Cohort Programs Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

UpStart seeks a Cohort Programs Manager to coordinate UpStart's cohort delivery function. They will serve as the primary project manager across program pathways, responsible for supporting program implementation in alignment with participant needs and required program outcomes. As the first point of contact for our cohort programs, they ensure a high-quality, mission-aligned learning experience for every cohort member.

UpStart designs and delivers cohort-based learning experiences that support Jewish innovators and entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. UpLift is our flagship multi-month program built on a structured framework for Jewish social innovation. Our custom cohorts offer specialized training tailored to the specific needs of funders and institutional partners. Through these learning programs, we create and nurture environments for participants to develop practical skills, build trusted peer relationships, and grow their capacity to lead initiatives that make a lasting difference in Jewish life and the broader world. Cohort sessions span themes including entrepreneurial leadership, adaptive design, and Jewishly informed innovation, with curriculum that continues to evolve in response to participant needs and organizational priorities.

This role reports to the Managing Director, Learning, Community, & Belonging and works in close partnership with our Senior Director, Learning Design & Strategy, Jewish Content Fellow, and UpStart’s Central Operations team. Together, they will align program timelines and virtual/in-person program logistics, ensuring seamless execution from participant registration through completion and evaluation. The Cohort Programs Manager can expect to travel up to 6 times per year for in-person cohort events and team gatherings.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Cohort Delivery & Participant Experience

Coordinate end-to-end delivery of virtual and in-person cohort-based learning sessions across multiple program pathways, ensuring physical and virtual spaces are prepared, well-run, and set up for participant success
Partner with the Central Operations team (who own recruitment and registration) to help ensure a seamless, high-quality experience from a participant's first touchpoint during recruitment through program completion
Provide live virtual session support and ongoing virtual learning support between sessions — e.g., monitoring discussion forums, tracking assignment submissions, and sustaining community engagement
Own participant communications across the full program lifecycle, from onboarding through completion and transition to the UpStarter Community, so participants feel informed, guided, and held at every stage
Help facilitate a strong cohort culture by fostering trust, connection, and active participation
Translate observations into actionable insights for the curriculum design team, surfacing patterns in participant experience, facilitation effectiveness, and content gaps

Program Execution & Operational Management

Manage multiple concurrent cohorts and priorities with strong attention to detail and delivery quality, adjusting implementation strategy as needs evolve
Collaborate cross-functionally to coordinate program logistics, including virtual sessions and in-person convenings
Proactively identify risks and bring forward solutions, exercising sound judgment in dynamic and ambiguous environments
Leverage participant feedback and evaluation data to continuously improve program impact and delivery practices
Experience Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Serve as a primary, responsive point of contact for cohort participants
Serve as organizational resource on participant experience, keeping internal and external stakeholders informed on progress, needs, and outcomes
Navigate participant challenges and conflicts with professionalism and strong judgment
Partner with Program Team staff and external facilitators to maintain a clear feedback loop between delivery and design, ensuring that live program implementation aligns with intended outcomes
Partner with the Senior Director, Learning Design & Strategy and the Central Operations team to align program delivery with overall strategy and execution
Coordinate the work of external facilitators and specialists, ensuring alignment with UpStart's delivery standards and participant experience goals
Ensure consistency across cohort experiences and facilitators
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, or responsibilities associated with the position.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

3-5 years of experience with program/project management, event management, and/or participant experience in both virtual and in-person settings
Experience supporting cohort-based or group learning programs, with a focus on participant engagement and outcomes
Proven ability to own and manage complex operations, including multiple concurrent cohorts or workstreams, with strong attention to detail and quality
Experience translating curriculum or program plans into high-quality, well-executed participant experiences
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience working closely with operations, design, and/or external partners
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and navigate participant needs or challenges
Familiarity with leading practices as it relates to designing accessible, inclusive events for adult learners preferred, including coordinating catering, supplies, accommodations, etc.
Sound judgment and problem-solving skills in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
Experience coordinating the work of facilitators or program staff
Exposure to AI-powered tools or interest in deploying them
Ability to synthesize participant feedback and evaluation data to drive continuous improvement in program delivery
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and creating meaningful learning environments for diverse participants
Comfort with change, iteration, and working in a dynamic, evolving program model
Comfort supporting virtual learning/LMS environments (e.g., discussion forums, assignment tracking, engagement monitoring)
Commitment to leading through a lens of community and belonging
Adaptability and agility in the face of change, both organizational and technological
Passion for UpStart’s mission and the work of UpStart’s network
Commitment to upholding UpStart’s values and Guiding Principles Regarding Client and Program Partnerships.