Program Director

ABOUT PLAYWORKS, at Playworks we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We are changing the school climate by leveraging the power of safe, fun, and healthy play at school every day. We create a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills by partnering with schools, districts, and after-school programs through services including digital engagement, on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support play, and consultative partnerships.

ABOUT THE POSITION, in the role of Program Director of Playworks Arizona, you will report to the Vice President, Field Operations and lead the planning and implementation of Playworks' comprehensive school-based play, youth leadership development and training programming. In this position, you are responsible for managing the recruitment, staffing, performance, training and development of all program and training staff, partnerships with schools and districts, grant compliance and evaluation, and initiatives that drive regional scaling and sustainability. You will be part of the regional leadership team, providing leadership that focuses on Playworks' three pillars of regional success: sustainable financials, sustainable impact and sustainable teams. Specifically you will:

• Lead regional impact strategy that aligns with organizational goals of increasing schools' ownership over safe and healthy play and ultimately creating long-term systems change in public education
• Direct all elements of Playworks direct service programming, including planning, implementation, training, evaluation and program quality
• Jointly develop and implement a strategic sustainability plan as a member of the regional Leadership Team
• Provide ongoing leadership, support and coaching to program team to ensure high program quality and strong school partnerships
• Working independently (or, as applicable, with your regional sales lead), recruit, retain and grow school partnerships at both the school and district level
• Monitor program budget and accounting for program expenditures in collaboration with the regional Executive Director and Associate Director
• Develop and manage a robust recruitment, hiring and retention plan for all regional program positions with an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion
• Oversee aspects of program staff performance management, learning and development
• Represent Playworks at regional events, district meetings and local partnership coalitions
• Work closely with the headquarters team and other regional Program Directors throughout the country to share best practices and promote learning

Team Management:

• Responsible for direct supervision of 1-2 employees including Program Managers, Trainers, etc.
• Develop and support the implementation of a school based staff appreciation plan
• Assess school partner needs in order to identify appropriate Playworks service and plan for implementation
• Coordinate with regional leadership and Operations Manager to plan and implement program staff retreat annually
• Support program manager in developing and facilitating regular team meetings with program and training staff

Program:

• Support program staff with implementation of program components
• Responsible for securing at least six TeamUp and six PairUp renewals for all current school partnerships annually
• Direct and/or supervise elements of Playworks programming and consultation services, including implementation, evaluation and program quality, with a lens for moving schools to independence from Playworks
• Conduct regular program observations & data reviews to ensure high quality programming
• Work closely with Operations Manager to analyze and leverage data metrics to improve program quality for school partners
• Program event planning and implementation (i.e. Junior Coach leadership conference)
• Assist in special events, field trips, etc.
• Support with school incident report follow up
• Support the implementation of a year long stewardship plan for our partner schools
• Support program staff with bi-annual school administration meetings
• Attend regional sales team meetings as needed

Training:

• Responsible for planning and implementation for training delivery at elementary school sites and youth organizations
• Support trainers to ensure timely and appropriate scheduling
• Correspond with Pro partners to address and ensure any specific training details
• Facilitate monthly training observations and provide staff with feedback
• Work closely with sales lead to assess school partner transitions between services
• Utilize feedback to coach and develop training staff
• Support with training-related incident report follow up

If you're a good fit for this position, you already know most of what this job entails. However, to be sure we're providing a complete picture, here are some additional details:

• Success in this position will require strong leadership skills with a background that includes demonstrated excellence in managing a complex program.
• Your prior leadership experiences and references should reflect a leadership style that is inclusive, adaptable, and brings out the best in a team.
• You will be successful if you possess excellent organizational and analytical skills and the ability to multi-task and meet aggressive deadlines with a track record as an entrepreneurial self-starter.
• You will have a deep knowledge of the public school system and nonprofit landscape in the region, and a strong connection to Playworks' mission and values.
• Successful candidates will possess versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• The strongest candidate will have the demonstrated ability to maintain poise and demeanor appropriate to portray an image of professionalism as defined by Playworks and possess a documented history of successfully delivering compelling and effective presentations.

Required Skills & Experience

• 3 – 5 years of successful supervisory and management experience.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships internally and externally with strong interpersonal skills and cross-cultural proficiencies.
• Strong computer skills, ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results and proficiency in Google applications and Salesforce.
• Ability to thrive working both independently and within team settings.
• High professional standards and strong leadership skills, with the ability to both drive strategies and manage practical details.
• Knowledge of the cultural and educational landscape of the region.
• Experience working with or within public schools and/or education sector programs.
• Staff and volunteer support and training experience.
• This position may require travel to various regional locations.
• You must have outstanding communication skills-in addition to maintaining an open line of communication, you'll demonstrate excellent communication skills, including good phone and email etiquette and the ability to facilitate small and large group presentations.
• Requires flexibility to readily adapt to a changing environment.

Compensation & Benefits:

Playworks offers the full package - great benefits, a fun place to work and an opportunity to grow professionally. We offer:

• This is a full-time, exempt position.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k), life insurance, employee funded pre-tax health, and child care spending accounts.
• Generous flexible paid time off policy with paid sick and holiday leave

This is a hands-on, creative, playful and fun-loving place to work, all while contributing to the success of our nation's youth. So if you're ready to immerse yourself in the education sector, working on a rewarding set of challenges and if you've got the skills, experience, passion, and a team spirit, apply!

Please include:

• A cover letter describing your interest in Playworks and how your experience has prepared you for this role.
• Resume.
• References will be requested.

Typical physical and mental demands:

This position requires sufficient physical ability and mobility to stand for extended periods at times; walk on a school site in various weather conditions; to climb stairs at some sites; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist and, dependent on assignment the employee may occasionally lift, push, pull and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Playworks is changing the way children experience school every day by leveraging the power of safe and healthy play. We create a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills. Our ambitions demand that we invest in recruiting, developing and managing a team that reflects the broad diversity of our communities.

Our core values of inclusion, respect, healthy community and healthy play are the foundation of our organization and are infused in all aspects of our work, including recruiting and retaining the best talent we can. While diversity is often used in reference to visual characteristics such as race, ethnicity, age, sex and physical appearance, we embrace a broader definition of diversity that also includes less visible factors, We also recognize that individuals can affiliate with multiple identities.

As an equal opportunity program, Playworks encourages applications from all individuals regardless of national origin, religion, gender, differing abilities (physical, mental, learning), sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, political affiliation, military experience, and any other legally protected basis. Playworks evaluates all candidates on a merit basis.