Director of Education & Workforce Programs

Job Status: Full-Time

Job Classification: Exempt Salary

Reports To: Senior Director, Programs 

Bluffton Self Help (BSH) seeks a motivated and professional individual, committed to the organization’s mission, responsible for leading and managing comprehensive education, literacy, and workforce readiness program for adult learners in our community. The Director of Education + Workforce Programs reports to the Senior Director of Programs and works closely with the BSH team and volunteers.

The ideal candidate will be a compelling advocate for the mission of Bluffton Self Help, a strategic thinker as well as a detail-oriented project manager who is willing to pivot and find innovative solutions based on ever-changing data and community trends. You must be committed to improving course curriculum, student progress, and tutor training opportunities through collaboration with community members, volunteers, and students all while bringing energy and enthusiasm to BSH’s team. To complement our education programs, you will develop a new workforce readiness program that prepares individuals for employment through job training, career development, employer partnerships, and support services, ensuring that programs align with labor market trends and community needs while advancing the mission of the organization.

The Director must be able to manage and prioritize multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and possess an elevated level of analytic skills balanced with good judgment and strong people skills.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Oversee all education program planning, organizing, operating, and staffing to include GED, ESL, Digital Literacy, online learning, and special/seasonal programs, across three locations.
• Lead a three-semester annual course calendar / catalog serving more than three hundred adult learners in any given month.
• Oversee course curriculum development and regular review, tutor materials, training and methods, student testing for measurable gains, and new semester registration.
• Provide effective and inspiring leadership, as well as stewardship, of BSH by understanding and being actively involved in all BSH programs and services and the community we serve.
• Review on an ongoing basis the education programs being offered and the data collected to develop new programs as needs emerge.
• Design, implement, and evaluate workforce development programs that promote job readiness, upskilling, and employment placement.
• Analyze labor market data to inform program offerings and ensure alignment with regional workforce needs.
• Implement and lead a continuous quality improvement process throughout the program and service areas, focusing on systems/process improvement. Create regular and ongoing opportunities for all staff to give feedback on program operations.
• Manage key relationships with BSH program partners and volunteers.
• Ensure the continued financial viability of BSH’s education programs/services through sound fiscal management.
• Ensure that all education program activities operate consistently and ethically within the mission and values of BSH.
• Provide programmatic leadership and input for all strategic planning processes with the CEO and staff.
• Establish KPIs and monitor outcomes related to enrollment, program completion, employment placement, and retention.

Qualifications: 

• Passionate about BSH’s mission and able to promote and communicate the philosophy, mission, and values to external and internal stakeholders.
• Seven to 10 years of progressive leadership in program management — ideally in a nonprofit or social impact setting.
• Strong relationship builder and communicator with experience leading diverse work teams, engaging community partners, and partnering with a strong leadership team.
• Tangible examples of reporting and program measurement and evaluation.
• Demonstrates integrity, strives for excellence in her/his work, and has experience of leading others to new levels of effectiveness and programmatic impact.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills and results-oriented work ethic.
• Ability to set priorities, lead, initiate, and work collaboratively and with a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Positive attitude, concern for people and community, and exceptional listening skills.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office including PowerPoint, case management software, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing.
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with tact and discretion.
• BA or equivalent.

Supervisory Responsibility 

The Director of Education & Workforce Programs oversees a team of three full-time program managers, one full-time program coordinator, three part-time coordinators, as well as a robust roster of volunteer tutors. 

Work Environment & Culture

• This job operates in an office setting, within a non-profit offering a variety of programs and services to our community. Here, you’ll find:
• A mission-driven team that genuinely likes working together.
• Flexibility, autonomy, and trust in your leadership.
• The occasional office snacks, team outing, or shared meme.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact while using all your skills.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work 

This is a full-time position. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., however education programs run Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This position may require one to two evenings a week, to best support the team.

Apply be emailing your resume and cover letter to Kellie Pendley at kellie@blufftonselfhelp.org. 

Bluffton Self Help is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.