Parents have the power to shape their children’s futures. Families First’s (www.families-first.org) mission is to bring parents of young children together in their communities to strengthen their parenting knowledge, skills, and support systems. Our model encompasses parenting education and support, parent leadership, and alumni opportunities.

It is an exciting time for the organization, as we are seeing incredible outcomes from our programs and are in the process of expansion. This position will work alongside the Senior Director of Strategic Growth & Programming to oversee key aspects of the program department. The Senior Director oversees overall program department strategy, strategic growth, partnership management, and supervision and support to our field staff as they work to implement the programs. The Director of Programming & Evaluation will provide key support to our central office program team functions, including oversight of the curriculum and training strategy, family engagement work, and evaluation and systems. In addition, this role will ensure programs are implemented with quality and fidelity to our model with a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The Director of Programming & Evaluation will also serve on the leadership team to advance organizational goals and cross-departmental priorities.

This is a full-time, 40-hour/week, exempt, hybrid position, working 2+ days in-person at the central office in Watertown while also providing flexibility for remote work. This position also requires availability to attend occasional evening and weekend events/meetings and may include some travel in Greater Boston, Western Massachusetts, and new regions as the organization expands. This position reports to the Senior Director of Strategic Growth and Programming.

Main Responsibilities

Oversee the central office program department team and functions, including determining strategic priorities and vision for the central office

• Supervise the Assistant Director of Curriculum & Training, Evaluation & Database Manager, and Family Engagement Manager, which includes the creation and support of annual goals, completion of quarterly check-ins and annual reviews, and general support as needed
• Develop and manage the central office program department budget
• Create and maintain a team culture where everyone is valued and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are integrated into all aspects of the work

Oversee evaluation and data management strategy and monitor quality and fidelity to our program models

• Support and guide the development and implementation of the overall evaluation strategy and plan in collaboration with the Evaluation & Database Manager
• Support the ongoing relationship with university research partner
• Ensure all programmatic efforts meet the needs of partners and communities through regular evaluation and review
• Monitor program data and partner with directors/managers to monitor program implementation with a lens on continuous improvement and quality, ensuring consistency when needed across regions
• In collaboration with the Evaluation & Database Manager, support and guide program administrative staff to build and update systems (e.g., Salesforce, Form Assembly, Google Suite) and protocols across regions to ensure programs are implemented with quality and field staff are supported

Oversee family engagement strategy for the organization, including all components of the parent leadership pathway, management of enrichment partners, and alumni services

• Collaborate with directors/managers to determine family engagement strategy components across regions
• Support the creation and implementation of a plan to provide opportunities and leadership development for parent leaders participating in Families First’s parent leadership pathway and for parents in alumni services
• Co-develop a strategy for cultivating and engaging enrichment partners, including differentiation of needs across regions, and provide support in partner management

Oversee the strategy for program curricula and training of Program Facilitators who implement our programs in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Curriculum & Training

• Support the development of a plan for ongoing curricula updates and training needs, including plans related to future growth and expansion
• Oversee curricula and training quality management strategy
• Communicate regularly with Regional Directors to ensure continuous improvement and fidelity to the model
• Serve as a consultant for major curricula changes and amendments
• Attend Program Facilitator meetings and retreat

Ideal Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in managing programs, supervising staff, and leading departmental strategy with similar types of work or programs
• A Master’s degree in social work, public health, public administration, nonprofit management, education, etc., may be substituted for two years of the required experience
• Experience working in culturally diverse environments and a deep understanding of issues related to diversity and cultural responsiveness are desired
• Strong supervisory skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong communication
• Knowledge and experience with research, evaluation, and database systems (preferably Salesforce)
• Knowledge and experience with curriculum development, training, and facilitation
• Comfort with technology
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Attention to detail and flexibility
• Bilingual in Spanish and English is a plus

Starting Salary Range

The starting salary range is $88,000 – $95,500, with the opportunity for growth over time. Families First offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, health and dental insurance, access to a Flexible Spending Account, and 403(b).

Families First has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We aim to attract qualified candidates who hold these same values and help us further recognize and celebrate the diversity among us.