Programs Director

PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

Work alongside children and families to imagine more, reach further, and expand what is possible.

JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI | FULL-TIME | SENIOR LEADERSHIP

THE OPPORTUNITY

Operation Shoestring is seeking an experienced, thoughtful, and community-centered Programs Director to help lead the next chapter of its work with children and families in Jackson. This role is for a leader who can strengthen strong programs, develop people, bring new ideas to the table, and translate strategy into work that is responsive to community and produces meaningful results.

Working closely with the Executive Director and as a member of the senior leadership team, the Programs Director leads and supports program staff, strengthens program quality and effectiveness, builds meaningful relationships with families, schools, and community partners, and ensures that programs remain responsive to the strengths, needs, and aspirations of the people Operation Shoestring serves. The Programs Director combines strong people leadership with a commitment to learning, collaboration, accountability, and measurable impact.

WHO WILL THRIVE IN THIS ROLE

A leader who understands that excellent programs require both strong relationships and strong systems. Someone who listens well, develops staff, uses evidence and data to improve practice, understands the realities facing children and families, and has the judgment and initiative to introduce new ideas while staying grounded in mission and community.

WHAT YOU WILL LEAD

• Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership for Operation Shoestring programs, with accountability for quality, effectiveness, implementation, and results.
• Lead, coach, and develop program staff, creating clear expectations, useful feedback, strong supervision, and opportunities for individual and collective growth.
• Ensure programs are thoughtfully designed, effectively implemented, and held to a high standard of quality so they advance Operation Shoestring’s mission and demonstrate meaningful, measurable impact for children, families, and the community.
• Use program data, outcomes, evidence, staff learning, and community insight to assess effectiveness, strengthen practice, and inform new ideas.
• Guide program planning, budgeting, evaluation, and continuous improvement, working closely with administrative, development, and program staff.
• Ensure programs meet organizational standards and applicable funder and government requirements without allowing compliance to replace thoughtful program leadership.
• Build and sustain meaningful relationships with families, schools, community organizations, funders, volunteers, and other partners connected to the work.
• Bring a strong community perspective to organizational decisions and advocate for the interests and aspirations of children, families, and community stakeholders.
• Contribute as an active member of the senior leadership team, helping shape organizational strategy, solve problems, identify opportunities, and advance mission and strategic priorities.
• Partner with development and leadership staff on grants, fundraising, public engagement, and communication of program impact.
• Manage multiple priorities with sound judgment, follow-through, attention to detail, and a willingness to address both immediate needs and longer-term opportunities.

WHAT YOU BRING

We are looking for a leader who brings strong program judgment, people leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to equity and community. Competitive candidates will bring:

• Demonstrated belief in the values, vision, mission, and strategies of Operation Shoestring.
• Demonstrated experience working with children, families, schools, or communities experiencing economic inequity, with an understanding of education, social justice, and equity.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience, including meaningful responsibility for program leadership, staff supervision, or organizational initiatives.
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. A graduate degree is preferred.
• A strategic mindset and the ability to move between vision, program design, implementation, staff leadership, and operational detail.
• Experience using outcomes, evaluation, data, and reporting to understand program effectiveness and improve practice.
• Strong supervisory and staff-development skills, including the ability to build trust, set expectations, give useful feedback, and support a productive team culture.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with staff, families, community partners, funders, volunteers, board members, and public officials.
• Experience with budgeting, grants, and program resource management.
• Working knowledge of nonprofit operations and relevant state and federal requirements.
• Comfort using technology for communication, program management, reporting, evaluation, and analysis, including common Microsoft Office tools.
• The judgment to make timely program decisions that reflect organizational values and community commitments.
• A valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, reliable personal transportation, and personal vehicle liability insurance.

HOW WE WORK

The Programs Director works across the organization and in community. The role collaborates closely with the Executive Director, program and administrative staff, families, schools, community partners, volunteers, board members, funders, supporters, and public officials. The Programs Director is expected to bring ideas, ask good questions, listen to the people closest to the work, and help the organization make sound decisions about how programs can have the greatest impact.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position is $78,000 to $82,000. Final compensation will reflect the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications within the advertised range.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will be coordinated through the search process managed by SHARED Strategy Group. Candidates must submit a detailed resume and cover letter through this application. For questions or to submit a candidate referral, email the search committee leads, Daymian McGuire at View email address on aiapply.co or Prentiss McLin II at View email address on aiapply.co.