Fast Facts

As a Program Manager for College Possible in Portland, you will lead college success programming, oversee Advising Specialists, and ensure students receive quality, data-informed support as they navigate their higher education journey.

Responsibilities: Lead the implementation of college success programming, supervise a team of Advising Specialists, build partnerships with educational institutions, and manage program data and budgets.

Skills: Strong leadership, project management, and student-centered strategy; excellent communication skills; ability to analyze data for program improvement.

Qualifications: Three to five years of relevant experience, including supervisory experience. Familiarity with college academic processes and a commitment to supporting economically disadvantaged students is essential.

Location: Portland, OR, US

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $60,000 - $85,000.

Program Manager-Success

College Possible Oregon

This Work Is Our Mission

At College Possible, we believe talent is universal. For many students, the path to college can feel overwhelming or out of reach. That's where you come in.

We support students on their journey to higher education by providing personalized coaching, resources, and guidance. When you join College Possible, you become part of a team dedicated to making college access and success a reality. Together, we help students navigate the admissions process, overcome challenges, and earn their degrees.

Our Impact

87% of College Possible students are admitted to college and are enrolled at 866 colleges and universities across the United States. Nationwide, we've served 99,000+ students since 2000.

Why Join Our Team?

When you work at College Possible, you're not just taking a job-you're advancing a mission to help more students get to and through college. You'll play a direct role in helping students achieve their educational goals and build brighter futures.

Key Benefits

✅ Professional Growth Access training, mentorship, and career development opportunities as you support student success.

✅ Mission-Driven Impact Make a direct difference in students' lives by helping them access and complete college.

✅ Collaborative Community Join a team that values teamwork, innovation, and excellence in service of students.

✅ Work-Life Balance Enjoy flexible work options, unlimited PTO, and resources to support your well-being.

Position Summary

The Program Manager, College Success plays a pivotal role in advancing College Possible's mission by leading the implementation and execution of high-impact college success programming at their site. Reporting to the Director of Programs and supervising a team of Advising Specialists, the Program Manager is responsible for ensuring students receive high-quality, data-informed, equity-centered support to navigate through college. Developing and fostering impactful college partnerships to support student retention and persistence towards earning a bachelor's degree is paramount to the success of our work. The Program Manager brings strong leadership, project management, and student-centered strategy to day-to-day operations and long-term program goals.

This role is central in building a strong, mission-aligned team culture, providing coaching and supervision to direct-service staff, building and maintaining partnerships, and ensuring each student we serve receives consistent, quality advising that helps them thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Program Implementation and Quality Assurance

• Oversee the delivery of high-quality, culturally responsive programming aligned with College Possible's mission and theory of practice.
• Implement site-specific programming strategies in partnership with the Director of Programs.
• Ensure that the Success program operates with fidelity to the College Possible model and moves toward ambitious outcomes
• Use data and feedback loops to continuously evaluate, improve, and adapt advising strategies to ensure student success and equitable outcomes.
• Identify site benchmarks that reflect the overall College Possible metrics and serve as programmatic tools for decision making and performance goals.

Staff Supervision and Development

• Directly supervise a team of Advising Specialists, providing coaching, support, accountability, and performance management.
• Observe direct service providers and provide feedback and support in their professional practice.
• Facilitate regular team meetings, individual check-ins, and professional development plans.
• Cultivate a positive team culture that supports both staff well-being and student outcomes.

Partnership and Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for college or community partners relevant to your advising team.
• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with site partners/colleges and universities, ensuring program alignment and responsiveness to student needs.
• Collaborate with national teams to align programming with organization-wide initiatives and resources.
• The Manager is responsible for fostering working relationship with the retention liaison for post-secondary partners. Examples of partnership stewardship include:
• Provide College Possible semester data on student engagement, key topics covered by coaching conversations, student progress completing registration and financial aid, and individual student needs.
• Request partner data to inform enrollment verification as needed.
• Collaborating with key campus staff on events that include College Possible students.
• Building a communication line with key staff in offices such as (registrar, financial aid, academic advising and admissions).
• Facilitate introduction of other key College Possible staff including the Program Manager, Access and Advising Specialists who will be working with students on their campus.

Data Management and Reporting

• Ensure accurate, timely tracking of student progress and program engagement via organizational data systems.
• Use data to inform staff coaching, program decisions, and reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to grant reporting, evaluations, and strategic planning as needed.
• Utilize KPIs to track progress towards organizational milestones through data tracking and report development.

Recruitment and Outreach

• Support the recruitment and onboarding of Advising Specialists and students as needed at your site.
• Represent College Possible in outreach efforts, student events, and partner convenings.

Manage Success Program Budget

• Develop and implement Success program budget each fiscal year for Oregon site.
• Evaluate program-related expenditures and analyze budget performance on a monthly basis.
• Oversee Direct Student Aid implementation
• Other Duties as Assigned

Computer/Software Skills

• Strong computer skills, including demonstrated proficiency in MS Office Products.

Relevant Experience:

• Three to five years related work experience demonstrating an increasing level of responsibility.
• At least three years of related supervisory experience required.
• Familiarity with college academic process including financial aid, as well as project management preferred.

Other Skills and Requirements:

• Significant commitment to the mission of helping economically disadvantaged students admission into college and persist to degree completion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills across diverse audiences.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.
• Flexibility to work in multiple locations.
• Demonstrated ability to use, collect, and analyze data.
• Ability to recruit, select, and train qualified individuals.
• Proven record of facilitation and collaboration with organizations and the community.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

 Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds when needed.
• Office environment with limited travel.
• Ability to stand and/or sit for a minimum of 7 hours a day.

What We Offer

In addition to joining a committed, diverse, values-based organization, we offer:

• An opportunity for you to have a tremendous impact both internally and in the broader country.
• A competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Excellent benefits including complete health, dental, life, short-term and long-term insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Encouraged sustainability through an unlimited paid time off program.
• Personalized professional development and growth opportunities.

To Join Our Growing College Possible Team:

Please apply at: www.CollegePossible.org/careers Include a resume, cover letter.