Program Associate, Central Coast

Are you passionate about inspiring young people to dream big and plan for their future? Do you thrive in mission-driven environments and love working with volunteers, schools, and community partners? Are you looking for a flexible, part-time role where your work makes a meaningful impact? If so, we’d love to meet you! About Junior Achievement of Northern California (JA NorCal): At Junior Achievement of Northern California (JA NorCal), we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed—regardless of their background. As part of a global network, we bring hands-on learning experiences to students that help them build financial literacy, explore careers, and develop the confidence to take charge of their future. This position plays a vital role in delivering our mission on the Central Coast. You'll be part of a supportive team that works collaboratively with educators, volunteers, and corporate partners to connect students with real-world learning that opens doors and changes lives.

Title: Program Associate, Central Coast (Remote)

Area: Central Coast (Remote)

Reports to: Regional Director

Status: Part-Time, Hourly

Hourly Wage: $20 - $25

Impact

We serve various counties across Northern California—including the Bay Area, Fresno, and surrounding regions—and we’re proud to be one of over 100 JA chapters in the U.S. As part of JA Worldwide, you’ll also have access to a global network and long-term career opportunities.

Join us in preparing the next generation to succeed in work and life—starting in your own community.

Our Commitment to Equity:
Junior Achievement is committed to creating a more equitable and just tomorrow by promoting economic empowerment through our programs. We prioritize:

• Creating an inclusive and diverse future workforce by introducing students to the transformative power of career exploration and planning.
• Leveraging technology to maximize reach and impact by investing in innovative digital learning experiences to increase opportunities for students.
• Addressing the racial, ethnic, and gender wealth gaps by teaching financial strategies to empower students to be fully engaged in the economy.
• Developing young entrepreneurs by connecting students and business volunteers to instill entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial mindsets.

Primary Responsibilities:

About The Position:
Reporting to the Regional Director, this part-time, remote position will assist in program implementation in our Central Coast region (Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties) with particular emphasis on volunteer and educator training, support, and recognition. The Program Associate must maintain the organization’s high standard of quality, ensure adherence to Junior Achievement’s program implementation standards, and develop and maintain positive relationships with educators and community partners.

The Program Associate will be organized and detail-oriented and will strive to provide high-quality work and meet deadlines while building effective relationships with colleagues. The Program Associate will possess a friendly, professional demeanor, a positive attitude, and the ability to work independently. The Program Associate will work 10-20 hours per week. Occasionally, additional hours may be required on a temporary basis.

Primary Responsibilities:
• Promote JA partnership opportunities with the local education community (e-mail outreach, tabling, delivering virtual and in-person presentations.
• Recruit volunteers in the community and with local corporate partners.
• Organize and implement effective volunteer & Educator orientations and training, in accordance with JA USA and JA NorCal standards.
• Develop and maintain relationships with corporate, community and non-profit partners.
• Assist Management of Program Kit Materials: Order, coordinate tracking and distribution, and maintain inventory of all program materials.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure timely event follow-up and community partner recognition.
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of new and existing JA curricula, programs and resources.
• Maintain general records and correspondence with volunteers, file class registration forms, communicate with marketing on volunteer needs, and supervise procurement and delivery of all program materials.
• Gather and accurately record program participation data.
• Support general program duties and other duties as assigned by the Regional Director.

Additional Responsibilities:
• Support Assessment of program quality and impact through educator, volunteer, and student surveys.
• Assist with local student recruitment (e.g. JA Company Program, virtual learning experiences.)
• Assist other projects as required, including occasional event support on weeknights, weekends, and holidays.
• Assist the Regional Director by providing administrative support in areas related to Programs, Special Events, and other projects as needed.

Qualifications (required)

Qualifications:
• Passion for JA’s mission and a strong commitment to equity and educational access.
• Positive, solutions-oriented, and collaborative mindset with strong communication skills.
• The ability to build trust and effectively engage with students, families, and partners from historically marginalized communities.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills, able to prioritize and improve processes in a dynamic environment.
• Creative problem-solver with a goal-oriented approach and strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Zoom, and virtual collaboration tools.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• High school diploma required; post-secondary education preferred.

Qualifications (desired)

Preferred:
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience with BIPOC communities, youth development, or workforce programs.
• Familiarity with the California K–12 education system.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to: sit, walk; occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; continually required to talk or hear; occasionally required to bend, lift, or climb; frequently required to lift and carry light weights (25-50 pounds.) Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust or focus.