Career Pathways Program Manager (Contractor)

PLEASE NOTE: This is a part-time, contract position.

About the Role 

Making Waves Education Foundation is launching three pilots in 2025-2026 as part of our strategic pivot to expand career-connected pathways and accelerate young people’s journey to economic mobility within six years of high school graduation. 

We are seeking a Career Pathways Program Manager to partner with the VP of Career Launch as the right-hand person for program design, operations, and facilitation. This role is equal parts designer, organizer, and facilitator: you will translate big-picture ideas into dynamic career-connected learning experiences while also ensuring smooth operations and serving as an inspiring “second voice” for student participants. 

This position is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of education design, project management, and youth engagement. You will help shape and deliver our three pilot programs and provide critical operational support. 

Responsibilities 

Program Design & Facilitation 

• Co-design pilot programming with the VP of Career Launch, with emphasis on career exploration, durable skills, work-based learning, and social capital building. 
• Develop activities and challenges that align with industry trends and program goals while centering participant voice and engagement. 
• Facilitate interactive sessions that blend hands-on learning, durable skill practice (e.g., communication, collaboration, AI fluency), and career exploration. 
• Act as a trusted “second voice” for participants—encouraging reflection, building community, and ensuring equitable engagement. 

Operations & Coordination 

• Support program logistics for pilots, including scheduling, communications, materials, and day-of execution. 
• Coordinate with schools, industry partners, and community organizations to secure participation and alignment. 
• Track program timelines and ensure details run smoothly so that program design and facilitation can shine. 
• Provide operational support for all three pilots, including recruitment, partner communication, and event coordination. 

Partnership & External Engagement 

• Co-design authentic, industry-informed learning sessions 
• Recruit and support guest speakers, mentors, and industry reviewers to deepen the real-world impact of programs. 

Starts: ASAP through May 2026  

Hourly Rate: $65–$75/hour 

Hours: Up to 20 hours per week  

Schedule: Primarily afternoon hours and weekends, with occasional weekday availability for external partner or internal meetings 

Location: Hybrid (flexible, with in-person requirements in Richmond, CA and Concord, CA) 

Reports to: VP of Career Launch, Daisy Han  

Experience 

• 3+ years designing and facilitating project-based, experiential, or career-connected learning programs for young adults, especially in diverse or underserved communities. 
• Strong track record of program operations and coordination (e.g., scheduling, logistics, stakeholder communication). 
• Demonstrated ability to balance big-picture program design with detail-oriented execution. 

Skills 

• Exceptional facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to inspire, connect with, and support young adults (ages 16–20). 
• Highly organized and proactive project manager; comfortable juggling multiple moving pieces and stakeholders. 
• Strong collaborator and communicator who builds trust and alignment across teams, schools, and industry partners. 
• Creative problem-solver who adapts in real time to challenges while keeping program goals at the center. 

Knowledge 

• Familiarity with high-demand industries (IT, healthcare, logistics, advanced manufacturing) a plus. 
• Clear understanding of durable skills and how to embed them into learning experiences. 
• Awareness of systemic barriers to education-to-career pathways and a commitment to equity in design and facilitation. 

Preferred Backgrounds 

• Educators, facilitators, or instructional designers with experience in project-based or experiential learning. 
• Nonprofit program managers with expertise in career readiness or workforce development. 
• Coaches or trainers with background in apprenticeship, internship, or early-career pathways – bonus if you have direct experience working with young people (ages 16-20).