Careers at Upward Scholars

+ Programs Coordinator

Title: Programs Coordinator, Financial & Academic Programs

Salary Range: $62,400–$72,000 annually, depending on experience

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Non-exempt, hourly

Reports To: Program Director

Direct Reports: None

About Upward Scholars

Education and community belonging are the shortest paths to integration for immigrants coming to the U.S. as adults, and they are crucial to their economic advancement. Upward Scholars supports students' access to higher education and full integration into U.S. society by helping them overcome financial, academic, career development, and holistic barriers to achieving their educational, professional, and leadership development goals and increasing their economic mobility and opportunities for civic engagement. Learn more about our impact here.

Job Summary

Upward Scholars is seeking a full-time Program Coordinator to support the work of our Programs Team, with a strong focus on coordinating programs and services across the Financial and Academic pillars. The Program Coordinator will manage many of the behind-the-scenes details that help our programs run smoothly and effectively, ensuring that activities are completed on time and to a high standard. In this role, you will track and support key processes across Upward Scholars’ programs—from planning and hosting community events, to coordinating laptop inventory and distribution, to confirming paperwork for student enrollment and course completion. You will also serve as a first point of contact for students, helping respond to questions and gathering feedback to improve our services. Your strong organization, attention to detail, and commitment to excellent customer service will help ensure our team stays focused on their work and that our students feel supported as they pursue their educational and career goals.

Responsibilities

Program Administration (70%)

• Outreach: Coordinate and support semester-based outreach activities to promote Upward Scholars programs. This includes building relationships with community partners, supporting outreach events, tabling at community events, and sharing program information with prospective students.
• Student Recruitment: Coordinate and support recruitment efforts each semester, including responding to inquiries from prospective students and community partners, conducting classroom visits, and facilitating new student orientations as needed
• Student Enrollment & Retention: Coordinate student enrollment and orientation processes, track new and returning students across semesters, and conduct follow-up to support continued engagement and retention in Upward Scholars programs.
• Assess & Support: Review student application responses, clean and verify data, and assess student goals, needs, and progress to determine eligibility and connect students with appropriate programs, services, and resources.
• Coordinate Resources: Coordinate and track the distribution of services and resources provided through the Financial and Academic pillars, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.
• Tutor/Mentor Program: Coordinate student–tutor/mentor matching, facilitate tutor orientation, monitor ongoing engagement, and maintain regular communication with students and tutors/mentors to support consistent and successful learning connections.
• Technology Access Support: Coordinate the collection, preparation, refreshing, and setup of laptops for student use, ensuring devices are fully functional. Oversee the tracking and responsible recycling of laptops and other technology equipment in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Community Engagement (20%)

• Plan and coordinate Upward Scholars’ virtual and in-person Conversation Clubs, including scheduling, logistics, and participant communication.
• Support and participate in local events for students, volunteers, donors, and funders, as well as the broader San Mateo County community, including cultural celebrations.
• Cultivate and maintain communication with local community partners to strengthen collaboration and support effective program delivery.
• Facilitate referrals to local community organizations and external resources to connect students with additional support and services.
• Provide ideas and content for eNews and other communication channels (e.g., newsletters, social media, website, and presentations) to support storytelling, program awareness, recruitment, and fundraising.
• Collaborate with team members to engage students and share timely information about programs, services, and resources available across Upward Scholars’ four pillars of support.

Other (10%)

• Work to increase efficiencies in operating processes and workflows, to continuously improve the way we meet student needs
• Other duties as necessary or assigned

Required Skills & Abilities

• At least 1 year of full-time experience working in community-based or nonprofit organizations.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships and partnerships with students, volunteers, community members, and partner organizations.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to track timelines, deadlines, and program data accurately.
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, ideological, and religious backgrounds.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to the challenges faced by underserved and immigrant communities.
• Adaptable, proactive, and solutions-oriented, with the ability to learn quickly and respond to changing needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe, Salesforce, or similar software platforms.
• Commitment to the mission of Upward Scholars and a passion for supporting adult immigrant students.

Additional Requirements

• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Flexibility to adjust work schedule and travel as needed to support staff, donors, volunteers, and events.
• Access to reliable transportation and a valid California driver’s license.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 24 pounds at times
• Bilingual: English and Chinese (Cantonese/Mandarin)

Compensation

This job requires 40-50% in-office time (currently Mondays and Wednesdays) and additional community-based work as needed. This is a Full-Time position with excellent health, dental, and vision benefits, as well as paid holidays and vacation/sick days. A Flexible Savings Account (FSA) program is available. Applicants outside the San Francisco Bay Area are welcome to apply; however, relocation or housing assistance is not provided.

Location: Hybrid position based in Redwood City.

To Apply

The position is available immediately. Please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@upwardscholars.org.

Upward Scholars is an Equal Opportunity employer. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, sex, gender, marital status, sexual orientation and identity, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other factors prohibited by local, state, or federal law.