NOW HIRING Target start in early June 2026; may adjust for the right candidate

Program Manager

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority consideration given to applications received by May 4, 2026.
Process: 30-min phone interview, brief work sample, 60-min in–person interview, reference checks.

This position is based in the Twin Cities metro area, Minnesota. Employees work remotely but must be available for in-person meetings in the Twin Cities several times per week and be available for in-person team meetings in the Twin Cities at events throughout Minnesota. Out-of-state travel is expected between ~3-6x annually.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a highly motivated Program Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our programs. This role is ideal for someone with 5-10 years of experience who eagerly takes ownership, thrives in dynamic environments, and fundamentally believes that bridging is not just good or helpful, but actually necessary for the future of American democracy.

The Program Manager plays a central role in ensuring our programs run smoothly, participants receive the support they need, and partnerships thrive. This is a hands-on role for someone with both operational rigor (excellence in follow-through, focus, systems management, detail orientation) and an entrepreneurial spirit — someone who spots a gap and fills it, brings creative solutions to unexpected challenges, and finds energy in building something meaningful.

The Civic Bridgers team is small and mission-driven, which means the work is varied and no two weeks look exactly alike. The Program Manager's core work will fit within the scope below, but you'll also bring your own ideas to shape how we grow, and emergent needs will require flexibility and adaptability.

ABOUT CIVIC BRIDGERS

Civic Bridgers strengthens American democracy by preparing emerging leaders to bridge divides. We call these leaders Civic Bridgers—people who consistently engage in the public sphere and model humanity, humility, and accountability. They recognize the limits of "winner-takes-all" leadership. They don't wield power over people. Instead, they leverage collective power and viewpoint diversity to solve some of our nation's greatest challenges.

We're not just building programs. We're catalyzing a movement. We envision a revival of pluralism led by Civic Bridgers who transform conflict into connection.

We are at a pivotal moment. Serving over 300 leaders annually in 2026, we are poised to scale this movement and deepen our impact in Minnesota and across the country.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

  • $55,000–$65,000 (Manager) and $65,000–$75,000 (Senior Manager),
    depending on qualifications.

  • Health insurance with employer premium contribution

  • Paid family and medical leave in accordance with Minnesota law

  • $500 annual professional development budget

  • Flexible and hybrid work environment

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Execute High Quality Program Operations

  • Manage day-to-day program logistics across multiple initiatives

  • Coordinate timelines, deliverables, and participant communications

  • Troubleshoot issues in real time and adapt quickly to changing needs

Manage Events

  • Book venues, coordinate vendors, and oversee event execution

  • Liaise with venues as key point person for onsite facility and logistic needs

  • Manage and track participant registration, paperwork, and communications

Manage Relationships and Networks

  • Build and sustain relationships with a robust network of community partners

  • Serve as a primary point of contact for program participants and partners

  • Ensure a high-quality, relational participant experience

Manage Robust Recruitment Processes 

  • Build recruitment partnerships, and connect with interested candidates

  • Manage program application process from end to end, including recruitment and selection

  • Synthesize findings and make informed recommendations

  • Support rigorous, equitable and efficient selection process

Build & Manage Systems

  • Oversee program data collection, tracking, and reporting

  • Maintain databases and ensure data accuracy and integrity

  • Support evaluation efforts and continuous program improvement

Contribute to the Bigger Picture

  • Our programs are not stand-alone initiatives; we deliver programs to build a community of Civic Bridgers. You will connect the dots between programs, and contribute to organization-wide initiatives, such as events, as needed

  • Support current program participants and nurture an alumni network

  • Collaborate with staff and volunteers in ways that model our organizational values

  • Step into emerging needs with flexibility and solution orientation

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Required Qualifications

  • Commitment to civic engagement, bridging divides, and strengthening democracy

  • 5-10 years of professional experience (nonprofit, education, public service, or related field preferred)

  • Proven track record of managing complex projects

  • Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with multiple people and institutions, particularly across lines of difference

  • Exceptional organizational and project management skills

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

  • Demonstrated ability to appropriately prioritize and manage multiple projects and adapt quickly

  • High level of reliability, availability, follow-through, and attention to detail

  • Entrepreneurial mindset: ability to adapt and deliver in a rapidly growing and shifting sector

  • Experience working with diverse stakeholders and community partners

Preferred Qualifications

  • Comfort working in a small, collaborative team environment

  • Experience coordinating programs or events

  • Familiarity with data management systems such as Salesforce

Candidates with additional experience (6-10 years) may be considered for a Senior Program Manager role. Additional responsibilities may include:

  • Facilitation and curriculum delivery

  • Coaching participants or Fellows

  • Contributing to program design and strategic improvements

You’ll Thrive Here If You…

  • Believe that bridging divides is not optional — it's a defining challenge of our democracy

  • Are energized by building at the forefront of a movement rather than managing established infrastructure

  • Have successfully managed organizational partnerships in mission-driven, values-based organizations where the "why" matters as much as the "what"

  • Are motivated to try new things and able to adapt as we learn

  • See roadblocks as learning opportunities and creative fuel, finding ways to pivot or keep going, knowing when to ask teammates for help or guidance

  • Want to look back in 20 years and know you were part of building the next generation of American democracy

TO APPLY

Equal Opportunity Employer

Civic Bridgers is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind in any part of our business and partnerships. Building an inclusive team is key central to our values and mission, and essential for our success. We humbly strive to ensure that the Civic Bridgers team environment is intentionally inclusive and reflective of the communities we serve. We hire talent with a transparent and equitable process for all who apply. All employment decisions are made without regard to age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, medical history, or any other protected status. We believe our differences make us stronger and encourage all interested candidates to apply. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact info@civicbridgers.org.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact info@civicbridgers.org.