Program Manager, The Green Bandana Project

JOB TITLE: Program Manager – The Green Bandana Project

JOB STATUS: Full Time

LOCATION: Bloomington Office, 7900 Xerxes Ave S, Ste 1350, Bloomington, MN 55431; In

office 4 days/week

DEPARTMENT: Programs

REPORTS TO: Director of Programs

SCHEDULE: M-F (Some evenings and weekends for events)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Green Bandana Project (TGBP) is a school-based initiative that increases students’ awareness of

mental health and suicide prevention resources and encourages help-seeking before or during a mental

health crisis. Student participants take a suicide prevention gatekeeper training, carry resource cards, and

tie a green bandana to their backpack or another visible location to signal they are trained and informed

allies in student mental health.

SCOPE OF POSITION:

We are seeking a strategic, mission-driven, and experienced Program Manager to lead the growth,

scalability, and national expansion of The Green Bandana Project in high schools, colleges, and

universities. This position is responsible for developing and implementing the strategy to increase

program adoption, strengthen program infrastructure, and expand the initiative's reach and impact across

the country. The Program Manager will oversee program operations, implementation, evaluation, and

continuous improvement efforts while ensuring the program can effectively scale to meet growing

demand. The role supervises a Program Coordinator, manages the program budget, and contributes to

fundraising, partnership development, and advocacy efforts as needed. Working closely with the Director

of Programs and internal and external stakeholders, the Program Manager will drive the program’s

long-term growth, sustainability, and alignment with SA VE’s mission.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Growth and Program Leadership

• Develop and implement a multi-year strategy to expand The Green Bandana Project's reach, adoption, and impact in high schools, colleges, and universities nationwide.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for program growth, innovation, and partnership development to support long-term sustainability and scalability.
• Establish systems, processes, and infrastructure that enable the program to grow efficiently while maintaining fidelity and quality.
• Collaborate with the Director of Programs and Director of Education & Training to align program strategy with organizational goals and priorities.
• Monitor emerging trends in youth mental health, suicide prevention, and education to inform program enhancements and expansion opportunities.

Program Implementation and Operations

• Lead the planning, implementation, and ongoing management of The Green Bandana Project across diverse educational settings.
• Oversee program onboarding, technical assistance, and support for participating schools and campuses to ensure successful implementation.
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for key school, district, higher education, and community partners.
• Develop and refine program materials, resources, and implementation tools to support program growth and participant success.
• Evaluate and implement technology solutions that enhance program delivery, participant engagement, and network management.

Team Leadership and Capacity Building

• Supervise and support Program Coordinators and Program Associates, providing coaching, professional development, and performance management.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven team culture focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and measurable impact.
• Assess staffing and resource needs to support future program growth and expansion.

Evaluation, Learning and Impact Measurement

• Lead program evaluation efforts, including the development of key performance indicators, data collection systems, outcome measurement strategies, and reporting frameworks.
• Analyze program data to assess effectiveness, identify opportunities for improvement, and demonstrate impact to stakeholders.
• Support grant reporting, organizational reporting, and impact storytelling through the collection and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data.

Financial Management and Sustainability

• Develop and manage the annual program budget, ensuring resources are aligned with strategic priorities and growth objectives.
• Monitor program expenditures, forecast future resource needs, and identify opportunities for operational efficiencies.
• Contribute to grant proposals, funder reports, and sustainability planning efforts that support continued program expansion.

External Relations, Fundraising and Advocacy

• Represent SAVE and The Green Bandana Project at conferences, coalitions, professional associations, and stakeholder meetings.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with education leaders, community organizations, funders, and other strategic partners.
• Support fundraising, business development, and advocacy initiatives that increase awareness, adoption, and investment in the program.●
• Present program outcomes, best practices, and implementation strategies to diverse audiences nationwide.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., social work, public health, psychology, education); Master’s degree preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in program management, youth development, education, or related fields.
• Demonstrated commitment to mental health, youth programming, and suicide prevention.
• Experience supervising staff.
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in program evaluation methods and data-driven decision-making.
• Experience with budgeting and financial oversight in a nonprofit or educational setting is strongly preferred.
• Comfortable with public speaking, workshop facilitation, and community engagement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and comfort with CRM or database platforms.

Compensation/Benefits:

Salary: $70,000-$85,000 annually, dependent on skills and experience. We offer competitive

compensation and benefits packages for this position. If you are a dedicated professional

with a passion for community impact, we encourage you to apply and join our dynamic team.
To Apply:
Applications will be reviewed and phone screens offered on a rolling basis. The position is expected to close on September 22, 2026. In person interviews are expected to take place the week of September 28th. Anticipated start date is mid-October.
Note: This job description is intended to convey essential job functions and responsibilities and is not an

exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, and abilities required. SAVE reserves the right to revise the job

description as needed to comply with actual job requirements.