Cohort Programs Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Oversee the comprehensive delivery of both virtual and in-person cohort-based learning sessions spanning various program pathways.

• Ensure that both physical and virtual environments are adequately prepared and arranged for optimal participant success.

• Collaborate with Central Operations to facilitate a smooth participant experience from recruitment through to program completion.

• Provide live support during virtual sessions and ongoing assistance for virtual learning between sessions.

• Monitor discussion forums, track assignment submissions, and maintain community engagement.

• Manage participant communications from onboarding through to completion, transitioning them to the UpStarter Community.

• Cultivate trust, connection, active involvement, and a robust cohort culture.

• Convert participant observations into actionable insights for the curriculum design team.

• Handle multiple simultaneous cohorts and priorities while ensuring the quality of delivery.

• Organize virtual sessions, in-person gatherings, and other logistics related to the program.

• Identify potential risks and propose solutions in dynamic and uncertain environments.

• Utilize participant feedback and evaluation data to enhance program impact and delivery practices.

• Act as the main point of contact for cohort participants.

• Keep both internal and external stakeholders updated on progress, needs, and results.

• Address participant challenges and conflicts with professionalism and sound judgment.

• Collaborate with program staff, external facilitators, the Senior Director of Learning Design & Strategy, and Central Operations.

• Coordinate external facilitators and specialists in line with delivery standards and participant experience objectives.

• Ensure consistency across participant experiences and facilitators.

• Travel up to six times a year for in-person cohort events and team gatherings.

⛳️ Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in program/project management, event management, and/or participant experience in both virtual and in-person settings.

• Experience in supporting cohort-based or group learning programs, focusing on participant engagement and outcomes.

• Proven track record of managing complex operations, including multiple simultaneous cohorts or workstreams, with a strong focus on detail and quality.

• Experience in translating curriculum or program plans into high-quality, effectively executed participant experiences.

• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience working closely with operations, design, and/or external partners.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building trust and addressing participant needs or challenges.

• Familiarity with best practices for creating accessible, inclusive events for adult learners is preferred, including coordinating catering, supplies, accommodations, etc.

• Sound judgment and problem-solving abilities in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.

• Experience in coordinating the work of facilitators or program staff.

• Exposure to AI-powered tools or a keen interest in utilizing them.

• Ability to synthesize participant feedback and evaluation data to drive continuous improvement in program delivery.

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and crafting meaningful learning environments for diverse participants.

• Comfort with change, iteration, and operating in a dynamic, evolving program model.

• Proficient in supporting virtual learning/LMS environments, including discussion forums, assignment tracking, and engagement monitoring.

• Dedicated to leading with a focus on community and belonging.

• Adaptable and agile in response to organizational and technological changes.

• Passionate about UpStart’s mission and network.

• Committed to upholding UpStart’s values and Guiding Principles regarding client and program partnerships.

🏝️ Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.

• 16 weeks of paid parental leave with no waiting period.

• 100% employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) for medical-related travel, up to $1,950 per year.

• FSA and Commuter Benefits accounts.

• Employer-sponsored 401K with an employer match.

• Flexible discretionary paid time off.

• Annual $1,500 professional development stipend.

• One-time $300 office setup stipend and provided Mac.

• Monthly $50 cell phone stipend.

• 3:00 PM local close-of-business on Fridays.

• Days off for all work-prohibitive Jewish holidays, in addition to secular US holidays.

• One-month (30 days) paid sabbatical for every five years of employment.

• Occasional travel for meetings, conferences, and other business-related activities.

• Great workplace culture.