Program Manager, Early College (COF) (BC)

Kern Community College District; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kern Community College District is seeking a Program Manager to oversee program activities ensuring quality academic and student services. You will liaison with partner high schools, manage scheduling and enrollment, monitor progress, and use data to guide improvements and growth within the assigned programs.

The role emphasizes collaboration with college staff and partners, budget oversight, and delivering effective student services through structured planning and supervision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Two years of related experience preferred or required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary liaison between the college and partner high schools to support collaboration and communication.
• Oversee course scheduling, instructor approvals, and student enrollment to ensure smooth program operations.
• Monitor student progress and coordinate support strategies to promote success and completion.
• Utilize data to inform decision‑making and recommend program improvements.
• Support program sustainability and growth through data‑informed planning and resource management.

Skills

Communication

Budget management

Data analysis

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Under direction of the Programs Director or assigned supervisor, the Program Manager is responsible for managing assigned program activities associated with maintaining quality academic and student services programs.

Key position accountabilities:

• Serve as a primary liaison between the college and partner high schools to support collaboration and communication.
• Oversee course scheduling, instructor approvals, and student enrollment to ensure smooth program operations.
• Monitor student progress and coordinate support strategies to promote success and completion.
• Utilize data to inform decision‑making and recommend program improvements.
• Support program sustainability and growth through data‑informed planning and resource management.

1. Manage the implementation of multiple project activities to meet or exceed assigned program(s) expectations.
2. Manage and monitor budgets to ensure compliance with regulations and/or directives from program agencies and cooperative educational partners.
3. Assist in preparation and administration of budget, control and authorize expenditures, approve invoices for payment, and respond to budget inquiries from college staff.
4. Supervise and coordinate department planning and operations; personnel supervision, including development and evaluation of all support staff.
5. Coordinate the release of project information and outreach activities to familiarize students with the services and programs of the college.
6. Develop and implement methods to identify and serve students who meet project guidelines, assessing their needs and providing programming to address those needs.
7. Participate in meetings and conferences related to programs within the assigned area; disseminate information, coordinate projects and implement procedural changes; follow up on action items, and develop program reports as needed.
8. Market the College and assigned program(s) to the College community and the general public.
9. Perform related duties as assigned.

Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and disability backgrounds of community college students and employees.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Two years of experience related to area of assignment.

Knowledge of:

• Student services available at the college.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Principles and procedures of financial record‑keeping and reporting.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations related to the assigned special programs processes.
• Principles of public speaking.
• Record‑keeping and report preparation methods.
• Principles of providing work direction and guidance to others.
• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Evaluate and implement project goals.
• Communicate information to individuals and groups.
• Interpret and apply the policies and procedures of the college and the project initiatives.
• Interact with and motivate others.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Prepare and monitor budgets.
• Supervise and provide work direction and guidance to assigned staff.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Collaborate with college personnel and key project staff to track program effectiveness based on evidenced based milestones for student success.
• Develop and facilitate orientations, seminars, and workshops designed to familiarize students, faculty, and staff with assigned special programs opportunities.