Sr. Program Associate

Sr. Program Associate Amherst H Wilder Founda - 3.7 Saint Paul, MN Job Details Full-time $65,000 - $72,500 a year 2 hours ago Benefits Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) matching Loan forgiveness Qualifications Bachelor's degree Stakeholder relationship building Full Job Description About Saint Paul Promise Saint Paul Promise (SPP) advances life-long learning through a cradle-to-career approach. We partner with schools, higher education institutions, employers, and community organizations to improve educational outcomes and expand pathways to career readiness, workforce opportunity, and long-term success for children, young adults, and families across Saint Paul. Through deep partnerships and cross-sector collaboration, SPP works to strengthen educational success, family stability, and community opportunity. Our work is rooted in community voice, collective impact, and the belief that strong relationships and coordinated support systems help young people and families thrive at every stage of life. About the Role We're looking for a relationship-driven Senior Program Associate who thrives in a fast-moving, people-centered environment. This role connects program operations, participant experience, and partner engagement to help ensure Co-Lab programming runs well and creates a welcoming, relational environment where young adults feel supported and empowered to thrive. Co-Lab is a workforce innovation hub designed with and for young adults navigating pathways toward career and educational success. Through career exploration, employer engagement, mentorship, and future planning, Co-Lab helps young adults build confidence, connection, and pathways toward meaningful careers and long-term success. The Senior Program Associate will play an important role in shaping day-to-day program delivery, cultivating strong relationships with participants and partners, and helping Co-Lab remain responsive, engaging, and grounded in young adult voice. Responsibilities include supporting program coordination, participant engagement, employer and community partnerships, workshop logistics, communication, and ongoing program operations. Qualifications Co-Lab is seeking a highly organized professional who is passionate about helping young adults navigate pathways toward education, career success, and long-term opportunity. The ideal candidate brings 5+ years of experience in workforce development, youth engagement, program coordination, education, or community-based work. Strong operational, communication, and relationship-management skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. We are looking for someone who can build authentic relationships with participants, employers, and community stakeholders while fostering a supportive and engaging program environment. Experience mentoring staff, interns, or volunteers is strongly valued, along with a demonstrated commitment to trauma-informed practices, collaboration, and young adult success. A bachelor's degree is required. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to community-centered work, teamwork, and creating pathways of opportunity for young adults and families. At Co-Lab, your work will directly shape how young adults experience opportunity, explore careers, and connect with future pathways. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven team helping reimagine how young adults connect to education, workforce opportunities, and long-term success. About Company At Wilder, we know that supporting whole families starts with supporting the whole person — including our employees. When you work here, you're not just part of a workplace; you're part of a community committed to growth, belonging, and well-being. We believe that when our staff thrive, the families and communities we serve thrive too. We offer a whole family-centered Total Rewards package with competitive pay and benefits, including health, dental, basic life, disability, paid leave, 401k with employer match, employee wellness programs, professional development opportunities, employee resource groups, tuition discounts, and development funding. There is no waiting period for employees who are eligible for our medical and dental plans — benefits begin on the first day of hire. Eligible federal loans may also qualify for deferment through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation is a nonprofit community organization that creates lasting, positive change through direct services, research, and advocacy. Learn more at The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation Online Application Information Our application system works best using Chrome and attaching documents in PDF or Word format. Postings close at midnight Eastern Standard Time. Please follow these instructions carefully throughout the application process: Complete all required contact information fields (marked with a red •). Verify your email address using the code sent to your inbox. Upload your resume in the designated resume section, then upload your cover letter and any additional required documents in the secondary upload area. Complete all required application questions, including "How did you hear about this job/posting?" Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEO) questions are included to meet state and federal compliance requirements. Responses are voluntary; however, applicants must check the acknowledgment box regarding disability self-identification. Review and edit all application sections before final submission. Job offers are contingent upon proof of authorization to work in the United States and successful completion of a background check and/or other required screenings. Wilder is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons.