Program Coordinator

Who We Are 

Spark the Journey, located in Washington DC, is a growing national nonprofit on a mission to help young adults unlock their full potential. Through mentorship and a powerful community of support, we empower young people to define their own paths, whether that’s college, career, or personal success. Building on the legacy of Capital Partners for Education, we now support more than 600 mentees as they navigate the transition into adulthood. What makes Spark unique is our deep, relationship-driven approach, connecting young adults with mentors who guide, support, and champion them every step of the way. 

About the Role

This is a high-impact, relationship-driven role at the center of Spark’s mission. As a Program Coordinator, you will manage a caseload of mentor-mentee pairs, ensuring each relationship is active, meaningful, and driving toward outcomes like college enrollment, persistence, and career readiness. You’ll coach students and mentors, help navigate challenges (academic, financial, personal), and keep participants engaged and on track. This role blends relationship management, program delivery, and community building. You’ll spend time in schools working directly with high school students, supporting mentors, and using data to guide your outreach and decision-making.

This is a hybrid, field-based role involving 25-30% travel to partner high schools and community sites, combined with in-office and remote work, and occasional evening/weekend availability for events.

The Ideal Candidate

You are people-centered, organized, and proactive. You build trust quickly and can manage multiple relationships without losing attention to detail. You’re comfortable coaching others, asking thoughtful questions, and holding people accountable. You take initiative when challenges arise and focus on solutions, not just problems. You’re adaptable, reliable, and able to balance empathy with structure. Most importantly, you are motivated by impact and committed to supporting young people in achieving their goals.

Key Responsibilities

Relationship Management & Coaching

• Manage a caseload of mentor-mentee pairs as the primary point of contact
  
• Make independent decisions regarding participant support strategies, mentor-mentee match escalations, and prioritization of interventions for at-risk participants.
  
• Build and maintain strong relationships with students, mentors, and families through program completion 
  
• Proactively manage and enhance relationships with existing and potential partners from which participants and resources are sourced
  
• Promote the development, participation, engagement, retention, and satisfaction of each mentor-mentee relationship
  
• Create clear, concise communications across various platforms with all stakeholders 
  
• Provide tailored strengths-based coaching to support academic, personal, and career growth
  
• Monitor engagement and proactively address participation gaps

Program Delivery & Student Success

• Facilitate 1:1 and group sessions with mentees and mentors using Spark’s curriculum
• Adapt and deliver Spark’s curriculum through individual and group sessions, tailoring approach based on participant needs and progress in milestones 
• Support student and mentor pairs through milestones related to college readiness, career readiness, and program completion, such as college applications, graduation requirements, financial aid, etc.
• Monitor engagement and outcomes, adjusting strategies in real time to improve success metrics by connecting participants to resources that remove barriers and expand opportunities
• Make recommendations for programmatic improvements, including curriculum enhancements, engagement strategies, and system updates.
• Interact with and expand Spark’s network by conveying the importance of Spark’s mission and supporting participants as they share their stories on various platform
• Manage fiscal and financial responsibility by following Spark policies and ensuring that expenses do not exceed annual budget
• Maintain accurate records and case notes in Salesforce and use data to track outcomes, inform outreach, and identify trends to increase engagement with all stakeholders

Events & Community Building

• Plan and execute student and mentor events (college prep, career exploration, community building)
• Support recruitment and admissions events throughout the year 
• Represent Spark’s mission in external settings 
• Support and engage in efforts to define and cultivate a culture that reflects Spark values, fosters innovation, and promotes collaboration and inclusivity

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (or Associate’s degree with 2 years of relevant experience)
• Background in psychology, sociology, education, or social work
• 1+ year of experience working with youth or young adults, particularly those facing barriers
• Experience in mentoring, coaching, education, or youth development (including athletics)
• Ability to manage relationships and consistently apply strengths-based and youth-focused interventions 
• Ability to adapt to the needs of an evolving program 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Passing of background check (FBI and National Sex Offender clearance check) 
  

Preferred, But Not Required

• Experience with college access and persistence (FAFSA, financial aid, scholarships, etc.)
• Experience with Salesforce or similar data systems
• Spanish language proficiency
• Experience facilitating workshops or group programming

Availability, Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Must reside in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and maintain residency
• Ability to travel in the DMV metro multiple days per month 
• Availability for occasional evenings and weekends for events and programming

This role has a mix of active and sedentary aspects. Candidates require the ability to stand and walk for extended periods, bend, reach, lift, carry, and set up materials up to 25 pounds. Regular use of a computer for administrative  work in office and remote settings is also required.

How You Will Be Compensated  

The salary range for this position is $50,000.00-$60,000.00 per year based on experience. Spark provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes:   

• Fully funded Medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums with FSA options  
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match after 6 months
• Fully funded Life and disability insurance
• 15 days of paid vacation in each of the first two years; 20 days in subsequent years  
• National and State holidays and a "Winter Break" between December 24-January 1  
• Professional Development and Remote Office supply funds 
  
• Flexible, hybrid work environment

Tentative Start Date: June 9th; Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

At Spark, we believe diverse experiences and perspectives make our work stronger. Spark is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of background or identity.