Country Dance & Song Society > About CDSS > Job Opportunities > Director of Programs

Director of Programs

Job Title: Director of Programs
Date: November 18, 2024
Position info: 37.5 hr/week salaried exempt position with benefits
Location: Flexible; proximity to CDSS home office preferred (located in Easthampton, MA)
Reports to: Executive Director
Oversees: Camp Operations Manager, Affiliate Coordinator, Program Directors
Salary Range: $48,000-$53,000 DOE
Benefits: Eligible for 403b & paid time off (PTO); MA residents are eligible for health insurance through CDSS
Closing date: January 3, 2025

Position Overview:

The Director of Programs (DoP) will provide program leadership and artistic direction for CDSS dance, music, and song programs. The DoP is responsible for the delivery and overall success of each program: setting programmatic goals in accordance with the strategic objectives of the organization, hiring program and support staff, supervising direct-reports and Program Directors, and reporting on progress and performance. A successful DoP must have a broad knowledge of program management principles. They must have a strategic mindset as well as be able to lead and develop those they manage. It is the DoP’s responsibility to ensure that every program is mission-aligned and delivered effectively.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Develop and direct year-round programming

  • Create a menu of mission-aligned online workshops and programs to offer when camps are not in session, supported by Affiliate Coordinator.
  • Pilot regional in-person skill-building opportunities.
  • Define, pilot, and evaluate business models that promote engagement and remove access barriers.
  • Devise program evaluation strategies to encourage a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Oversee hiring of program staff for year-round programming.

Direct CDSS Summer Residential Camp Programs

  • Steward the focus and mission of each Camp Program, in alignment with CDSS Camps mission, vision, and values.
  • Hire and oversee a Program Director for each session, who in turn selects the program staff for the week, ensuring that the program operates within the budget and aligns with the stated mission of the week and the larger organization. DoP establishes good communication with Program Directors and provides guidance, recommendations, and problem-solving as needed.
  • Guide and oversee adjustments, expansion, and contraction of programming, primarily through the selection and management of Program Directors.
  • Identify Intensive Course offerings and select sessions in which they will occur. Hire and oversee leaders of embedded Intensive Courses.
  • In coordination with Program Directors, administer contracts to program staff.

Liaise with Camp Facilities regarding contract negotiations

  • Negotiate annual rates and fees, in consultation with the Camp Operations Manager and Executive Director.
  • Oversee hiring and contracting of seasonal Camp Operations Managers and support staff for each facility
  • Provide oversight and support for Program Registration and Scholarship Administration
  • Guide and support Camp Operations Coordinator, ensuring that systems and communications are functioning properly, registrations are going smoothly, and scholarship funds are being administered appropriately.
  • Provide to the Executive Director periodic reports on registration trends and high-level analysis of program efficacy and sustainability.

CDSS Leadership Duties

  • Participate in Leadership Team meetings and initiatives.
  • Prepare Program budget in support of the annual budget, monitor expenses, and work collaboratively when budget deviations are necessary.
  • Other duties as required.

Personal Situation:

  • Flexibility to work extended or different hours on occasion
  • Willingness to travel to CDSS camp locations, particularly in the first few years
  • Strong preference for applicants located near Easthampton, MA, able to make day trips to the office as required throughout the year. Office space in Easthampton is available if preferred.

Specific Job Skills:

  • Ability to work with a variety of people and personalities
  • Employee management and performance coaching
  • Management of budgets and business models
  • Clear, proactive, and professional communication habits, both internally and externally
  • Ability to juggle multiple activities and priorities
  • Ability to analyze program sustainability and efficacy

Computer Skills:

  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Google Docs
  • Zoom or other web meeting platform
  • Experience with Salesforce or other CRM desirable
  • Willingness to explore new technologies

Education:

Candidates with either related education background or relevant work experience are encouraged to apply. Knowledge of and personal experience with English and American country dance, music and song, or parallels, is strongly preferred.

To Apply:

Send cover letter and resume to Katy German at katy@cdss.org by January 3, 2025 to ensure consideration.

CDSS is an equal opportunity employer. Neither your gender, your religion, your personal life, your skin color, nor indeed any physical attribute makes a difference in our hiring process. If you’re smart and good at what you do, then come as you are. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.