Program Specialist, Education Initiatives

Title: Program Specialist, Education Initiatives

Location: San Diego CA US

HybridCommunity Impact and Partnerships, Educational InitiativesFull time

San Diego, California, United States

Type: Full-time

Workplace: Hybrid remote

Job Description:

At San Diego Foundation, we value our diverse and experienced staff who are committed to our mission of improving the quality of life within all of San Diego's communities. We strive to be an employer of choice, offering a competitive compensation package, and a professional and vibrant work environment for those who have a passion for our mission that is carried out every day by providing leadership for effective philanthropy and promoting community solutions.

About the Role

San Diego Foundation is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Program Specialist, Post-Secondary Pathways and Success, to join the Education Initiatives Team, within our Community Impact division. This person will be a vital contributor to the Foundation in leading and supporting the essential programmatic and administrative activities of the Education Initiatives department with a specific focus on college success strategies such as the Community Scholars Initiative (CSI), a data-driven approach to scholarship philanthropy that pairs need-based scholarships with college readiness support to student groups facing the greatest barriers to persistence and college completion. This position will work in coordination with the entire Education Initiatives team, CSI and other nonprofit partners and regional education stakeholders.

The experienced Program Specialist willdraw on their strong knowledge of the secondary and post-secondary landscape and community-based education-oriented agencies in San Diego. The Specialist will provide vital support to regional strategies that improve post-secondary outcomes for County students. Efforts include, but are not limited to, the implementation of CSI programming and the implementation of the CSI scholarship program. Support with grantmaking strategies, conducting research and sourcing data for evidence-based program design and decision-making, and supporting convening and collaboration between diverse stakeholders working to achieve shared, long-range objectives.

These efforts require a deep understanding of the barriers facing students furthest from opportunity, proven community-building experience, research and data analytics skills, project management experience, strong written and verbal communication skills, specialized knowledge of the regional and statewide education sector, some knowledge of the philanthropic sector, grants and reporting experience, and experience supporting stakeholders, partners, and collaboration.

In addition to coordinating CSI implementation, the Specialist will also support broader college access and success strategies aligned with our commitment to educational equity in the region, contributing across the full portfolio as needed. The position also requires deep knowledge of education systems and the ability to work on systems articulation to create more coherent, aligned, and seamless K-16 pipelines and pathways that improve student outcomes.

This position will also serve as the lead coordinator for the department's grants management system, ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and compliance across all grantmaking activities. Additionally, the role is responsible for driving data analysis and evaluation efforts related to department grants, supporting continuous learning, performance monitoring, and strategic decision-making.

This role requires frequent off-site engagement, including attendance at community events, site visits with partner organizations, and meetings with key stakeholders. The ideal candidate is comfortable representing the department in diverse settings, building trust across communities, and maintaining strong, responsive relationships with external partners to advance shared goals.

This is a hybrid position with weekly onsite requirements at our San Diego Headquarters Office in Liberty Station.

 

Essential Responsibilities:

Implement and Execute the Community Scholars Initiative (CSI) program (60%)

• Work collaboratively with the Sr. Manager of Education Initiatives to implement the CSI grant program strategy, support and monitor the CSI workplan-including the annual scholarship review and award process-and advance postsecondary opportunities for students furthest from opportunity by leveraging specialized knowledge of regional and statewide education systems to drive educational equity.
• Conduct needs assessments, analyze data, and consult with CSI partners to identify technical assistance needs and common capacity-building areas; develop customized support plans and a structured learning arc, and coordinate with subject matter experts and external trainers to deliver targeted learning sessions aligned with partner development and program goals.
• Utilize content knowledge, experience in regional efforts, and research to identify alignment and partnership opportunities between community-based organizations and local educational institutions.
• Utilize knowledge of education data sources and systems to support the development of baseline and aspirational metrics demonstrating the impact of Community Scholars Initiative
• Facilitate the collaboration between the Foundation and the Community Scholars Initiative nonprofit partners and coordinate logistics related to convenings and stakeholder engagement, supporting the development and presentation of related program data and messaging.
• Support financial tracking of all Community Scholars Initiative contributions and oversee systems that facilitate effective communication, grantmaking, reporting, and content development; collaborate with CSI partners, community stakeholders, and SDF's Communications team to monitor progress, assess impact, document lessons learned, and share compelling stories that inspire broader support for the CSI model.
• Participate in community and stakeholder events, as necessary and appropriate.

 

Research, analysis, and information gathering to support programmatic priorities (25%):

• Provide subject matter expertise on higher education access, persistence, and completion, and lead research, data collection, analysis, and evaluation efforts that inform SDF's strategy implementation, fundraising, grantmaking, advocacy, and community leadership activities-ensuring alignment with postsecondary education goals and continuous improvement across the department.
• Develop data-driven documents, presentations, and visual content that communicate program goals and community impact, while supporting donor stewardship through strategic grantmaking coordination, information sharing, and community engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Director and Sr. Manager of Education Initiatives and CI team to craft strategy and identify priorities, define process for grantmaking, evaluation, reporting, evaluation and project management.

 

Other Related Responsibilities (15%):

• Establish and maintain systems that support continuous learning, deepen subject matter expertise, and track emerging issues in the field; maintain organized filing systems for grants and departmental documents, and actively contribute to a strong learning culture across the Community Impact division and the Foundation.
• Collaborate with internal departments to develop communications and fundraising strategies, and engage individual, corporate, and foundation donors to leverage SDF discretionary funds and deepen understanding of the collective impact model.
• Collaborate closely with internal team members and external stakeholders to support program operations, promote cross-sector coordination, and ensure alignment with broader department goals.
• Represent the department at community events, partner site visits, and stakeholder engagements; build trust and maintain strong relationships across diverse communities and sectors.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by the Sr Manager, Education Initiatives

 

 

Requirements

• Deep alignment with the mission and a demonstrated commitment to advancing educational equity in San Diego.
• Direct experience in education settings, with a strong understanding of San Diego County's public education and nonprofit landscape; familiarity with the region's diverse neighborhoods; and a proven ability to engage a wide range of community stakeholders.
• Expertise in postsecondary education, including program design and implementation, with a focus on building seamless K-16 pathways that support student access, persistence, and success.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience coordinating processes and collaborating with community partners.
• Bachelor's degree in education, social sciences, or a related field preferred-or equivalent professional experience.
• In-depth knowledge of the strengths, challenges, and opportunities within San Diego's diverse communities, and the nonprofit sector's role in driving positive change.
• Proven success implementing programs in philanthropic, educational, corporate, government, or nonprofit environments.
• Skilled facilitator with the ability to lead meetings and group processes for decision-making, peer learning, and problem solving.
• Exceptional writing and communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, compelling analyses and narratives.
• Strong interpersonal and client service skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences-including donors, Board members, civic leaders, and community groups. Multilingual skills are a plus.
• Excellent project and time management abilities, with strong attention to detail and capacity to manage multiple priorities, including financial oversight, proposal development, database tracking, and reporting.
• Demonstrated sound judgment and decision-making skills, with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Collaborative team player with a strong ability to work both independently and in diverse, cross-functional environments.
• Proven problem-solving skills, including the ability to escalate or refer issues appropriately.
• Adaptability and willingness to contribute across a range of projects and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of local, state, and national philanthropic trends.
• Understanding of and interest in collective impact and cross-sector collaboration.
• Lifelong learner with intellectual curiosity and a commitment to continuous growth.
• Active participant in community engagement, with a passion for staying informed and involved.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills.
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to manage conflict constructively.
• Demonstrated cultural competence, ethical integrity, and sound judgment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database systems.
• Genuine passion for the San Diego Foundation's mission to inspire enduring philanthropy and enable community-driven solutions that improve quality of life in the region.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently
• Additional language proficiency is helpful

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Professional, hybrid work environment in San Diego
• Fast-paced work with multi-level distractions
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time at meetings, desk, computer, driving
• Ability to sit at a desk and view a computer screen for up to two hours
• Ability to type using a computer keyboard
• Ability to speak into and use a telephone

Benefits

• Salaried Exempt: $69,000 - $75,000 (San Diego Foundation is committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. Actual offers will be reflective of qualifications, skills and experience, internal equity, alignment with market data, among other relevant factors.)
• Supportive, inclusive company culture; awarded Top Workplace by the San Diego Union Tribune 5 years in a row?
• Flexible 9/80 Alternative workweek schedule, with every other Friday off?
• Hybrid work environment with support for at home office setup?
• 100% Employer paid medical, vision, dental, life, AD&D and long-term disability premiums; 75% Employer-paid premiums for all dependents on your benefits?
• 403B Retirement plan match up to 4% + Annual discretionary contribution
• Earned Incentive Bonus Program?
• 3 weeks of paid time off + 1 additional week off with pay in July for all staff Summer Break
• 4-week sabbatical for every 5 years of service?
• 13 paid holidays + 2 paid volunteer days off each year?
• Extended Health Care Time accruing at 2.77 hours per pay period to a cap of 480 hours: use for sick time, family care, and parental leave baby bonding?
• $100 monthly cell and internet reimbursement?
• $75 quarterly gym reimbursement?
• Donor Advised Fund contribution with no minimum and $600 annual match from the Foundation to a nonprofit of your choice?
• Annual service award $100 donation to nonprofit of your choice?

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.