Program Implementation Manager Jobs in Lake Forest, IL

Employment status: Full-time, Hybrid

Reports to: Director of Programs and Partnerships

Application period: Open until filled

Start date: July 20, 2026

Salary range: $78,300 - $91,900, commensurate with experience

Anticipated openings: 3–4, contingent on organizational needs

Who We Are

Saga Education is the nonprofit leader in high-impact tutoring, with an ROI that is among the best nationwide. We leverage the power of human capital and technology to accelerate student outcomes and foster educational excellence for students. Rigorous research shows that high-impact tutoring raises grades and builds student confidence and a sense of belonging. Saga co-designs and collaborates to develop and implement high-quality tutoring models, offering learning technology and resources to enable effective tutoring.

We are proud to have helped tens of thousands of students over our first 12 years—now the goal is to partner with states and districts to support the millions of students who struggle with 6th–12th-grade math. Find out how you can be a part of the meaningful change needed to accelerate educational excellence. Visit saga.org/change.

Saga Education | Change the Equation

What You'll Do

As a Program Manager, you will oversee a portfolio of tutoring programs at the school level within Saga's Progressive Services Approach, including Saga-Owned, Saga-Managed, and District-Managed implementations. You will lead and coach Tutors and, where applicable, Site Coordinators across multiple program models to ensure high-quality, consistent program delivery. This role is responsible for maintaining program fidelity, facilitating ongoing professional development, and cultivating strong partnerships with school stakeholders. The position blends hands-on instructional coaching with program management to drive strong student outcomes and team performance.

Team Leadership, Development & Coaching

• Manage, develop, and evaluate performance of Tutors and, where applicable, Site Coordinators through regular coaching, feedback, and implementation-aligned professional development.
• Ensure staffing coverage and continuity of services by coordinating and executing coverage plans in collaboration with Program Directors and district partners.
• Facilitate and coordinate professional learning for tutors, supervisors, and district partners to strengthen program implementation and instructional quality across Saga and non-Saga programs.

Program Oversight & Fidelity

• Drive high-quality curriculum implementation by monitoring instructional practices and proactively supporting internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to the Saga model through hands-on monitoring, including virtual and in-person observations, in-person site visits, and data review, paired with clear, actionable feedback.
• Respond to challenges and emergencies at sites, in collaboration with the Program Director, that require additional support.
• Manage site/team budgets through site requests, expense tracking and monitoring.
• Manage and execute partner-facing projects for new & existing programs, coordinating across stakeholders to ensure successful launch, smooth implementation, and alignment with program goals, compliance and contract scope of work.

Data Monitoring & Intervention

• Ensure accurate and timely data collection across sites and hold teams accountable for data quality.
• Regularly analyze and report on data for sites and respond with targeted support plans to drive improvements for the partnership, implementation, people experience and program outcomes.
• Report and present site data to multiple stakeholder audiences (Program Director, Chief Program Officer, Senior Leaders, Advancement etc).
• Analyze and evaluate trends across data collected across all programs managed.

Collaboration & Culture

• Oversee and elevate relationship-building efforts with key school stakeholders and Saga site teams, ensuring alignment between Saga team activities and program goals.
• Meet regularly with school key stakeholders, in person or virtually, depending on stakeholder preference to provide updates and gather feedback.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture emphasizing accountability, continuous learning, and student-centered practices.
• Collaborate in hiring initiatives for Program Staff, as vacancies arise.Plan and coordinate cross-functionally with other Saga departments to ensure a smooth start to the program year; this includes schedules, communication with program teams, IT etc.

Operations & Logistics

• Coordinate program logistics, including scheduling, calendars, and key milestones for tutoring services and professional development.
• Lead clear, proactive communication with school partners, site teams, and tutor cohorts to align expectations, support effective implementation, and ensure timely resolution of program needs.
• Oversee the daily collection and maintenance of accurate time and attendance records for staff, ensuring data integrity, compliance, and timely reporting.

What We'll Use To Measure Success

• Mission Alignment - You recognize challenges in education and demonstrate a commitment to continuous growth and improvement
• Decision Quality - You make good, timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward
• Manages Ambiguity - You operate effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear
• Directs Work - You provide direction, delegating, and removing obstacles to get work done
• Develops Talent - You develop people to meet both their career goals and the organization's goals
• Manages Conflict - You handle conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Education or a related field.
• 3+ years of professional experience in a school-based or instructional leadership role (teacher coach, department head, assistant principal, principal, Site Director, Client Relationship Manager, or equivalent), required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in high school mathematics (Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II) and comfort with general STEM instructional practices.
• Experience working in classroom settings and supporting student learning, including in historically underserved communities.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with experience managing teams or projects across multiple locations or remotely.
• Ability to effectively use and quickly adapt to a variety of technological tools and platforms.
• Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including school and district staff.
• [Dependent on Assigned Programs] Travel / Driving: The role requires daily city-based travel to school sites to conduct in-person site visits, which typically involves driving between locations. A valid driver's license is required. AND/OR This role requires up to 50% cross-state travel to visit Saga-managed & District-managed programs. Candidates must have a valid U.S. driver's license and be legally authorized to rent and operate a vehicle for work-related travel.

What We'll Provide

Saga Education offers competitive compensation and benefits, including health insurance, IVF coverage, paid parental leave, an optional FSA, and telehealth benefits. Saga provides a generous PTO package, which includes a paid Winter Wellness Break, an optional 401(k) and company-provided technology. All employees have access to our comprehensive Employee Assistance Program and Saga 360 Wellness Program.

Saga is committed to equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. In compliance with the ADA, we provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process, contact recruitment@saga.org.

Thank you for applying to Saga Education.

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