Position Overview: The Senior Program Director is responsible for ensuring the effective design and delivery of high-quality programs, cultivating and managing partnerships with key stakeholders, and providing strategic leadership for internal operations as a core member of FSP's Leadership Team.
Core Responsibilities
Program Oversight
- Supervise seasonal program leaders and ensure effective delivery of CDF Freedom Schools®.
- Maintain visibility at summer sites, events, and community meetings.
- Support partnerships with CMS, CDF and key vendors (e.g., transportation).
- Lead the program's continuous improvement process.
Partnerships
- Cultivate positive and sustainable relationships with key site partners, community agencies and school contacts.
- Plan and facilitate Partnership Network meetings and Cohesion Sessions (including preparation of agenda and all meeting presentation materials).
- Engage and serve as a contact with key community agencies that work within similar operational spaces.
- Maintain awareness of community partnerships and build relationships to strengthen FSP's ability to fulfill its' mission.
- In partnership with the COO, support key relationships with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
- Responsible for executing MOUs with FSP Partnership Network.
- Evaluate partnership opportunities and make recommendations regarding FSP's role, based on what is best for our scholars.
Recruitment and Training
- Develop, lead and implement processes to recruit the seasonal Freedom School program team.
- Develop, lead, and implement the overall training for FSP seasonal personnel.
Management and Programmatic Support
- Provide leadership and oversight to FSP team members managing year round engagement, scholar recruitment, registration, field trips, on-site programming, and the acquisition of supplies for summer operations.
Leadership Team Engagement
- Work closely with the CEO and COO on strategic initiatives, board engagement, and program initiatives.
- Attend Board of Directors and Board Committee meetings as requested by the CEO.
- Prepare Board meeting reports and deliver updates.
- Serve as an active member of the Leadership Team, guiding strategic challenges and opportunities.
- Stay informed on national, state, and local developments relevant to FSP's mission and share insights with staff.
- In partnership with the COO, document, review, and update organizational policies and procedures to reflect best practices and compliance standards.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of leadership and team management experience.
- Bachelor's degree
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft and G Suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office 365)
- Experience with a Cloud-based platform, i.e. SharePoint or OneDrive
- Organized, with a strong ability to multi-task
- Willingness to learn computer applications
- Professional presence and presentation
- Highly motivated and willing to support organizational needs beyond primary responsibilities
- Valid ID and reliable transportation
- Commitment to educational equity, social justice, and the mission of CDF Freedom Schools®.
Core Competencies
- Exceptional problem-solving skills and adaptability.
- Ability to build relationships and collaborate across diverse stakeholders.
- Proactive and results-driven mindset.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary
- FSP offers a generous benefits program, including vacation, holiday, and sick/personal days, as well as employer-paid health, life, and AD&D insurance.
Application Process
Interested applicants should visit www.ascendnps.org/nonprofit-careers/ and submit a cover letter and resume for the Freedom School Partners Senior Program Director. Applications are due by January 15, 2026. Please be aware that we cannot accept inquiry calls or emails.
Who We Are
Freedom School Partners is a nonprofit organization that inspires young scholars to love reading and learning, believe in themselves, and create extraordinary futures. FSP serves our community's most vulnerable children, providing access to a rich summer learning experience that helps them maintain or improve their reading ability. College student interns lead Freedom Schools and connect scholars to a broader community that believes in and advocates for them. Additionally, FSP engages parents as partners to support their scholars' success.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or any other basis protected by law. Employment is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications.
Disclaimer
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by the person(s) assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
