Program Manager, Mentor Program
Position Summary
The Program Manager for the Mentor Program plays a pivotal role in building and sustaining a high-impact, multidisciplinary mentorship initiative. Reporting to the Lead Mentor, this professional focuses on recruiting, screening, onboarding, and supporting mentors. The Program Manager acts as an HR liaison, ensuring effective operations, data integrity, and meaningful engagements between mentors, interns, and organizational leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Mentor Recruitment, Vetting & Onboarding
- Collaborate with the Lead Mentor and HR Lead to identify, recruit, and attract mentors across diverse disciplines.
- Screen and vet prospective mentors by reviewing applications, conducting interviews, checking references, and verifying credentials.
- Coordinate and participate in mentor interviews, ensuring candidates align with program goals and cultural values.
- Lead new mentor onboarding, ensuring profiles, availability, expertise, and mentoring styles are documented.
- Design, implement, and refine mentor intake forms to consistently capture essential mentor information.
Data & Repository Management
- Input, update, and maintain a centralized database or repository of mentors, including profiles, contact details, expertise areas, availability, session summaries, and status.
- Manage mentor activity records, track engagement, and proactively update mentor status (active, inactive, on leave, or under review).
- Uphold confidentiality and data accuracy, providing read/write access according to role (Lead Mentor, Committee Leads, Team Leads, Interns).
Program Operations & Coordination
- Liaise with HR, the Lead Mentor, and program committees to address gaps and forecast mentor needs.
- Schedule, assign, and communicate group and one-on-one mentorship sessions in collaboration with leadership and committee leads.
- Support the onboarding and ongoing needs of new interns by introducing relevant mentors and mentorship resources.
- Ensure logistical and administrative needs for mentorship activities are met.
Engagement, Communications & Reporting
- Promote awareness and engagement with the mentorship program.
- Draft and disseminate clear communications regarding mentor availability, schedules, and session opportunities.
- Gather and relay feedback from mentors and interns to the Lead Mentor.
- Monitor session logs, support reporting procedures, and flag issues requiring escalation to the Lead Mentor or committee.
- Uphold established communication protocols by copying appropriate program leads on relevant messages and maintaining transparency and documentation.
Continuous Improvement
- Work with the Lead Mentor to evaluate mentorship program effectiveness and make data-driven recommendations for process enhancements.
- Use feedback, participation data, and logs to identify gaps, mentor development opportunities, and emerging needs.
- Help design and implement professional development and training for mentors as needed.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Strong background in program management, human resources, or related field (experience with internships, educational programs, or volunteer-based programs preferred).
- Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage confidential information with sensitivity and discretion.
- Experience recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding talent.
- Expertise with data entry, CRM/database management, and basic reporting functions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Ability to balance simultaneous priorities and work collaboratively across diverse teams.
- Proficiency with collaborative tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Slack, etc.).
Reporting Structure
- Reports To: Lead Mentor
- Collaborates With: HR Lead, Committee Leads, Executive Director, Team Leads, Mentors, Interns
Opportunities for Program Leadership
- In addition to the core functional responsibilities, the Program Manager will also:
- Identify additional ways to enhance mentor engagement, including professional development events and recognition programs.
- Participate in the continuous refinement of intake and onboarding procedures for both mentors and interns, supporting personalized matching and growth.
- Analyze engagement data to recommend improvements in content accessibility, mentor scheduling, and onboarding processes.
Impact
This role is essential to the success and sustainability of the mentorship program, directly influencing intern development, mentor satisfaction, and the overall quality of organizational culture and learning. By ensuring seamless mentor recruitment, onboarding, coordination, and engagement, the Program Manager empowers both mentors and interns to maximize their participation and achieve meaningful outcomes.
Ideal College Students for a Program Manager, Mentor Program Role
The Program Manager role for a Mentor Program is both dynamic and impactful, making it especially appealing to college students with specific interests and career goals. Below are profiles of students who would most benefit from and enjoy this experience:
1. Human Resources & Organizational Development Majors
2. Education, Counseling, or Student Affairs Majors
3. Business Administration, Management, or Nonprofit Leadership Majors
4. Psychology and Social Sciences Majors
5. Communications, Public Relations, or Marketing Majors
6. Pre-Law or Public Policy Majors
Motivations for Seeking the Role
- Desire to Make an Impact: Students wanting to help build supportive, innovative learning environments and directly contribute to the success of interns and mentors.
- Leadership Development: Those eager to hone project management, problem-solving, and leadership skills with real-world responsibility and visibility.
- Interest in Multidisciplinary Environments: Students who value working with diverse individuals across various disciplines, strengthening their adaptability and networking abilities.
- Career Development: Anyone seeking to bolster their resume with skills in HR, program management, data management, and professional communication—vital to many industries.