Chief Program Officer

Minds Matter National is looking for its first Chief Program Officer. Our ideal candidate is someone who:

• Has the program leadership experience to elevate a national organization to the next level
• Is passionate about educational equity and bridging the opportunity gap
• Works toward excellence, is incredibly detail-oriented, and does what it takes to reach ambitious goals
• Is a self-starter who is excited to work on a small team and build enduring systems
• Is highly collaborative, an active listener, and open to feedback
• Able to lead by influence and example

ABOUT MINDS MATTER

Minds Matter is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect driven and determined students from low-income families to the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world.

Since 1991, every Minds Matter student has been admitted to a four-year college. Our success is rooted in holistic programming and a unique model that puts dedicated volunteers at the forefront of our work with students. Our model identifies high potential students from low-income households, unites them with college-bound peers and committed volunteers, prepares them for college with a mix of hard and soft skills, and will support them through college and into career.

Minds Matter serves more than a thousand students at 14 independently run chapters across the nation; the National office exists to foster excellence at each of those chapters. We do this by collaborating with chapter staff and volunteers to build capacity, providing curriculum and evaluating programs, and facilitating data sharing between chapters.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Chief Program Officer is responsible for all aspects of the organization’s program strategy, which includes an overall strategy for the organization, the management of college access program, and the development of our upcoming college and career attainment programs. This role reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is a critical member of the leadership team at Minds Matter National.

The Chief Program Officer will have the opportunity to forge a new path for Minds Matter as we embark on a bold vision to broaden and deepen our impact on students. A successful Chief Program Officer will be able to learn from, partner with, and influence chapter staff and volunteers while maintaining a focus on both high-level strategy that generates superior student outcomes and on-the-ground implementation that helps chapters deliver exceptional programming.

Program Strategy

• Implement the organization’s current strategic plan and contribute to the development of future strategic plans.
• Collaborate with Minds Matter chapter leaders, especially Directors of Program, to fulfill strategic initiatives and make adjustments when necessary.
• With the Senior Program Manager, create and sustain strategic partnerships with colleges, summer programs, foundations, professional organizations, peer organizations, and others.
• According to the strategic plan, expand and manage National program staff to fulfill strategic priorities.
• Work with the CEO to report on program strategy and effectiveness to the National Board of Directors and chapter leaders.

College Access Programs

• In partnership with chapters, develop, disseminate, and evaluate Minds Matter’s college access curriculum components.
• Develop training and resources for staff and volunteers on core curriculum and best practices in mentoring.
• Gather and analyze program data to share with chapters; use that data to build capacity at chapters and help staff and volunteers maximize strengths and address challenges.
• Oversee National programs staff and support chapter Program Directors (both staff and volunteers).
• Prepare robust reports on program success for CEO, the National Board of Directors, and other stakeholders.

College Success and Career Attainment Programs

• Develop Minds Matter’s new college success and career preparation programs through the process of research, prototyping, evaluation, iteration, and implementation.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Passionate about the Minds Matter mission and the organization’s values of community, commitment, and growth
• 10+ years of experience developing, leading, and evaluating large-scale educational programs
• Strong understanding of the college access and success field
• Experience building and managing teams
• Is extremely organized, hyper-attentive to detail, responsive, and reliable
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Capable of working independently as well as collaboratively

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role is fully remote with domestic travel up to 15 times per year—usually on weekends. All members of the Minds Matter staff work a four-day workweek from Tuesday to Friday. However, as chapters span multiple time zones and programs generally meet on Saturdays, the Chief Program Officer must be available to meet outside of standard hours when necessary.

Please note that this role requires the employee to be located within the United States. We are unable to consider applicants residing outside of the United States at this time.

COMPENSATION

The salary for this position is $150,000. (In the interest of equity, Minds Matter does not negotiate salary.) Minds Matter offers full healthcare benefits, a four-day workweek, and a generous PTO policy.

APPLICATION

In lieu of a traditional cover letter, please submit an application along with your resume in PDF format here.

Minds Matter takes responsibility for creating a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that starts with engaging people at every level of the organization who reflect, celebrate, and affirm multi dimensional identities. This allows all of us to broaden our thinking, deepen our understanding, and expand our views on what is possible. We invite and encourage diverse candidates to apply for this position.

Minds Matter is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.