Program Manager, Science Research (YPIE Jersey City)

Job Description

Job Description

Program Manager, Science Research (YPIE Jersey City)

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

YPIE creates pathways to college and career success. With a focus on mid-sized cities, our proven approach is grounded in high expectations, personalized opportunities, and community partnerships.

We envision a future where all young people are equipped to thrive in communities that support their pathways to success.

Youth in mid-sized cities often face significant barriers to achieving economic mobility and may lack the sustained support systems needed to navigate college and career pathways. YPIE is working to change that. Across Yonkers, Jersey City, and Nashville, YPIE partners with public schools and local organizations to provide students with a comprehensive, 9th grade-to-career continuum of support. Through deep, high-touch relationships, real-world skill development, strong community and corporate partnerships, and a culture of high expectations paired with meaningful support, YPIE helps students prepare for college, persist through graduation, and launch into careers that lead to long-term opportunity. Today, YPIE serves more than 2,500 students across these three cities, building on a model with proven results in expanding access to higher education and economic mobility.

YPIE Jersey City currently serves 300 students across 3 public high schools in Jersey City with a staff of 4 full-time and 3 part-time. We aspire to recruit students from 3 additional schools and hundreds more students.

Our recent outcomes data demonstrates the positive impact that YPIE has on the communities we serve: increased college readiness, enrollment, degree attainment, and career access.

POSITION OVERVIEW

YPIE Program Managers support high school students on their path to college and career success through a combination of academic coaching and career-focused instruction. The Program Manager, Science Research will continue to develop the Jersey City YPIE Science Research Program, teaching students research skills and helping them conduct original scientific research to submit to local, state, national, and international science fair competitions. This role will work with the YPIE Science Research team across sites to develop curriculum while leading the Jersey City program.

RESPONSIBILITIES & RESULTS

YPIE Science Research

• 10th-12th Grade Students: Guide students through the research process and prepare students for participation in science fairs

  • Support students in developing original research questions, conducting literature reviews, designing experiments or studies, analyzing data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.

  • Provide feedback on research proposals, posters, papers, and oral presentations.

  • Provide grades - according to existing rubrics -– for posters, presentations, and research papers

  • Correspond with external partners and internships to assist in the completion of student research projects

• 9th Grade Students: Teach a project-based introductory Science Research curriculum

  • Collaborate with YPIE Science Research Director and Science Research teachers across YPIE sites to co-plan instruction, align student support strategies, and build upon the existing curriculum.

Student Support & Family Engagement

• Develop strong professional relationships with students in order to:

  • Provide tutoring in biology, chemistry, and/or physics

  • Foster self-advocacy so students identify and seek support

• Collaborate with volunteers to assist in providing services to YPIE students.

• Maintain active, collaborative relationships with key family figures in students' lives, coordinating to address students’ challenges and reinforce goals.

Program Administration & Recruitment

• Manage student records and leverage data systems to proactively identify student challenges and concerns.

• Manage relevant program logistics and communicate with key stakeholders about timelines and necessary tasks.

• Recruit for a new cohort of YPIE Scholars each year, proactively collaborating with district partners to identify target students and deliver info sessions and presentations.

VALUES

YPIE team members:

• expect more, holding ourselves and our students to high expectations and demonstrating fierce accountability in all that we do.

• pursue relentlessly, doing whatever it takes to achieve our goals with integrity, while sweating the details and never compromising on quality.

• are always learning, approaching our work with curiosity and a growth mindset, continuously seeking feedback and opportunities to improve.

• drive results that matter, staying focused on impact, purpose, and measurable outcomes that create meaningful change for our students and community.

• draw on collective strength, building strong relationships rooted in trust, and collaborating with partners and teammates to advance shared goals.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

To be eligible for consideration, applicants should have:

• Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree

  • 2+ years of teaching/facilitating student learning (non-traditional classroom experience welcome)

  • Demonstrated experience with Science Research, such as:

    • Coaching or teaching high school or college science research students

    • Competitive participation at high school or college level

• Skills and Knowledge

  • Strong writing and public speaking skills

  • Proven organizational and program tracking skills

  • An outcomes-focused orientation

• Personal Attributes

  • Ability to navigate partnerships with diverse stakeholders

  • Flexibility to work some evening and weekend hours based on program needs

  • A car and willingness to travel to program site(s)

The most competitive applicants will possess:

• Education and Experience

  • Teaching certification or certificate of eligibility

• Skills and Knowledge

  • Ability to see the big picture and sweat the small stuff at the same time

• Personal Attributes

  • Flexibility and adaptability; able to roll with the punches

  • Spanish, Arabic, or other bilingual fluency a plus

You are likely to be successful in this role if:

• You enjoy solving challenging problems to reach measurable outcomes.

• You thrive in an entrepreneurial environment where you will manage your own time and curriculum implementation to support each student.

• You are hungry for collaboration.

JOB DETAILS

• Location: In-person across multiple program sites in Jersey City, NJ

• Hours: Full-time, summers off

• Calendar: Readiness - Jersey City

• Start Date: August 18, 2026

• Salary range: $62,000 to $80,000

• Reporting to: Director, Readiness

• Benefits: YPIE offers a competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience. Benefits include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Retirement plan with matching contributions

  • Flexible Spending Account

  • Life insurance

  • Employee assistance program (EAP)

  • Partial cell phone reimbursement

  • Personalized staff learning opportunities