program delivery and student support across all sites. The ideal candidate will combine program leadership, staff management, relationship-building, and administrative expertise to ensure every Scholar receives individualized guidance, mentorship, and support in their path to higher education.

The position is available immediately, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Key Priorities

To achieve these goals, the College Access Program Manager will focus on the following key priorities:

Leadership and Staff Management

• Oversee Mission Scholars’ College Access Program Team and Volunteers, ensuring effective task and project management, scheduling, and accountability.
• Provide coaching, training, and support to staff and volunteers to maximize program efficiency and impact.
• Help onboard new program staff and manage their schedules, as well as supervise their communication with Scholars and families.
• Oversee and lead workshops, and train support staff in public speaking.

Recruitment

• Lead the College Access Team in recruiting new high school students to the College Access Program through information sessions, school visits, and outreach efforts.
• Supervise program applications and student data to ensure accurate records of prospective Scholars.
• Coordinate program orientations and onboarding activities for new Scholars.

Student and Community Partner Support

• Supervise and coach program staff as they deliver individualized college preparation, readiness, and application support.
• Foster strong relationships with families, schools, and community partners to enhance Scholar engagement and success.
• Guide the implementation of mentorship, workshops, and peer coaching initiatives that prepare Scholars for college and beyond.

Administrative and Strategic

• Design, implement, and manage the Mission Scholars College Access Program schedule, ensuring workshops and individual meetings are executed effectively.
• Supervise online systems for tracking Scholar participation, academic support plans, program compliance, and data collection.
• Lead program evaluation efforts, collecting and analyzing feedback from Scholars, families, and volunteers to inform program improvements.
• Generate regular reports on program outcomes and individual Scholar progress for senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required. 
• Experienced in program and staff management, including planning, coordinating, and evaluating multi-faceted programs. Minimum 3 years experience in a leadership position.
• Passionate about college access, success, and graduation for low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students.
• Strong relationship-builder with the ability to engage students, families, volunteers, school staff, and community partners.
• Self-motivated, creative, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Google Suite platforms, including Google Classroom, Drive, and Chat.
• Flexible to work evenings or weekends as needed for workshops, events, or Scholar meetings.

Other Requirements

• Bilingual skills are highly recommended.
• Commitment to advocating relentlessly on behalf of Scholars.
• Ability to manage administrative tasks while maintaining a student-centered approach.
• Enthusiasm for contributing to a growing, innovative, mission-driven organization.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $68,000 – $75,000
• Full-time exempt, hybrid position (minimum 3 days/week in office)
• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Vacation & Sick Pay

How to Apply

For consideration, applicants should submit:

• Résumé
• Cover letter connecting qualifications to this role and sharing brief anecdotes that showcase impact.
• Two professional references (name, title, organization, email, phone number).

Submission: Please combine materials into one PDF and email to Katie Kinsella at kkinsella@missionscholars.org.