Director of Educational Programs

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

The Faith & Politics Institute (FPI) seeks a Director of Educational Programs to manage all aspects of planning and execution of its Scholars, Fellows, and Leaders programs. As a member of the FPI leadership team, the Director of Educational Programs will report to the President and CEO and work collaboratively with colleagues to fulfill the organization’s educational mission.

OVERVIEW

The Faith & Politics Institute works to bridge the divides that arise in our thriving democracy and create productive paths forward. We ground our work in the philosophy of civil rights leader and our Board Chair Emeritus, the late Congressman John Lewis. In order to form a more perfect union, like Lewis we believe in making lasting positive change that “the means and ends are inseparable.” Since 1991, we’ve brought US Presidents and Cabinet members, hundreds of Members of Congress of both chambers and political parties, other global, national, and state officials, nonprofit and corporate leaders together through our nonpartisan work to better understand our past and to create a better future.

This exempt level position requires a creative self-starter, natural leader and strong team player who can excel in strategic planning and operational execution for new educational programs. We are looking for a hard-working, mission-driven, highly collaborative work style with a positive team-first attitude. Candidates must be able to work with diverse populations, including viewpoint diversity. Extensive writing, both scientific and informal, is required, and strong communications skills – written and verbal -- are a must. Demonstrating an ability to handle competing priorities in a growing organization to effectively leverage resources, meet multiple deadlines and balance numerous projects for the good of the organization is a priority. Equal parts integrity, compassion, patience and comity are necessary to address the sometimes unpredictable and at times deeply divided political environment in a professional, poised, positive and productive manner.

This is a general overview of some of the details of the duties expected to be performed during employment. This document is not all inclusive and responsibilities will change as the needs and objectives of the Institute change.

Summary/Objective

The Director plans, directs, and executes the educational, administrative and operational activities of Scholars, Fellows, and Leaders Program. The position also manages the day-to-day responsibilities of the programs.

Essential Functions

1. Program Planning & Operation

The Director will develop, plan, and implement curriculum consistent with the program’s goals, including but not limited to developing educational content and enrichment programs with the guidance of the CEO. Responsible for executing all logistical details of each programmatic session and related events, and production of supporting written materials. Work to ensure the program’s success, including making future data-driven program recommendations. Create program benchmarks and tracking surveys with established metrics and manage data collection to scientifically evaluate the programs’ success and utilize findings to strengthen them.

Support informal and formal mentorship of program participants and manage the selection process of participants. Develop and leverage relationships to support the program’s activities and mission, including building structured partnerships and activities with strategic partners and speakers. Ensure support of the Scholars and Fellows with management of administrative and operational activities.

2. Communications

 Develop and implement communication efforts to support program goals and to increase stakeholder awareness of the program. Draft and revise marketing materials. Maintain online presence through websites and social media for resources and communication. This includes developing and ensure posting new content to the site, removing outdated material, and ensuring that links work as expected. Communicate programmatic updates, training dates and upcoming events via Facebook, Twitter, and email, among others.

3. Administration

Working with the CEO and communications staff, establish and lead program participant recruitment efforts. Respond to prospective participant inquiries. Manage the application-based admission process, including training selection committee members, reviewing applications, and communicating applicant choices from the Institute.

 Oversee budget items that support the participants’ co-curricular activities and travel, while maintaining compliance with Institute policies and federal and local laws. Facilitate reimbursements and payments for all programmatic activities. Responsible for making purchases on behalf of the Institute via credit card and reconciling transactions.

 4. Supervisory Responsibility

• Co-directs Program Assistant and program interns

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full time (some travel may be required)
• Exempt

Required Education and Experience

• Master's degree or equivalent required; Ph.D. preferred
• 8-10 years of relevant experience, preferably working with civically engaged, academically talented, and/or underrepresented students
• Past instruction or small group facilitation experience with undergraduate students a plus
• Experience identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills, including leadership development

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Exceptional at resolving any problems efficiently and in a timely manner;
• High level of integrity and ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality; 
• Ability to manage numerous projects at one time, be detail-oriented, and follow-through with a high level of accuracy;
• Positive; proactive; and team-focused attitude;  
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships with supervisors, colleagues, and stakeholders;
• Accepts and acts on performance-based feedback and direction;
• Works well under pressure and handles stress with grace;
• Ability to travel for all programs and advance travel (approx. 10%);
• Works a flexible schedule that may include long hours, nights, and weekends on occasion;
• Grant-writing is required so existing grant writing skills a plus;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee may also be regularly required to travel by automobile, walking short distances, taking trains or air travel to achieve work goals. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the manager's job.

Please send resume and cover letter to the email below.