Associate Director of Scholarships

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Associate Director of Scholarships is responsible for leading the planning, administration, and evaluation of all aspects of the organization’s scholarship program. This role plays a critical part in supporting scholars, managing key partnerships, coordinating events, and overseeing both the scholarship application and award processes. The Associate Director of Scholarships serves as a primary point of contact for scholars and stakeholders, ensuring that the program is executed with excellence and aligned with the organization’s mission and goals.

***PAY RATE: $90,000-$110,000 PER YEAR***

ABOUT THE SOLA FOUNDATION

The SoLa Foundation, a philanthropic arm of SoLa Impact, is a beacon of hope in South Los Angeles, striving to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty through education, economic mobility, and community development. Rooted in the belief that opportunity should be accessible to all, the SoLa Foundation provides a pathway to success for underserved Black and Brown communities. By providing scholarships, mentorship programs, and support for local schools and nonprofits, the SoLa Foundation bridges the gap between potential and opportunity for underprivileged youth. We call this, “Doing Well by Doing Good.”

Our commitment to creating lasting change has garnered much recognition, including being named the 2023 CA State Nonprofit of the Year and receiving the prestigious Oprah Foundation grant. Joining our mission-driven team offers a chance to be part of something bigger, a dynamic environment where passion meets purpose, and every contribution makes a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Requirements

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Develop and implement the annual strategic plan for the scholarship program, including setting goals, defining evaluation methods, and identifying opportunities for process improvement.
• Design and execute an annual engagement strategy to ensure scholars remain supported and connected throughout the year, including a calendar of virtual and in-person events.
• Monitor program outcomes and measure impact; produce annual evaluations and reports for internal leadership, donors, and external stakeholders.
• Stay current on trends, best practices, and regulatory changes in scholarship administration and higher education access.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for scholars, donors, educational institutions, and community partners.
• Manage the complete scholarship disbursement process, including enrollment verification for over 100 recipients and processing refund requests when applicable.
• Oversee and manage the program’s annual budget, ensuring funds are allocated responsibly and financial reporting is accurate.
• Prepare and distribute scholarship agreements and related documentation to award recipients in a timely and professional manner.
• Collaborate closely with the Social Impact team to support scholar development initiatives, including but not limited to the Summer Internship Program and the inaugural SoLa Scholars Ambassador Program, ensuring alignment with leadership and career development goals.

FUNDRAISING AND DONOR ENGAGEMENT

• Create and maintain a compelling scholarship fundraising deck and related collateral to support donor engagement.
• Collaborate with the fundraising team to develop and implement strategies for securing financial support.
• Foster and maintain relationships between donors and scholars to encourage mentorship, career opportunities, and long-term donor involvement.
• Support the recruitment of mentors in coordination with the SoLa Mentorship Program Lead.
• Lead all scholarship-related components of the annual fundraising gala, including student involvement and storytelling initiatives.
  
  

MARKETING AND CREATIVE DIRECTION

• Maintain and update the scholarship section of the organization’s website every six months.
• Collaborate with the communications team to produce engaging content for social media, newsletters, and reports, including scholar spotlights and video storytelling.
• Design the creative program for the annual scholarship awards ceremony, showcasing scholar stories and program impact through curated performances and speakers.
• Oversee video production related to scholarship initiatives, excluding technical editing.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

• Administer the scholarship application platform (AwardSpring), including application setup, review tracking, and technical oversight.
• Serve as the primary contact for applicants, providing support, updates, and guidance throughout the application process.
• Collect and manage application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and verification documents.
• Lead scholar recruitment efforts, including outreach to high schools, college fairs, and community events.
• Coordinate the selection process, including reviewer assignments, scoring rubrics, and interview facilitation.
• Conduct community outreach and lead informational sessions for partner organizations and prospective applicants.
• Ensure application guidelines and selection criteria are regularly reviewed and updated for clarity and fairness.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in education, nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in scholarship administration, student support services, or educational programming.
• Proven experience in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Proficiency with data management systems and online platforms; experience with AwardSpring or similar platforms preferred.
• Experience in fundraising, donor stewardship, or nonprofit communications is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of communicating professionally with students, parents, donors, and colleagues.
• Analytical skills with the ability to evaluate program data and prepare impact reports.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and sensitivity when working with confidential information.
• Creative mindset and ability to contribute to storytelling, event planning, and visual content development.
• Passion for educational equity and commitment to supporting underserved communities.

Benefits

At SoLa Impact, we believe work environment, culture, and the opportunity to learn and grow are key elements when considering a new job. We are just the right size to provide the resources and support you need without the bureaucracy of a large corporate environment. We foster a family-friendly and supportive workplace, collaborative and employee-focused with an emphasis on quality, integrity, trust, and accountability. We are looking to bring someone on board as soon as possible. We provide a rewarding and challenging environment. We expect a lot, but give a lot in return. Strongly prefer candidates local to Los Angeles as no relocation assistance will be provided. All qualified candidates will be contacted directly.

SoLa Impact is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SoLa does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.