Program Strategy & Innovation Lead

Program Strategy & Innovation Lead Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & the Inland Empire

• 4.0 Santa Ana, CA Job Details Full-time $28
• $31 an hour 3 days ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Employee discount Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Teamwork Program management Operations management Writing skills Process improvement Driver's License Project management Bachelor's degree Driving Client services Stakeholder relationship building Stakeholder management

Full Job Description TITLE:

Program Strategy & Innovation Lead

DEPARTMENT

Program Innovation

REPORTS TO

Director of Program Innovation

FLSA STATUS

Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Hourly

PAY RANGE

: $28

• 31 an hour

MISSION:

Creating and supporting mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of the next generation.

VISION:

Through mentorship, all youth achieve their full potential.

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Strategy & Innovation Lead is responsible for supporting the implementation and delivery of a portfolio of mentoring initiatives, including recruitment, enrollment, matching, and match support to ensure high-quality relationships and positive outcomes for youth and volunteers. The role also contributes to the design, execution, and continuous improvement of emerging models and initiatives, such as Big Careers, group mentoring, and sports-based mentoring programs, working closely with the Director to strengthen program effectiveness, enhance operational systems, and promote alignment across programs to drive consistency, efficiency, and impact.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Delivery

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of assigned mentoring initiatives, including recruitment, enrollment, matching, and ongoing match support
• Guide participants through the enrollment process, ensuring timely completion and preparedness for successful matching outcomes
• Facilitate match introductions and intentionally support early-stage relationship development
• Provide consistent, high-quality match support to strengthen engagement, retention, and positive youth outcomes
• Represent programs through strategic outreach, presentations, and community engagement efforts Program Innovation & Continuous Improvement
• Partner closely with the Director of Program Innovation as a thought partner to design, pilot, and implement new program models and initiatives
• Contribute to the continuous refinement of program structure, participant experience, and delivery methods through proactive collaboration and insight
• Identify opportunities to enhance program effectiveness, scalability, and consistency, offering actionable recommendations and solutions
• Leverage data, feedback, and insights to inform decision-making and elevate program quality and outcomes Operations & Systems Management
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in alignment with BBBSA standards
• Develop, implement, and optimize systems, workflows, and tools to improve efficiency and program delivery
• Track, monitor, and report key performance metrics and program outcomes
• Uphold strict adherence to child safety, risk management, and compliance protocols Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
• Cultivate and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with youth, families, volunteers, and external partners
• Communicate effectively across diverse audiences through in-person, phone, and professional written communication, including individualized outreach
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support enrollment, program delivery, and agency-wide goals
• Partner with internal teams to establish clear pathways for participant enrollment across programs, strengthening engagement and long-term involvement
• Actively contribute to broader program operations and overall team success General Responsibilities
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and program events
• Support agency-wide initiatives and special projects
• Perform other duties as assigned

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Experience in youth development, mentoring programs, nonprofit programming, or related field preferred
• Experience presenting to or engaging with senior leaders, corporate partners, or executive-level stakeholders preferred
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and public speaking skills
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to navigate ambiguity
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database systems
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance required

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Collaboration
• Works effectively with internal teams and partners to support recruitment, enrollment, matching, and program delivery across initiatives.
• Client Orientation
• Delivers a high-quality, responsive experience for youth, families, volunteers, and partners by adapting support to meet diverse needs.
• Critical Thinking
• Uses data, feedback, and program trends to make informed decisions, solve problems, and improve match outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Workload Management
• Plans, prioritizes, and executes responsibilities across recruitment, enrollment, matching, and match support while managing multiple programs.
• Growth Mindset
• Continuously learns, applies feedback, and identifies opportunities to improve program models, systems, and participant experience.
• Character
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and professionalism in all interactions, ensuring trust, safety, and alignment with agency values.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, as well as occasional standing and walking.
• Must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Occasional bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting up to 25 pounds (such as program materials, supplies, or office equipment).
• Ability to travel to various sites, events, and meetings as required by the role.
• May occasionally work in outdoor environments and be exposed to varying weather conditions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The environmental conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Routine office environment
• Frequent travel within service area (San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange Counties) for meetings, outreach, and program activities
• Some evenings and weekends required to support program delivery, events, and community representation The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position.

They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and required skills. Job Description may be subject to change to meet the needs of the organization. Your employment with

BBBSOCIE

will be "at will," meaning that either you or

BBBSOCIE

may end your employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause.

Pay:

$28.00

• $31.

00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

Client services: 2 years (Preferred) Stakeholder management: 2 years (Preferred) Program management: 2 years (Preferred) Project management: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person