Program Manager

About the Organization

The LA STEM Collective is a group of 70+ museums, parks, zoos, aquariums, universities, and community-based STEM education organizations. The Collective initially came together during the COVID pandemic to provide remote STEM education experiences for Los Angeles students. The group continues to provide STEM learning to tens of thousands of children and families year-round. Serving as the STEM Ecosystem for Los Angeles, the organization is expanding to include a focus on field building (professional development) as well as STEM workforce development. Concurrently, the membership will expand to include industrial and corporate members, as well as community-based organizations that serve children and families who are consumers of STEM education experiences. (Note: Wildwoods serves as the backbone agency for the LA STEM Collective, providing all financial management services.)

Organization’s Area of Focus

STEM education, community building

Job Description

The Program Manager coordinates all program operations offered by the LA STEM Collective. Working closely with the Program Committee and member organizations, the Program Manager will help curate the programs provided to meet the needs of clients and funders.

With an eye toward organizational equity, the Program Manager will work with the Program Committee to ensure the fair and equitable distribution of program resources and funding to help cultivate the growth and participation of small, grassroots, community-based organizations. With an eye toward community equity, the Program Manager will work with the Program Committee to form intentional strategies to ensure access and opportunities for STEM activities are shared, promoted and implemented in communities historically underserved in STEM education and outreach. Works with the Steering and Communications Committee to promote and market programming to area schools and school districts.

The Program Manager is responsible for the collection of all program-related data (participant information, anecdotal reports, photographs, evaluation, etc.), the management of data storage systems, and serves as the primary point of contact for evaluators and data analysts. They will provide regular reports to the Steering committee on effectiveness of programs in impacting communities historically underserved in STEM education and outreach.

The Program Manager also oversees the subcontracting process (budgets, contracts, and invoices). In addition, the Program Manager will collaborate with the Ecosystem Manager to understand the engagement with program providers as it pertains to membership. This involves delving into the dynamics of these relationships, gauging their effectiveness, and identifying areas for improvement.

Attends bi-weekly program committee meetings for program objectives. Reports to the Executive Director for overall direction and day-to-day operations.

Responsibilities:

• Schedules
  • Works with the Program Committee to keep programs on schedule, within stated budgets, and operating smoothly.
  • Works with the Program Committee to create curated program experiences for clients/funders.
  • Serves as the point of contact with the Los Angeles Unified School District, plus other clients and funders.
• Relationships & External Communications
  • Cultivate and nurture relationships with internal/external partners through proactive communication, strategic collaboration, and ongoing engagement, aiming to strengthen and expand the network of partnerships.
• Program Sub-Contracts
  • Creates and distributes budgets and contract forms for participating program providers.
  • Shares program updates, sign-up links, answers inquiries, and maintains active communication with program provider teams and organizers.
  • Manages and maintains all program databases and schedules.
• Data Collection & Management
  • Develops techniques that allow for the collection of accurate data.
  • Provide program data and anecdotal content (including photos) to the Steering Committee and Social Media Coordinator for the purpose of promoting the work of the organization, and tracking the impact of its work.
  • Manages internal documents and data tracking related to educational program contracts, including the collection of data by program providers, plus dissemination of surveys.
  • Oversees relationships with outside data analysts/evaluators. Ensures timely and accurate delivery of data collected from member organizations.
• Collaborate with team members to provide comprehensive support and assistance in programmatic initiatives within the LA STEM Collective, fostering a collaborative and synergistic working environment.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications Necessary

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university plus 2 years of related professional/nonprofit work experience or 5+ years of related professional/nonprofit work experience required.
• Comfortable with interpreting and revising budgets and meeting goals.
• Familiarity with the nonprofit sector desired.
• Valid CA driver’s license required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong project management skills are essential.
• Experience in nonprofit fund accounting, particularly pre- and post-award budgeting and subcontracting.
• Experience with contract management and compliance, grants compliance, and grant program management.
• Knowledge of insurance and risk management in terms of contract compliance.
• Exceptional organizational, planning, and implementation skills.
• Careful attention to detail.
• Ability to handle ambiguity and juggle multiple priorities at the same time.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish relationships and communicate with multiple stakeholders.
• Flexible to work weekends and evenings as necessary for special events.
• Ability to effectively work on diverse teams and/or with a diverse range of people.
• Passionate about education, particularly informal education.
• Ability to deal with conflict and de-escalate problems.
• Affinity for and commitment to the STEM-literacy movement.

Technical Expertise Requirements

• Familiarity with Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Sheets, Slides) + Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with Zoom, Google Meet, and other remote video meeting platforms.
• Familiarity with project management software such as Asana.

Physical Requirements

• Clear speaking voice and ability to speak on phone for long periods of the day.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time at a desk or table.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university plus 2 years of related professional/nonprofit work experience or 5+ years of related professional/nonprofit work experience required.

Employment Type

• Full Time

Professional Level

• Mid-level with some experience

How to Apply:

Please submit a résumé and a cover letter detailing relevant experience. Position is open if the post is active.

Only people selected for interviews will be contacted. Interviewees must submit to and pass a background check and provide references.

All resumes received will be held on file for consideration for 12 months from date of receipt.

Inquiries from direct applicants preferred - no recruiters or phone calls please.

Please note: Wildwoods, a Project of Community Partners®, is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

This job description is general in nature and is not designed to contain or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of the position.