Director of Programs, Youth Arts & Community Impact

Groundswell; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

401(k)

12 paid holidays

15 vacation days

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Groundswell in Brooklyn, NY is seeking a Director of Programs to lead the heart of our work, overseeing the full Program Department, managing a six-person team, and partnering with the Executive Director and Board.

This senior role requires you to be in the field with funders, young people, and community partners, bringing strategic vision and operational structure to all programs we run across NYC. The role is hybrid with regular travel and field presence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• At least 8 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a nonprofit or school setting.
• At least 6 years at a senior leadership level, supervising a team of managers and a diverse program portfolio.
• Demonstrated experience in youth development, arts education, social justice, or a related field.
• Experience managing New York State and NYC government contracts (e.g., DYCD, DCLA, DCJS).
• Strong data and metrics skills; excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365, Zoom, and Google Workspace.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Leadership: set strategy for Studio Programs, School-Based Programs, Community Commissions, and Mural Operations; collaborate with the Board; manage program budgets.
• Team Management: supervise multiple managers and a six-person team; coach staff and lead cross-functional collaboration.
• Program Development, Oversight & Evaluation: oversee recruitment, site visits, outcomes aligned with Theory of Change; drive data-informed improvements.
• Stakeholder & Partner Engagement: represent Groundswell publicly; manage partnerships; travel for site visits and events.

Skills

Leadership in nonprofit

Youth development

Arts education

Social justice

Data & metrics

Written & verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft 365

Zoom

Google Workspace

Job description

Groundswell in Brooklyn, NY is seeking a Director of Programs to lead the heart of our work, overseeing the full Program Department, managing a six-person team, and partnering with the Executive Director and Board.

This senior role requires you to be in the field with funders, young people, and community partners, bringing strategic vision and operational structure to all programs we run across NYC. The role is hybrid with regular travel and field presence.