Position Title: Central Minnesota Program Manager
Reports to: Director of Regional Programs
Department: Regions
Location: Central Minnesota
FTE Status: Full-time, exempt benefits available (see below)
Salary Range: $55,000-66,000
ABOUT JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT NORTH (JA North)
The team at Junior Achievement North is committed to keeping students at the center of our work and helping them reach their full potential. We prepare students to become the leaders of tomorrow by building financial skills, exploring exciting career paths and developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Our model builds experiential learning opportunities for students so they can creatively explore how lessons in the classroom can translate to life outside of school. We are focused on equitably serving K-12 students across our entire region of Minnesota, North Dakota, and western Wisconsin. As we deliver programming, we inspire students, support educators, and partner with business and community organizations.
Our team consists of innovative, collaborative, and dedicated individuals committed to our mission. Together, we prioritize relationships, act with integrity, embrace change, and continually improve. We deepen impact across our entire region by supporting our colleagues and prioritizing our students. We're looking for engaging professionals to join this growing and dynamic team!
Along with being an equal opportunity employer, JA North offers a collaborative environment. We aspire to hire a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Central Minnesota Program Manager is a key member of a regional Program team dedicated to expanding and sustaining high-quality, experiential learning opportunities for students. This role is responsible for growing Junior Achievement North’s presence across Central Minnesota by building and deepening school and district partnerships.
This position leads regional program expansion efforts by identifying, cultivating, and maintaining strong relationships with school administrators, educators, and community partners to increase access to JA programming. In partnership with JA North’s broader Program team, the Program Manager also supports the successful implementation of programs across the region, ensuring consistent, high-quality experiences for students, educators, and volunteers.
The Central Minnesota Program Manager works cross-functionally with Relationship Managers, Program staff, and community stakeholders to align program delivery with volunteer engagement and regional growth goals. This role includes regular regional travel, with occasional overnight stays.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Growth & School Partnerships
· Lead regional efforts to expand JA North programming by identifying, recruiting, and onboarding new school and district partners.
· Build and maintain strong, ongoing relationships with educators, administrators, and school partners to ensure long-term engagement and program success.
· Serve as a primary point of contact for school partners, ensuring clear communication, responsiveness, and a high level of service.
· Increase awareness of JA programs through presentations, networking, and active participation in community and education-based organizations.
Program Implementation & Delivery
· Partner closely with JA North Program team members to support the effective delivery of programs across the region, including hands-on and pop-up learning experiences.
· Coordinate logistics and scheduling for experiential programs, including Finance Park Pop-Ups and Dream Accelerator Pop-Ups.
· Provide training and orientation for educators and volunteers to ensure strong program readiness and alignment.
· Conduct classroom visits, check-ins, and evaluations to monitor program quality and support continuous improvement.
· Identify opportunities to enhance program experiences for students, educators, and volunteers.
· Step in as main Program facilitator at times, as needed.
Volunteer Collaboration & Support
· Collaborate with regional Relationship Managers to align school partnerships with volunteer recruitment and program delivery needs.
· Support strategies that strengthen volunteer engagement, recognition, and retention within the region.
Operations, Data & Organizational Alignment
· Manage program-related data, records, and reporting to ensure accurate tracking and verification of program activity.
· Oversee curriculum distribution and ensure materials are delivered effectively to school partners.
· Maintain strong internal communication and coordination across teams to support seamless program execution.
· Develop deep expertise in JA program models and delivery approaches.
QUALIFICATIONS:
· Nonprofit experience and/or related experience in the fields of education or program management.
· Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
· Excellent organizational and time management skills and the ability to think creatively.
· Advanced written and verbal communication skills and a non-judgmental approach to dealing with others.
· Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
· Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft and database and spreadsheet management.
· Experience fostering inclusion and belonging; in educational spaces preferred.
· COVID-19 vaccination strongly recommended.
· Must possess a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to: sit, walk, occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, continually required to talk or hear, occasionally required to bend, lift, or climb, frequently required to lift and carry light weights (25-50 pounds), and specific vision abilities include: close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust or focus.
BACKGROUND CHECK: This position is subject to the successful completion of a background check / verification of educational credentials contained in resume.
This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.
We encourage candidates with diverse experiences and backgrounds, Black, Indigenous and People of Color, LGBTQIA2+ individuals, and unemployed persons to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Junior Achievement North we aspire to find the best candidate for the job and someone who is committed to our mission and values. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.
Summary of Employee Benefits offered:
Junior Achievement North provided COVERAGE:
The following benefits are offered with 100% cost being paid by Junior Achievement North:
- Employee Life & Accidental Death Insurance
- Family and Medical Leave
COMBINATION COVERAGE:
The following benefits are offered to eligible staff members with Junior Achievement North contributing toward cost.
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- 401k Retirement Plan with a generous Junior Achievement North contribution of 3%
AVAILABLE COVERAGE:
The following benefits are offered to eligible staff members at their own cost.
- Flexible Spending Account – Medical and Dependent Care
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Dependent Life Insurance
- Long-term Disability
- 403b Retirement Plan
- Vision Insurance through EyeMed
THE IMPORTANCE OF WORK/LIFE BALANCE:
At Junior Achievement North, we recognize the importance of work/life balance for our staff members, and we offer the following programs to support your work/life balance.
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Two Paid Breaks:
- 1-week Fiscal Year End Break
- 2-week Calendar Year End Break
- Flexible Fridays during the Summer Months
- Technology Cost reimbursements
Pay: $55,000.00 - $66,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Saint Cloud, MN 56301
