Director Of Programs

ROLE: Director of Programs

LOCATION: Wilmington, DE START DATE: January 2025

OUR STORY

SummerCollab co-creates youth programs that energize kids to love learning, play wildly and believe in the power of their unique talents.  We envision a world filled with imaginative, confident young people who believe in their unique talents, intelligence and unlimited possibility.  Our signature programs provide new experiences and rich activities designed to narrow learning gaps in low income communities.  We focus on cultivating self-worth, self-discovery, and meaningful human connection.  Through these programs, kids learn to be vulnerable, persistent and curious while exploring new experiences. A side effect of this work is improved confidence, academic engagement and performance.  

YOUR ROLE

The Director of Programs oversees all program operations including, but not limited to, Tyler’s Camp, CollabClub, and LitCorps..  This includes managing 21st Century Learning Center Programs, programs licensed by the Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing, and AmeriCorps Programs.   The Director of Programs is also responsible for ensuring all programs implement SummerCollab programming with fidelity, collecting and summarizing assessment data, and creating positive learning environments where each participant engages with exceptional staff.

The Director of Programs is an integral part of the leadership team and is involved in strategic planning, continual improvement, long-term goal identification, budgeting, financial development, and going to scale planning and implementation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development

• Provides daily vision and  leadership, management, and mentorship for assigned staff team ensuring they have clear direction, resources, and support to achieve their individual and team objectives and to ensure quality execution of goals within budget.

• Develops and cultivates relationships with collaborative partners to create, facilitate and expand innovative programs that address community needs.

• Works closely with partner school districts, and collaborates on student recruitment and engagement, logistics, and data sharing.

• Serves as SummerCollab’s representative on 21st Century advisory committee(s) and ensures completion of required obligations, including collection of related data.

• Recruits, interviews, hires, trains and supervises all program staff and AmeriCorps members.

• Develops and coordinates all program staff training.

• Oversees all aspects of parent communication, supply management, curriculum development, attendance tracking, program registration and program evaluation.

• Manages internal communications and collaboration within the Program staff team.

• Works with the Director of Operations to gather information and material necessary to produce the SummerCollab Annual Report, registration flyers, enrollment packets, handbooks, field guides and all other materials necessary for program operations.

• Ensures compliance with all federal, state and local program requirements and with internal program evaluation systems.

Operations Support

• Develops and cultivates relationships with key partners to understand their issues, concerns, and challenges and to determine if/how to leverage the expertise of SummerCollab to meet their needs, including troubleshooting for high-priority and complex projects.

• Assists with grant applications and reports as assigned.

• Works closely with the President/CEO and Leadership Team to inform program design, planning, budget development, assessment and continuous improvement for program outcomes and impact.

• Support the President/CEO in quarterly, annual and long-term strategic and financial planning

• Actively cultivates an inclusive work environment that contributes to the achievement of the organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals and cultural competences, including but not limited to the areas of recruitment, retention, and training and development

• Contributes to special initiatives and program expansion as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

SummerCollab seeks positive, passionate educators with the desire to motivate youth to learn and grow.  The ideal candidate is proactive, flexible and open to constructive feedback, willing and eager to build upon practices as an educator. He/she will demonstrate strengths in communication and classroom management, as well as the ability to address classroom challenges quickly and effectively. Experience working with children is required, and experience working with children in grades K-8 is preferred. The ideal candidate has a growth mindset, a strong belief in student-centered learning, and the drive to help program participants become excited about learning!  

SummerCollab seeks an exceptional leader with project management skills and an unyielding commitment to advocating for youth. The candidate is flexible and adaptive to work in a fast-paced environment and has a positive attitude. This position requires a high level of organization: someone who has excellent written communication and research skills, can work independently as well as part of a team, is highly detail-oriented, has the capacity to quickly learn and articulate complex concepts, and can consistently meet established deadlines. This position also requires the ability to manage a team, strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize effectively while making quick decisions. 

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field and at least three years of leadership or management experience and demonstrated success with project or program management.  Work with nonprofits is a plus.

Knowledge in the areas of education inequity, youth development and summer/afterschool programming; familiarity/experience with Google Workspace; and experience managing AmeriCorps grants are desirable qualifications. Any employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of required background checks.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

SummerCollab is an equal opportunity employer that strives to be a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, partners, community, volunteers, contractors, and vendors. We respect and value diverse life experiences and cultures and ensure that all voices are valued and heard. 

SummerCollab does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression/identity, age, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical ability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This is a full time, year-round position.  Salary is commensurate with experience, skills, education and training.    Full time employees receive paid holidays, vacation, sick and personal days. Some members of the SummerCollab team work in a hybrid environment with work days spread between our office in Wilmington, Delaware, program sites throughout Delaware and work from home opportunities. However, the Director of Programs position requires daily in-office and on-site work.  Hybrid work is not available for this position.  Any employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of required background checks.