About Springboard Collaborative

Springboard Collaborative closes the literacy gap by closing the gap between home and school. We coach educators and family members to help kids learn to read by 4th grade. Springboard envisions a world in which parents and teachers work together—rather than in isolation—to accelerate student learning. The Project Manager, Program Improvement supports this goal by managing cross-functional team members to build and operationalize new products and services to increase Springboard’s impact at scale. 

Since our founding in 2012, we have grown Springboard’s reach from 40 to more than 100,000 students in over 300 Title 1 schools. Amidst rapid growth, Springboard consistently delivers best-in-class results. In schools that often struggle to get 20% of parents to show up for report card conferences, Springboard’s weekly family workshops average 88% attendance. Students average a 3-4-month reading gain during each program cycle, closing the gap to grade-level performance by about half in just five or ten weeks. Springboard’s work has been featured by Forbes, NPR, and the New York Times (twice). Nationally, Springboard Collaborative is the only organization to have cracked the code on equipping marginalized families to teach reading at home. You can learn more by watching our CEO on the main stage of ASU GSV. You can also read more about how we engage teachers and families to accelerate student learning in this op-ed.

Why We Need You

Springboard Collaborative invites talented and passionate candidates to apply for the position of Project Manager, Program Improvement. The Project Manager, Program Improvement, will be responsible for managing crucial Product & Service department life cycle projects and programs through their phases of solution discovery, piloting, building, and going to market. This role is critical in the assessment and development of new products, services, and operations to improve our programming and thus the outcomes of the students, families, and educators we serve. A successful candidate will be an exceptional verbal and written communicator, thrive in planning and organizing a variety of projects, and exhibit strong decision-making abilities and sound judgment. This is a remote position, and candidates must reside in the U.S. More information about the location and travel can be found below.

The Project Manager, Program Improvement will report to the Senior Director, Program Improvement, and work as part of the Product & Service department. This is a great opportunity to support a strategic and Agile team that manages the integration of improvements to our programs within a rapidly growing organization.

You can read more about the requirements, competencies, goals, and responsibilities below. We'd love to have you join us!

This is important

We are an equal opportunity employer. Diversity is more than a commitment at Springboard Collaborative—it’s at the core of what we do and how we do it. No one can solve a problem better than those who experience it firsthand. That’s why Springboard aspires to hire a diverse team that is representative of the marginalized communities we serve.

We also know that having a diverse workforce makes for a better workplace. Springboard’s hiring process seeks individuals who value diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, etc.

Finally, if you’re passionate about an open role, we encourage you to apply— even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications listed on the job description!

Here are your priorities in the first year:

• You will lead 1-2 annual strategic projects focused on piloting and operationalizing new products that enhance instructional fidelity and drive reading growth.
• You will drive 1-2 annual initiatives aimed at reducing program costs by improving operational efficiency and maximizing staff value-add time.
• You will manage 1-2 strategic projects annually to expand the number of students served by broadening grade levels and/or service offerings.
• You will develop and iterate on Product & Service lifecycle processes and tools to use in 75% of projects.

Here are your responsibilities within and beyond the first year:

You lead individual cross-functional projects that drive strategic initiatives forward.

• Define clear project scope and objectives in alignment with team and organizational goals.
• Create actionable project plans, drive execution of deliverables, and ensure deadlines are consistently met.
• Coordinate across functions to keep projects on track and aligned with desired outcomes.
• Monitor progress and adjust timelines or resources as needed to ensure successful completion.

You oversee large-scale, multi-year programs that align with strategic organizational goals.

• Set and maintain a strategic roadmap to guide program direction and priorities.
• Align program objectives with broader organizational initiatives to ensure cohesion and impact.
• Manage resources, timelines, and interdependencies across multiple related projects.
• Delegate project execution across teams while maintaining overall accountability and visibility.

You proactively manage risk to ensure successful program outcomes.

• Identify roadblocks and challenges that may impact project or program success.
• Engage stakeholders to gather input and collaboratively prioritize effective solutions.
• Allocate appropriate time and resources to address issues and maintain progress.
• Monitor and adjust mitigation plans as needed to minimize disruption and support goals.

You facilitate communication, documentation, and change management across teams.

• Serve as a bridge between teams by regularly sharing project and program status updates with key insights, accomplishments, and action items.
• Proactively identify and remove roadblocks to keep initiatives moving forward smoothly.
• Support the organization in adopting improvements by anticipating challenges and preparing stakeholders for transitions.
• Equip teams with the information and resources needed to navigate change effectively.

You lead the product and service life cycle with precision and efficiency.

• Execute all stages of the product and service life cycle for each project with fidelity.
• Optimize the use of tools and processes to advance projects and programs effectively.
• Ensure consistent progress and alignment throughout the life cycle to achieve desired outcomes.

What You Offer Us

Here are the competencies and requirements we expect the right candidate to have: 

• Communication: You demonstrate the ability to actively listen and communicate clearly with the Project Management team, while effectively conveying project status and updates to departments across the organization.
• Decision Making & Judgement: You make timely, well-informed decisions on project direction, thoughtfully balancing risks, resource constraints, and competing priorities to ensure effective outcomes.
• Planning & Organizing: You plan and structure tasks and milestones based on project scope and problem statements, ensuring efficient use of resources to achieve objectives.
• Change Leadership: You lead and manage change throughout project development phases by guiding teams through transitions, addressing impacts, and empowering others to adapt effectively to new processes or initiatives.
• Valuing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: You ensure that projects or programs are designed and executed with a strong commitment to equity and inclusion, addressing the diverse needs of both organizational members and external stakeholders.
• 3+ years’ experience in project and program development.
• Proven track record in managing product and service development, generating new ideas for school districts, leading pilot programs, and driving continuous improvement based on results.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects, collaborating effectively with diverse subject matter experts and stakeholders.

It would also be nice if you had:

• Project Management Certification (PMP) or equivalent certification
• Experience working within the non-profit sector
• Familiarity with product development cycles and/or service design
• Proficient in project management software and tools such as Asana, Smartsheet, or equivalent

While this description is meant to provide an overview of the goals and responsibilities of the Project Manager, Program Improvement, we are seeking candidates who demonstrate flexibility and can adapt to evolving needs in an entrepreneurial environment.

What We Offer You

Compensation

Our compensation values: At Springboard, compensation equity is integral to the way we operate and our commitment to competitiveness, pay equity, performance-based rewards, transparent & equitable career growth, and progressive benefits.

Compensation for this role: Each role at Springboard is placed in a compensation band with 5 levels. Generally, we expect candidates who meet all the hiring criteria to be offered the midpoint of the band. This role sits within Band 4. The midpoint of this band is $102,828.24. The actual level of the successful candidate (and corresponding salary) will be based on compensable factors such as job-relevant education, job-relevant experience, training, licensure, demonstrated competencies, and other factors. You may also be eligible for Springboard's bonus program.

Our process to determine compensation: Springboard does not negotiate the offered salary during the offer conversation. Throughout the interview process, we will evaluate your alignment with the compensable factors listed in the job description. From there, we will determine your starting salary on a level within the job band.

Benefits

At Springboard, we feel it is important to take care of our employees, which is why we offer a competitive benefits package. These benefits include the following:

• The usual stuff - Medical insurance with a cash stipend for those who waive Springboard coverage. Options include PPO and High Deductible/HSA.
• We’ll take care of it - We fully cover your vision & dental insurance premiums, plus your short & long-term disability coverage.
• Securing your future - We match up to 6% of your salary in 403(b) retirement contributions after your first twelve months at Springboard.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) is important - Four weeks (20 days) annually. At Springboard, time off doesn’t need to be earned to be used. Everyone gets access to their time at the start of the calendar year.
• Holidays! - All 11 federal holidays, two extra floating holidays, weekdays between December 25th - January 1st, Election Day, and your birthday!
• Under the weather? - We don’t cap the number of sick days available to employees.
• Paid Leave - Parental Leave (12 weeks after the first 6 months of employment). Marriage Leave (five days). 
• Technology - All employees receive a Springboard laptop and optional monitor. Springboard uses Google Workspace and Asana. 

• We are committed to your development - We provide personal & professional development funding of $2000/year.

• Your wellness is a priority - Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides support for stress/anxiety, finance, law, family, substance abuse, grief, and more. 

Transparency is key - We ensure regular opportunities to discuss individual and organizational development and our commitment to equity. Consistent and structured real-time feedback is foundational to Springboard’s culture.

Location & Travel

Applications are welcome from any location within the United States. This role can be performed remotely, with quarterly travel to participate in team and org-wide retreats. Springboard Collaborative’s headquarters office is in Philadelphia, PA.

Springboard requires in-person employees at a Springboard facility or participating in in-person programming or events to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a medical or religious exemption is approved. Being fully vaccinated means an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of a CDC-authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be asked to provide their COVID-19 vaccination status and proof of vaccination, as required. 

Please note that this employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.