DREF Director of Programs Position to be Filled

Director of Programs 
Position Description 

Download Position Description PDF

Position Overview

The Director of Programs will be responsible for overall strategic direction, leadership and management of research and educational programs as related to The Center for Research on African American Women (The Center) and grant/scholarship administration strategies designed to broaden the awareness and support of The Delta Research & Educational Foundation (DREF) and its mission.

The Director of Programs may serve as the managing editor of The Center's scholarly publication. This staff person will work in conjunction with the Executive Director to prepare and submit funding proposals. The Director of Programs will assist the Executive Director with the implementation of The Foundation's Charitable Engagement Services, specifically directing and managing the overall grant/scholarship making components, custom grants and all grant/scholarship reporting. The Director of Programs will forge private and public sector partnerships and fundraising alliances that will enable DREF to expand its reach and services. Additionally, the Director of Programs may supervise staff and volunteers.

This position reports to the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads the development of the Foundation's research and educational development program• Manages the Community Empowerment Grantmaking programs and other grant/scholarship initiatives 
• Develops an annual and multi-year plan, including objectives and budget
• Manages day-to day aspects of grant and scholarship programs including communications with chapters and grant reporting
• Writes proposals, grants and other materials in support of programs or fundraising efforts
• Serves as a member of the management team, and participates in the development and implementation of strategic and tactical plans as well as general management of the Foundation
• Researches and identifies viable funding prospects for The Center and prepares the appropriate applications and proposals for grants and other funding opportunities from foundations, corporations, associations and government entities associations and government entities in conjunction with the Executive Director
• Researches and identifies new program prospects and fundraising sources, with emphasis on community foundations and governmental entities; writes, edits and manages programmatic funding proposals for The Foundation; assists the Executive Director with other development tasks
• Reviews incoming and outgoing proposal submissions for The Foundation and local chapters, evaluating them for soundness of project design and adequacy of program evaluation and sustainability
• Prepares and presents program funding recommendations to the DREF Board President and Exe review and submission to the Board of Directors
• Designs and executes program monitoring methods for Foundation grants and special projects, including negotiation of specific measurable objectives for grant contracts with each grantee, review of regular grant reports, and administering surveys
• Assists with providing technical assistance to grantees including conducting orientation sessions for new grantees, convening and leading workshops and roundtable discussions
• Communicates information about Foundation initiatives to policymakers, designated communities, service providers, collaborative partners, and the general public
• Maintains a close working relationship with DREF Board of Directors, including updating and communicating on a regular basis regarding Program progress
• Provides support to the Research and Program Planning Board Committee and other Board committees or advisory committees that may relate to primary focus, such as the Sister Scholars Advisory Council; tasks may include preparation for meetings and producing publications.
• Performs managing editor duties for the DREF scholarly journal and other Foundation publications, i.e. developing editorial content, coordinating publication production schedule, assembling editorial production team (writers, editors, designer, printer), and interfacing with the editorial review team.
• Represents DREF at public or private engagements.
• Performs administrative duties related to the above responsibilities (database management, web-page maintenance, award notification letters, data compilation and analysis, general correspondence); may supervise support staff as appropriate
• Assumes additional and other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor's degree required; a master's degree in a relevant area preferred
• Three or more years relevant experience in nonprofit management, or related field. Preference given to candidates with previous grantmaking experience
•  Enthusiastic, passionate strategic thinker who embraces the mission and core operating principles of DREF
• Minimum seven years of experience in increasingly responsible positions
• Strong and diverse experience in issues affecting African American women and their families 
• Good understanding of nonprofit organization management
• Strong analytical and communication skills, ability to write clearly and succinctly under tight deadlines; good public speaking skills and ability make well organized oral presentations.
• The ability to think creatively and strategically about the broad goals of the Foundation, while remaining focused on the detail-oriented work and follow-through required by the position. 
• Fundraising background as it relates to seeking and securing program grants from funders Driven self-starter with a demonstrated track record of' success in developing and executing on a long-term, multi-tiered strategy
• Excellent project management skills including influencing, leading, negotiating, and delegating abilities
• Proficient computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required;
• Financial and active membership status in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 
• To apply for this position, please send resume and cover letter to jobs@deltafoundation.net not later than November 14, 2022. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.