About the Role

The Program Manager role at KollegeApply sits at the intersection of strategy, product, data, and execution. You will work closely with the Founders Office to drive high-impact, cross-functional initiatives from ideation to delivery.

This role is ideal for someone who can translate ambiguous ideas into structured programs, align multiple stakeholders, track execution rigorously, and ensure outcomes are delivered on time and with quality. You will act as the central execution anchor for founder-led priorities, AI-driven initiatives, and internal product programs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Ownership & Execution

- Own end-to-end delivery of strategic and product programs driven by the Founders Office.

- Break down large initiatives into clear milestones, timelines, dependencies, and deliverables.

- Track progress, risks, and blockers; proactively drive resolution.

- Ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with business objectives.

2. Strategy, Research & Planning

- Conduct market, competitor, and internal research to support new initiatives.

- Translate strategic ideas into executable program plans and roadmaps.

- Prepare concise, founder-ready briefs, execution plans, and progress updates.

3. Product & AI Program Management

- Manage AI-driven internal tools and product enhancement initiatives.

- Collaborate with Product and Tech teams to convert ideas into PRDs, workflows, and implementation plans.

- Define requirements, logic flows, edge cases, and success metrics for tools and features.

- Ensure alignment between business goals, user needs, and technical feasibility.

4. Cross-functional Coordination

- Act as the single point of contact between Tech, Product, Data, Marketing, and Operations teams.

- Drive clarity on ownership, timelines, and expectations across stakeholders.

- Run regular check-ins, maintain trackers, and document decisions and learnings.

5. Data, Automation & Process Enablement

- Support automation and data initiatives by coordinating requirements and execution.

- Work with teams to improve reporting, dashboards, and decision-support systems.

- Help standardize internal processes, documentation, and operating rhythms.

6. Special Projects (Founder-Led Initiatives)

- Lead high-priority, 01 initiatives such as new product experiments, system rollouts, partnerships research, or internal process redesigns.

- Take full accountability from scoping to launch and post-launch review.

- Continuously identify opportunities to improve efficiency, speed, and execution quality.

What Success Looks Like

Within 3 to 6 months, you will:

- Independently manage complex, cross-functional programs with minimal supervision.

- Bring structure and execution discipline to founder-driven initiatives.

- Become a reliable execution partner for leadership.

Within 6 to 12 months, you will:

- Establish repeatable frameworks for program planning, tracking, and reporting.

- Improve delivery speed and cross-team alignment.

- Play a key role in scaling AI-driven tools and internal systems.

Skills & Qualifications

Must-Have

- Strong program or project management experience in fast-paced environments.

- Ability to convert ambiguity into clear plans, timelines, and outcomes.

- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

- Structured, analytical thinker with strong problem-solving ability.

- Comfort working with data, documentation, and execution tracking tools.

- High ownership mindset with a bias toward action.

Good to Have

- Exposure to AI, automation, or tech-enabled products.

- Experience working closely with engineering and product teams.

- Familiarity with PRDs, workflows, and product development cycles.

- Background in EdTech, consumer internet, or high-growth startups.

Traits We Value

- Execution Excellence: You thrive on getting things done, not just planning.

- Clarity Builder: You bring structure to chaos and align people quickly.

- Ownership Mindset: You take responsibility end-to-end, not just your part.

- Adaptability: Comfortable working in evolving, high-ambiguity environments.

- Long-Term Thinking: You build scalable processes, not one-off solutions.

Why KollegeApply

- High-impact role with direct exposure to the Founder and leadership team.

- Opportunity to drive critical programs shaping KollegeApplys growth.

- Work across strategy, product, AI, data, and operations.

- Fast-paced environment where execution directly translates into visible impact.