Program Manager, Story Quest Program

About Story Pirates

Story Pirates is a renowned educational media company that brings together top comedians, musicians, designers, best-selling authors, and incredible teachers to amplify the words, ideas, and stories of kids on the world stage. We believe that kids are creative geniuses and aim to nurture and inspire the big thinkers, dreamers, and creative problem solvers of tomorrow. We produce one of the top kids & family podcasts in the world that has won both the iHeart Media and Webby awards, and have released several award-winning albums and a critically acclaimed middle-grade book series with Random House Children’s Books. We also have a live national tour and in school programs that have reached hundreds of thousands of kids and families all across the country.

Story Pirates Changemakers, the nonprofit arm of Story Pirates, provides literacy and creative writing programming to under-resourced schools and communities, ensuring that Story Pirates programs are accessible to all kids, and every young author we encounter is inspired.

About Story Quest

Story Quest is a four episode audio adventure created for the classroom that is a wildly engaging way to teach the building blocks of narrative writing.

• Once a week for four weeks, classroom teachers play a hilarious new audio episode that teaches elements of creative writing.
• Each episode is accompanied by printable graphic organizers for students to apply what they’ve learned to their own original stories, as well as tools for teachers to help guide their students. At the end of four weeks, teachers submit their students’ work to the Story Pirates.
• Students’ stories are returned about a month later with personalized notes of encouragement for every single author, along with a surprise final audio message that is customized for each classroom

Job Summary

The Program Manager will be primarily responsible for overseeing the daily management, logistics, customer service, and systems improvement of the Story Quest program. This role will ensure that the program runs smoothly, meeting both internal and external expectations, and providing an outstanding experience for participants and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving program growth through ensuring exceptional teacher and student experiences, and optimizing internal processes for efficient program management. This individual will be highly organized, customer-focused, and a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management

• Oversee all aspects of the Story Quest program and manage all logistics including: tracking and reviewing applications, onboarding schools and individual teachers, communicating with program participants, tracking program participation, and managing internal systems
• Coordinate and collaborate with interdepartmental staff to ensure smooth execution of the Story Quest Program
• Manage resources, schedules, and logistics to meet program demands
• Monitor program quality and implement improvements as needed
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment focused on excellence and innovation

Customer Service

• Serve as the primary liaison for teachers and schools participating in Story Quest
• Provide ongoing support to ensure school satisfaction and program success
• Address teacher inquiries, collect and share feedback, and troubleshoot issues or concerns promptly and effectively
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with teachers and schools participating in the program
• Implement strategies to improve school retention and program growth

Internal Systems Development

• Evaluate current program management processes and identify areas for improvement
• Design and implement internal systems to enhance efficiency, communication, and collaboration
• Standardize procedures for program delivery, reporting, and day-to-day management
• Leverage technology solutions such as CRM systems, project management tools, and communication platforms
• Evaluate current technology solutions and identify areas for improvement
• Train staff on new systems and ensure successful adoption across the team

Reporting and Analysis

• Collect and analyze data related to teacher/school satisfaction, and program effectiveness
• Use insights to adjust strategies and improve outcomes
• Prepare detailed reports for senior leadership and stakeholders
• Communicate progress, challenges, and recommendations clearly and effectively

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in or equivalent experience in program management, nonprofit management, sales, customer service, or education

Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in program management, nonprofit management, sales, customer service, or education
• Proven success in developing and executing program goals and achieving targets.
• Experience in the education or nonprofit sector is highly desirable

Skills and Abilities

• A commitment to the mission of Story Pirates and Story Pirates Changemakers
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with a high attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with peers and contacts at all levels in all settings (via email, phone, in person, etc.)
• Self-motivated and proactive, meets deadlines and completes tasks with a high degree of accuracy and dependability
• Works collaboratively with others and maintains positive work relationships with staff, volunteers and external contacts
• Thrives in a fast paced environment, copes effectively with change, shifts gears easily and comfortably
• Proficiency in developing and implementing internal processes and systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and GoogleSuite
• Must be comfortable using and maintaining databases and CRM software, prior experience and knowledge of Knack and/or Airtable a plus

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Cover Letter: Describe your interest in the position and how your experience aligns with the role.
• Resume/CV: Include detailed work history, education, and any relevant certifications.
• References: Provide contact information for three professional references.

Please email your application materials to admin@storypirates.org with the subject line "Program Manager - Story Quest Application." Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Story Pirates is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.