KollegeApply - Senior Program Manager

Description:

The Senior Program Manager role at KollegeApply operates at the intersection of strategy, product, data, and execution. Working closely with the Founders Office, you will lead high-impact, cross-functional initiatives from concept to delivery.

This role is ideal for a structured problem-solver who can transform ambiguity into well-defined programs, align diverse stakeholders, and drive disciplined execution. You will serve as the central execution owner for founder-led priorities, AI initiatives, and internal product programs, ensuring timely, high-quality outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Ownership & Delivery:

- Own end-to-end execution of strategic and product programs led by the Founders Office.

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

- Track progress, risks, and blockers, proactively driving resolution.

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

Strategy, Research & Planning:

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

- Convert strategic ideas into actionable program plans and roadmaps.

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

Product & AI Program Management:

- Drive AI-powered internal tools and product enhancement initiatives.

- Partner with Product and Tech teams to convert ideas into PRDs, workflows, and execution plans.

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

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

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

- Act as the single point of coordination across Tech, Product, Data, Marketing, and Operations.

- Drive clarity on ownership, timelines, and expectations.

- Run structured reviews, maintain trackers, and document decisions and learnings.

Data, Automation & Process Enablement:

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

- Partner with teams to enhance reporting, dashboards, and decision-support systems.

- Standardize internal processes, documentation, and operating rhythms.

Special Projects (Founder-Led Initiatives):

- Lead high-priority, zero-to-one initiatives including new product pilots, system rollouts, partnerships research, and process redesign.

- Own initiatives end-to-endfrom scoping and execution to launch and post-launch evaluation.

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

What Success Looks Like:

Within 36 months:

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

- Bring structure, discipline, and predictability to founder-driven initiatives.

- Become a trusted execution partner for leadership.

Within 612 months:

- Build scalable frameworks for planning, tracking, and reporting.

- Improve delivery velocity and cross-team alignment.

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

Skills & Qualifications:

Must-Have:

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

- Strong ability to translate ambiguity into structured plans and measurable outcomes.

- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

- Analytical, structured problem-solver with strong execution discipline.

- Comfortable working with data, documentation, and tracking tools.

- High ownership mindset with bias toward action.

Good to Have:

- Exposure to AI, automation, or technology-driven products.

- Experience working closely with engineering and product teams.

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

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

Traits We Value:

- Execution Excellence: You prioritize outcomes over activity.

- Clarity Builder: You simplify complexity and align teams quickly.

- Ownership Mindset: You take full accountability end-to-end.

- Adaptability: Comfortable in evolving, ambiguous environments.

- Long-Term Thinking: You design scalable systems, not quick fixes.

Why Join KollegeApply:

- High-impact role with direct exposure to founders and leadership.

- Opportunity to shape mission-critical initiatives driving growth.

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

- Fast-paced environment where execution creates visible impact.