By Degrees Program Manager, Findley Elementary School

Job Description

Job Description

By Degrees works to ensure more students graduate from high school ready for college, careers, and our community by creating innovative, long-term programs that help students and their families navigate the complex pathway from kindergarten through high school graduation and beyond. Our organization supports entire schools by building systemic supports that enable students to reach their full potential.

The Program Manager at Findley will be responsible for implementing By Degrees programs that engage students and families at Findley Elementary. In collaboration with school leadership and teachers, the Program Manager will identify school and student needs, develop responsive solutions, and coordinate community partnerships.

This position offers a starting salary of $58,000 - $65,000 depending on experience. In addition, By Degrees offers full benefits (see “Why By Degrees” below for details).

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.

Essential Responsibilities Include:

Program Coordination & Implementation: Lead the planning, coordination, and continuous improvement of By Degrees programming in partnership with Findley Elementary School, Des Moines Public Schools, and community partners; ensure alignment with program goals and student outcomes.

Relationship Management & Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate and sustain strong, trust-based relationships with Findley leadership, school administrators, students, families, and network partners.

Partnership Development & Management: Develop, manage, and strengthen partnerships with higher education institutions, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations to expand program impact and opportunities for students.

Program Oversight & Execution: Oversee implementation of core program components, including college savings initiatives, postsecondary exposure opportunities, and strategic partnerships that support long-term student success.

Volunteer & Mentor: Coordination Recruit, coordinate, and support volunteers, mentors, and partner liaisons to ensure meaningful engagement and alignment with program objectives.

Data Management & Continuous Improvement: Ensure accurate data collection, tracking, and reporting; monitor program performance against benchmarks and support evaluation, learning, and adaptation of new and existing initiatives.

The Ideal Candidate:

· Has a bachelor’s degree

· 5+ years of experience working in or with public schools

· Can build strong relationships with students, families, teachers, administrators, partners, and community leaders

· Has experience working with traditionally under-resourced youth in some capacity

· Loves deadlines and details

· Can manage lots of different projects simultaneously

· Has experience working in college and career access, postsecondary navigation, and/or financial wellness

· Is excited to work with a small team doing great work

· Can effectively communicate with many different stakeholders

· Is a strong writer and is comfortable speaking in large groups

· Is proficient communicating in Spanish

Why choose By Degrees Foundation?

By Degrees partners with whole schools to increase high school graduation and postsecondary readiness rates on Des Moines' north side. Our work begins in kindergarten and follows students through high school graduation, ensuring they’re immersed in an expansive culture of postsecondary education, career exploration and future-focused planning throughout their K-12 experience.

We build intentional partnerships with our schools, community organizations, businesses and postsecondary institutions to uplift students, families and whole neighborhoods.

In addition to a competitive salary, members of our team receive:

• 11-month schedule with July off
• Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
• Paid volunteer time off
• 401k match up to 5% of salary

By Degrees Foundation is an equal opportunity organization and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, skin color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental abilities, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, age, family or marital status, veteran status or other characteristic protected by applicable. By Degrees Foundation will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the role requirements and any applicable local, state, and Federal law.