Program Manager

Indigo Research•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

The International Research Olympiad (IRO) is a global STEM competition for students aged 13–18 that develops research skills applicable across disciplines. The Program Manager is the dedicated, full-time owner of IRO’s growth and day-to-day operations. The role is accountable for growing registrations and paid participation, developing partnerships, clubs and community, and ensuring the competition runs smoothly as it scales. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role focused on turning IRO’s existing global audience and student community, together with school and organizational partnerships, into a repeatable growth engine. The Program Manager works closely with IRO leadership, the Board of Advisors, partner organizations, ambassadors and schools. The role covers mentor recruitment and support; the full competition cycle, including online rounds and in-person Finals; Board and advisor relationships; and reporting on registrations, revenue, partnerships and participant outcomes.

Requirements

1–3 years of experience in partnerships, program operations, events, or growth.
Experience conducting outreach to schools, educators, or organizations and following through to signed partnerships.
Experience planning and running in-person events, ideally for students or international attendees.
Experience supporting a board, advisory group, or senior stakeholders, including meetings and communications.
Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder projects with fixed deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Background in education, research, STEM, competitions, or youth programming.
Experience in research competitions or olympiads, as a participant or organizer.

Responsibilities

Identify current and future mentor shortages in specific disciplines.
Lead end-to-end mentor recruitment, including drafting job descriptions, posting roles, sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, and sending offers and contracts.
Train and onboard mentors and hold regular quality-review meetings to discuss performance, share best practices, and drive continuous improvement.
Coordinate the full competition cycle, including registration, online rounds, in-person Finals, results, awards, and certificates.
Keep practice exams, curriculum resources, and rules up to date for students and teachers.
Provide clear, timely support to students, parents, teachers, and partners throughout the competition cycle.
Own logistics for the in-person IRO Finals, from venue selection and contracting through event day.
Manage the Finals budget and vendors, including catering, AV, signage, printed materials, and awards.
Coordinate finalist communications, including invitations, registration, travel and accommodation guidance, visa letters, and on-site schedules.
Plan the Finals program, including the exam, presentations, judging, ceremonies, and networking, with advisors, judges, partners, and volunteers.
Ensure student safety and wellbeing on site, including chaperone requirements, consent forms, and emergency procedures.
Build processes and conduct post-event reviews to help IRO and the Finals scale while maintaining quality.
Serve as the main point of contact for the Board of Advisors, managing communications, onboarding, and day-to-day relationships.
Plan and run Board meetings, including scheduling, agendas, briefing materials, minutes, and follow-up on action items.
Coordinate Board involvement in the competition, including exam and question review, judging, awards, and the Finals.
Recruit and onboard new advisors and keep Board profiles and public listings up to date.
Keep the Board informed through regular updates on registrations, results, partnerships, and key decisions.
Create dashboards and regular reporting on registrations, revenue, and partner performance for IRO leadership and the Board.
Track participant data accurately so outcomes, alumni, and partner impact can be measured over time.