Position: Program Director

Location: Hybrid role with a co-working space available. Must live in Portland or be willing to relocate.

Salary Range:  $75,000 - $85,000 

Who We Are

Are you interested in making a tangible impact in the lives of students and families in Portland, and increasing college access and success for historically underserved communities? Minds Matter Portland provides dedicated, high-potential students an opportunity to achieve their dreams. Minds Matter Portland is an affiliate of Minds Matter, a national nonprofit organization that connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. 

Operating in Portland since 2006, Minds Matter Portland currently serves 65  students with the support of nearly 100 volunteers. Our success is rooted in holistic programming and a unique model that puts dedicated, long-term volunteers at the forefront of our work with students.

What We’re Looking For 

Summary of Position

We are seeking an action-oriented, compassionate, analytical leader who loves working with a diversity of people to serve as our next Program Director. This is a unique opportunity to lead and shape programming of an evolving organization during a period of growth. The Program Director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Minds Matter Portland's programming, including Saturday logistics, curriculum delivery, college summer program management, volunteer recruitment and retention, and day-to-day operations. The Program Director will oversee one full time staff member - our Senior Program Associate - and a small number of volunteer program leaders.

We are looking for a passionate, energetic individual who is excited by our mission and who can react nimbly to changes and challenges. The ideal candidate can think analytically to help improve processes and outcomes.

This role offers the chance to witness firsthand the transformative impact of our program on students' lives. The organization has a strong financial foundation and ambitious plans to double the number of students served over the next several years. This position provides a unique platform for professional growth and significant community contribution.

What You Will Be Responsible For

Saturday Program Management 

• Oversee all operations of Saturday programming at two sites: NE Portland and Hillsboro

• Maintain positive group dynamics within the leadership team through regular meetings and by supporting and coaching student-facing roles throughout the year

• Manage and plan program calendar and communications to students, volunteers, and program partners

• Prepare curriculum materials (slidedecks, worksheets, etc) for Saturday sessions

• Implement and integrate curriculum developed by Minds Matter National

Student and Volunteer Recruitment and People Management

• Manage student and volunteer recruitment initiatives, including conducting outreach, community engagement activities, and informational sessions

• Manage student and volunteer interviews, including coordinating application and interview

• processes, overseeing recruitment tracking, and conducting follow-up, scheduling, implementation, and initial onboarding

• Implement volunteer training offerings, including supporting onboarding, facilitating new mentor training, and ad-hoc support throughout the program year

• Build and maintain relationships with high school staff and community partners to create a broad network of trusted adults who recommend students to apply to Minds Matter Portland

• Proactively seek opportunities to enhance and strengthen relationships with new partner schools through outreach, engagement, community networking, etc.

• Oversee alumni engagement program and volunteer Alumni Program Director

• Oversee the summer programs function and volunteer Summer Programs Director

Operations 

• Implement program evaluations that guide program improvements and move Minds Matter toward becoming a data-driven organization

• Manage program resources by ensuring that leaders have the necessary resources in order to carry out their daily duties and responsibilities

• Manage Minds Matter data and databases to ensure it is accurate, updated, and protected

• Collect data for reporting on KPIs and key metrics

• Work with Executive Director and Finance Director to ensure program is operated within budgetary requirements

About You 

Required Experiences:

• Experience coaching, motivating, and leading adults and high school students

• Demonstrated experience working with and sensitivity to individuals from varying socio-demographic backgrounds 

• Experience in formal dialogs and workshops around equity-based work, including the application of these ideas within organizations

• Bachelor’s Degree required; minimum of 5 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Experience 

• Experience and/or knowledge of volunteer recruitment and retention strategy in a non-profit setting

• Experience working in college access work, particularly supporting first-generation college students, low-income communities, or other marginalized groups strongly preferred

• Experience developing and evaluating academic curriculum for students

• Knowledge of the nonprofit and educational ecosystem of Portland

Required Skills & Qualities 

• Ability to work well with a small, close-knit team

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Knowledge of Word processing, Excel spreadsheet and email software. Previous experience with CRM databases, such as Salesforce, preferred 

• Ability to effectively communicate with multiple stakeholders (students, parents, school leaders, community partners, and volunteers)

• Effective at building meaningful relationships and partnerships with families

• A team builder with a natural capacity for managing and leading people

• Understands systemic educational barriers and a commitment to advancing access and equity in programming and leadership

• Ability to actively listen to stakeholders, analyze complex problems, and identify patterns and connections that enable improved decision-making and action

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, able to prioritize, strong attention to detail

• Ability to work as a self-starter without constant oversight 

• Ability and desire to learn and grow in new situations and from mistakes; actively integrates feedback to improve

• Spanish proficiency is a huge plus

Additional Information  

• Salary: $75,000 to $85,000

• Health insurance, dental and vision

• 8 weeks paid time off 

• 3% employer match for 401k 

• Hybrid role with a co-working space available. Flexible work schedule

• Required to attend and oversee Saturday programming sessions during the school year, September to May

• 40 hour work week

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter as ONE document to careers@mindsmatterportland.org. Applications submitted through any other medium will not be considered. The Application deadline is December 15, 2025.  The search process will encompass a phone screening plus two rounds of interviews and a thought exercise for submission. A background check and a reference check will also be a part of the process.  

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you are excited about the role and see connection with what we are looking for, but don’t meet every single requirement, we’d encourage you to apply anyway.

Minds Matter Portland is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining a diverse community with a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and encouraging to all. We foster a culture of inclusion that celebrates and cultivates diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, out-of-home care, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience. 

Applicants needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact Johnna Loreen at johnna@mindsmatterportland.org to request and arrange for assistance.