Find & Apply For Program Manager Jobs in Newport Beach, California

About Walking Softer Walking Softer is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering leaders and changemakers to take bold and immediate action in the conservation of our planet. About the Young Leaders Program Walking Softer Young Leaders is an impact-focused leadership program for visionary changemakers who are innovating for our planet. Recipients receive $50,000 and a unique package of executive coaching, peer-to-peer learning, and in-person leadership events, culminating in a showcase at San Francisco Climate Week in 2027.

Our program goals are to:

Develop:

Provide 8 months of customized intensive executive and leadership development

Cross-pollinate:

Nurture peer-to-peer learning among participants that encourages valuable cross-pollination of knowledge across sectors, solution approaches, and lived experiences

Catalyze:

Prepare Young Leaders for future support pathways within the broader climate investment ecosystem About the Education Program Walking Softer Education is a free program designed for high school-aged students in high school classes, clubs, or after-school programs to learn about sustainability and become empowered to participate in community-based environmental solutions. Participating groups learn about specific environmental issues and solutions, and then take action by planning, designing, and implementing a community sustainability project with up to $2,000 in project funding. Educators who take their students through the program are eligible for a $1,000 teacher stipend, and participating juniors and seniors are eligible for a $5,000 to $20,000 scholarship should they choose to apply sustainability to their academic and professional future. Position Overview We are seeking an exceptionally capable, proactive, and detail-oriented Program Coordinator to help drive the success of our programs. This is an early-career role with meaningful responsibility and ownership. The ideal candidate will be intellectually sharp, highly organized, analytical, and able to work independently in a fast-moving environment. They will be comfortable taking ownership of projects, anticipating needs, solving problems, and moving work forward with limited oversight. Working closely with the YL leadership team, this individual will help manage the full program lifecycle—from nominations and cohort selection through programming, executive coaching, retreats, showcases, and participant communications. The role combines program operations, event execution, research, systems management, and strategic support, with regular exposure to high-level leaders, funders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Key Responsibilities The Coordinator's primary responsibility will be to provide day-to-day operational and program support to the Young Leaders Program Director, helping ensure the effective execution of the Young Leaders Program. As needed and appropriate, the Coordinator will also support the Director of Research and Innovation, who oversees program design and development across the Young Leaders and Education programs, on research, analytical, administrative, and special projects related to program design and development. Young Leaders Program Operations & Coordination Support the Young Leaders Program Director in the day-to-day operation and execution of the program - 80% of work capacity Help coordinate key program milestones and events, including the leadership retreat, Pitch Showcase, and other convenings. Occasional travel, in-person event attendance, and work after hours will be required for key events related to the program. Manage scheduling, logistics, calendar invitations, Zoom links, materials, and follow-up Coordinate executive coach scheduling and administrative needs Track program deadlines, participant deliverables, and outstanding action items Manage the Young Leaders inbox and routine participant communications In-office attendance 1-2 times a week at Newport Beach location Applications, Selection & Participant Management Administer the nomination, application, and diligence processes, including proactive communication and follow-up with nominees and stakeholders Organize application, participant, and program materials and maintain accurate, accessible records Support first- and second-round cohort evaluation through research and analysis of organizations, business models, impact, and leadership Maintain participant data, spreadsheets, attendance records, and other tracking systems; proactively identify gaps and recommend improvements Program Materials, Systems & Documentation Prepare and organize program-facing materials, including onboarding checklists, decks, one-pagers, briefings, and other resources Maintain the master program calendar, deadlines, and deliverables Maintain ClickUp, including translating meetings and priorities into tasks, assigning deadlines, and keeping statuses current Prepare meeting notes, action items, and follow-up tracking Maintain organized program files, documentation, and institutional knowledge Research, Analysis & Program Development Support Provide ad hoc research, analysis, and administrative support to the Director of Research and Innovation as needs arise Conduct research related to Young Leaders and Education program strategy, prospective partners, participants, alumni, and relevant organizations or innovations Support development of internal presentations, strategy materials, program concepts, and other program design and development projects Take ownership of discrete projects or workstreams, bringing structure to ambiguous requests and moving work forward with appropriate independence Qualifications 2-3 years of relevant professional experience; exceptional recent graduates may also be considered Strong academic and/or professional track record demonstrating exceptional research and analytical ability, judgment, and intellectual curiosity Extremely organized and detail-oriented with excellent follow-through Highly proactive and self-directed; able to anticipate needs and move work forward independently Strong research, writing, synthesis, and problem-solving skills Excellent verbal and written communication and a high level of professionalism Comfortable working with senior leaders, entrepreneurs, funders, and other high-caliber stakeholders Strong command of Google Workspace, spreadsheets, project management platforms, and presentation software; experience with Notion, ClickUp, Airtable, Excel, Keynote, or similar tools is a plus Demonstrated interest in climate, social impact, leadership, innovation, or systems change Competency or curiosity in the intersection of AI and climate change What You'll Gain Meaningful ownership within a high-impact leadership development program Exposure to exceptional climate leaders, entrepreneurs, funders, and nonprofit leaders Experience spanning program design, operations, events and stakeholder engagement Professional growth and mentorship within a small organization What Success Looks Like After six months, the Program Director can rely on the Coordinator to independently manage established workflows and execute routine programming without repeated reminders. Program calendars, task systems, and participant records are accurate and current; materials and reports are complete and thoroughly reviewed; and communications, event logistics, and follow-ups are handled on time. The Coordinator proactively identifies deadlines, risks, and data discrepancies, recommends practical solutions, and translates information into insights that support program decisions, exercising sound judgment about when to act independently and when to seek guidance.