Urban Rural Action's Mission

Urban Rural Action (UR Action) is a national grassroots movement that brings together Americans across divides to tackle our country's most urgent challenges.

The Position

The Director of Programs of UR Action brings a commitment to the organization’s goal of reducing hate and division, and advancing a more peaceful and democratic society.

The Director’s top priority is to maximize the impact of UR Action’s state-based problem-solving programs by managing and coaching Program Co-Directors and supporting the Programs Team. Additional priorities are to conduct customized trainings and support UR Action’s national events.

The Director of Programs reports to the Executive Director.

Main Responsibilities of Director of Programs

Support the Broader Programs Team

• Design and/or (co-)lead a program (no more than one at a time) in line with UR Action strategy and in consultation with Executive Director
• Lead the Leadership Development Initiative to ensure Program Directors and County Coordinators are deeply familiar with UR Action tools, well-versed in UR Action methods and philosophy, and prepared to implement programs effectively
• Participate in monthly Programs Team meetings (and lead parts thereof, when appropriate)
• Develop guidance and/or standardize processes for critical County Coordinator activities, such as:
  • Working with the Community Partner Lead
  • Leading a team of Uniters
  • Supporting project design and implementation

Manage and Coach Program Co-Directors

• Develop guidance and/or standardize processes for critical Program Director activities, such as:
  • Hiring Program Staff
  • Managing Program Staff
  • Selecting and working with community partners
  • Forming cohorts of Uniters
  • Implementing programs, including developing and managing a budget, developing a schedule of gatherings, and communicating with the cohort of Uniters
  • Measuring program impact
• Conduct regular coaching, brainstorming, and feedback sessions with Program Co-Directors
• Support baseline, midline, and endline surveys to measure impact and make necessary adjustments to program implementation

Conduct and Help Sell Customized Trainings

• Conduct customized workshops
• Support implementation of Facilitation Academy
• Support the Executive Director in selling customized trainings

Support UR Action’s Growth

• Aggregate impact data across programs, help communicate that data externally, and integrate it into new funding proposals
• Work with Executive Director (and the broader Executive Team) to design new programs in existing and new geographies
• Represent UR Action in the bridging, peacebuilding, and democracy strengthening fields through participation in fora, conferences, learning cohorts, etc
• Join the Executive Director in meetings with current and prospective funders
• Participate in monthly Executive Team meetings (and lead parts thereof, when appropriate)
• Contribute to annual reports

Experience & Qualifications

• Management experience; track record of effectively leading a performance- and outcomes-based organization and staff
• Deep commitment to the mission and vision of UR Action
• Strong background in conflict resolution and/or familiarity with key UR Action frameworks: ABCs of Constructive Dialogue, Problem Tree Analysis, Project Design, Stakeholder and Influence Mapping, and Seven Elements of Joint Problem-Solving
• Unwavering commitment to quality programs and data-driven program evaluation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups of people
• Positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed

Hours and Schedule: 100% level of effort = 40+ hours/week

Start Date: June 1, 2024

Compensation:

• Competitive salary
• Paid leave policy

To apply: Complete this written application – https://forms.gle/EcDzasRMVUawe9th8