Job Summary
The Program Director provides strategic leadership, management, and oversight for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation's portfolio of literacy initiatives that transform lives and communities through literacy. Reporting to the Chief Strategic Partnerships & Programs Officer, the Program Director is responsible for planning, implementing, evaluating, and continuously improving programs that serve children, families, educators, and community partners throughout Greater Houston.
This position leads a team of project professionals, cultivates strong relationships with school districts, nonprofit organizations, libraries, healthcare providers, corporate partners, and ensures that all Foundation programs are executed with excellence, measurable impact, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with the Foundation's strategic priorities.
Major Responsibilities & Duties
- Provide strategic leadership for the Foundation's portfolio of literacy programs from planning through evaluation.
- Play an active leadership role in developing annual program goals, implementation plans, performance metrics, and budgets aligned with the Foundation's strategic plan.
- Ensure all programs are delivered with fidelity, quality, efficiency, and measurable outcomes.
- Identify opportunities to expand or literacy initiatives that address community needs.
- Guide team in the implementation of multiple literacy initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with grant requirements, contracts, and partnership agreements that the Foundation receives from donors, foundations, and corporations.
- Monitor program budgets and expenditures in collaboration with Foundation leadership.
- Develop and maintain workflows, procedures, and quality assurance systems.
- Supervise, mentor, coach, and develop Project Managers and Project Coordinators.
- Conduct performance evaluations of program staff in accordance with the Foundation's performance management policies and procedures; establish performance expectations, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, identify professional development opportunities, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with school districts, educators, nonprofit organizations, libraries, healthcare partners, volunteers, funders, and community leaders.
- Represent the Foundation at meetings, conferences, community events, and partner engagements.
- Provide oversight of the Foundation's grants management system supporting local literacy organizations and collaborative initiatives.
- Lead the review and evaluation of grant proposals to ensure alignment with the Foundation's mission, strategic priorities, funding criteria, and community impact goals.
- Oversee the development, execution, and administration of grant agreements, ensuring compliance with Foundation policies and funding requirements.
- Monitor grantee performance through regular communication, progress reports, site visits, and other evaluation activities.
- Collaborate with Development and Marketing & Communications to communicate program impact and support donor cultivation and stewardship.
- Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and outcome measures for Foundation programs.
- Collect, analyze, and report program data demonstrating impact and continuous improvement.
- Develop and maintain systems to measure and communicate the collective impact of both Foundation-operated programs and externally funded literacy initiatives.
- Work collaboratively with Development, Finance, Operations, and Marketing & Communications to achieve organizational goals.
- Support Foundation events and other duties as assigned.
Experience & Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in K–12 education or an educational nonprofit organization required.
- Direct literacy knowledge and experience, including evidence-based reading instruction or literacy initiatives, preferred.
- Experience leading educational or community-based programs with multiple stakeholders.
- Experience supervising and developing staff.
- Strong project management, budgeting, organizational, and analytical skills.
- Experience using program data to measure outcomes and drive continuous improvement.
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
- Strong relationship-building skills with educators, community partners, corporate supporters, and donors.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with CRM, project management, and data management systems.
- High degree of professionalism, initiative, sound judgment, and commitment to the Foundation's mission.
Core Competencies
- Strategic Leadership
- Program Management
- Grant Management
- Staff Leadership & Coaching
- Project Management
- Relationship Building
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Communication & Presentation
- Continuous Improvement
- Mission-Driven Leadership
Working/Travel Conditions
Ability to carry and/or lift up to 20 pounds. Work is normally performed in a typical work environment.
Employees must also be able to drive or arrange for personal, reliable transportation to and from work-related meetings and event.
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits, including access to healthcare and retirement plans are available.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Education:
Experience:
- K-12 Education: 5 years (Preferred)
- Nonprofit management: 5 years (Required)
- Supervising: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
