Programs Manager

WHAT WE DO

Founded in 1985, the Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) enriches the academic, artistic, and personal development of all students in the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD). As the only education foundation serving all 21 schools and over 12,200 students, SBEF is uniquely positioned to bridge critical funding gaps and create a lasting, equitable impact.

SBEF inspires the community to support public education, focusing on providing opportunities for students facing additional challenges, such as those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged or English language learners. By funding programs like teacher grants, literacy initiatives, and music and arts education, SBEF ensures that students have access to essential learning opportunities. SBEF also proudly serves as the fiscal sponsor for 14 nonprofit organizations across the county.

Through strong partnerships with community partners, nonprofits, donors, educators, and businesses, SBEF enhances the quality of public education and builds a brighter future for the entire community. SBEF also administers its own signature programs. For a full list of programs and to learn more, visit: https://sbefoundation.org.

The role: 

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Programs Manager oversees the implementation, performance, and continuous improvement of SBEF’s signature and community programs. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategies for key initiatives, including the Keep the Beat and Teacher and Student Grants programs. Core responsibilities include leading outreach efforts, managing program budgets, supporting fundraising in collaboration with the Development Officer and Executive Director, and overseeing administrative functions to ensure effective and efficient program delivery.

Working in partnership with the Executive Director, the Programs Manager will:

Program Oversight & Implementation

• Research and develop new programs or expand and revise existing programs
• Prepare yearly budgets for each program
• Review monthly financial reports to track income and oversee expenses of each program
• Serve as the main point of contact for inquiries from community program directors
• Assist in the development of fundraising needs and campaigns for programs
• Update the SBEF website with program descriptions and events
• Support and inform the design marketing plan to promote all SBEF signature programs to the community, schools, parents, administration 
• Prepare and distribute flyers, postcards, mailers, and ParentSquare posts in English and Spanish
• Assist the contracted graphic designer in the design of ads online and in local publications, including school publications 
• Lead in the development of social media advertising campaign and provide Development Officer content related to both signature and fiscally sponsored programs

Summer Music Camps

• Hire and onboard summer program directors, teachers, and volunteers. Conduct livescan (background) checks through our DOJ portal
• Ensure teachers and volunteers sign the code of conduct and participate in mandated reporter training 
• Create and update online registration
• Oversee student registration, fees, scholarships, and manage class enrollment
• Schedule and book the camp venues
• Purchase camp supplies
• Organize the final camp concerts (program and reception)

Keep the Beat

• Along with the Development Associate, answer queries for SBEF’s year-round Instrument Drive. 
• Oversee the annual Radiothon and Instrument Drive event in conjunction with radio station KTYD.
• Book and schedule guests to appear on air to highlight SBUSD’s successful music programs. 
• Outreach with SBUSD music teachers and students to involve them in the radiothon. 
• Host annual music teachers gathering at the start of the academic year to distribute instruments and collaborate with other student serving music focused nonprofits. 
• Invite donors to high school theater productions, dance performances, choral performances, and music performances.

Teacher and Student Grants

• Develop the Teacher and Student Grant application and final report. 
• Assemble and staff the Teacher and Student Grants Committee, composed of principals, teachers, board members, and community members (6 being ideal).
• Lead a teacher grant applicant webinar to review applications and answer questions.
• Engage in outreach to SBUSD, Principals, and past recipients of the grant opportunity.
• Schedule grant review meetings and work with the committee chair to set agendas.
• Contact recipients and non-recipients, organize Teacher and Student Grants reception, and oversee grant distribution. 

Community Programs

• Schedule a beginning of year program luncheon every August to review MOU information.
• Oversee mandatory program paperwork- livescan, code of conduct, and mandated reporter training.
• Distribute and collect Google forms for program goals in August, and in May, distribute and collect final reports. 
• Answer queries from Community Program Directors.
• Work with the Executive Director on new program requests or changes to existing ones.
• Submit Financial Activity Reports to Program Directors as needed.
• Schedule program directors to attend board meetings to share information on their programs. 

Developing & Soliciting of Funds

• Assist in identifying sponsorship sources, including individuals, businesses, foundations, and government agencies for program support
• Assist in coordinating fundraising events for scholarships (in conjunction with the Development Officer)
• Assist in assuring that program donors are properly and promptly acknowledged and thanked
• Organize site visits for donors and potential donors
• Research and identify new grant opportunities
• In conjunction with other SBEF staff; draft, review, edit, and finalize grant applications, foundation reports, and correspondences

Events & Administrative Activities

• Assist in maintaining donor information on the Foundation database
• Attend SBEF Board and Program Committee meetings once a month and provide program updates.
• Help plan and/or staff Foundation related meetings and events such as Hope Awards, State of Our Schools, other educational events.
• Perform related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of successful experience in program management, development, and implementation, preferably in education 
• Ability to understand the needs and interests of pre-k-12 students and their families and how an education foundation may address them
• Interest in public education and a dedication to promoting the Foundation’s fundraising 
• Demonstrated leadership and the ability to successfully manage multi-functional or diverse assignments
• Ability to be comfortable with public speaking, excellent interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated record of completing assignments
• Knowledge of local and regional fundraising trends and climate, as well as federal and state tax laws that impact charitable giving and personal assets 
• Willingness to work (on occasion) evenings and weekends
• Ability to analyze, monitor, and evaluate ongoing programs addressing the needs of students
• Understand the Santa Barbara Unified School District, the demographics of its students and staff, and priorities 

Skills and Characteristics:

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong problem-solving, research, and analytical abilities
• Proven relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
• Deep commitment to the mission and goals of public education
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Articulate and confident communicator
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to take initiative
• Passionate and driven to secure gifts and support
• Creative thinker with a strategic mindset
• Respectful, empathetic, and an active listener
• Persistent and resilient in achieving goals
• Positive, optimistic attitude
• Strong attention to detail
• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., DonorPerfect, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge) and proficiency with platforms such as Google Suite, BoardnetWork, and digital marketing tools

Preferred start date: June 8