Program Director

Summary

Join The Appellate Project (TAP) as their new Program Director and lead the next phase of their programming. This role involves overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of new and existing initiatives, ensuring they remain impactful and equity-centered. The Program Director will collaborate with the team, manage daily operations, and serve as a thought partner to the CEO and COO. Building operational infrastructure, managing key relationships, and developing scalable programming are also key responsibilities. The ideal candidate will have at least ten years of progressive program leadership experience, a successful track record of building and executing high-impact programming, and a strategic mindset. This is a remote position based in Washington, DC, with occasional travel required.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership in program development, with a strong track record of designing, launching, and scaling mission-aligned initiatives
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build programs from the ground up, scale initiatives, work independently and resourcefully in a small team, pivot as needed, and proactively and creatively solve problems
• Strategic thinker with experience translating organizational goals into actionable program strategies, timelines, and implementation plans
• Extensive experience managing program budgets, vendors, and operating systems
• Strong experience managing people remotely, including managing complex projects and growing a productive team while cultivating a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment
• Skilled in evaluation frameworks, data tracking, and CRM platforms
• Demonstrated ability to build community and work collaboratively with diverse groups, including law firms, judges, funders, and potential partners who can help meet programmatic goals
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to translate program strategy into reports, presentations, and public facing materials
• Comfortable working with digital platforms such as Google Workspace, Basecamp, virtual learning tools, and CRM systems

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the team to lead the design and implementation of an annual program strategy and calendar aligned with TAP’s mission and strategic planning goals; ensure that our programming is innovative and equity-centered as it supports students from law school through their appellate careers
• Oversee all daily program operations and logistics, including communicating regularly with TAP’s diverse community members; ensure that weekly speakers and program participants, mentors, and judges have all necessary materials; and that signature activities, programs, and events are successfully implemented
• Serve as a subject matter expert on the systemic barriers to appellate practice and translate that knowledge into programming. This includes researching and identifying potential opportunities to grow TAP’s programs and staying current on developments in race equity and the appellate field to identify areas of opportunity for TAP’s programmatic efforts and overall approach
• Ensure all programming, whether virtual or in-person, is high quality, outcomes-driven, and participant-focused
• Design and implement evaluation strategies to measure program effectiveness and determine the need for improvements
• Use data, including participant feedback, to identify promising practices, celebrate and share successes, and recommend strategies to promote organizational growth
• Track and report key performance indicators to inform decisions and demonstrate program impact
• Work with the COO to build the operations structure for TAP’s programs, including procedures for effectively managing programs, establishing and adhering to timetables, and recruiting participants and volunteers
• Manage CRM to ensure accurate tracking of students, alumni, volunteers, and partners across programs
• Manage and support the Program Officer and future program team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and accountability
• Oversee service providers, vendors, consultants, and project plans as needed for programming
• Recruit and supervise volunteers, including mentors, judges, and alumni, ensuring meaningful engagement and stewardship
• Cultivate and manage relationships with law firms, judges, funders, and other key stakeholders who support our programmatic goals
• Serve as a spokesperson for TAP’s programming, including assisting in developing strategic materials, managing relationships with stakeholders related to our programs, providing key data to the CEO to support press opportunities, and communicating with the broader community via panels and social media
• Collaborate with the communications and development team to effectively convey program outcomes and value to prospective and current funders
• Assist in developing strategic materials and thought leadership content related to programming
• Develop and implement innovative learning environments that support our programmatic efforts, including incorporating technology that allows our students, attorneys, and judges to connect directly with each other and collaborate virtually
• Oversee the development of our new online platform for program participants and community members
• Manage programmatic budgets, including monthly and quarterly grant reporting
• Work closely with the CEO and development team to align program activities with funding goals, including supporting the development of an earned revenue model

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing earned revenue models for programming (e.g., fee for service offerings, event-based funding, or partnership sponsorships) is a plus
• Deep understanding of the legal system, especially appellate law and its systemic barriers to entry; lived experience with TAP’s mission and communities served is a plus
• A clear passion for our mission; a demonstrated commitment to racial equity, which is at the heart of our work; and a deep understanding of the systemic barriers to entering the appellate field—or a willingness to learn quickly
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for building and improving systems and programs; a leader who enjoys creative problem solving and navigating the challenges involved when building something new
• Strategic thinker who is always centering the “why” behind their work and is not afraid to try a mix of traditional and nontraditional approaches to tackle issues that arise
• Collaborative leader who fosters inclusion, transparency, and trust within teams
• Emotionally intelligent communicator and relationship builder
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines

Benefits

• Paid vacation
• A retirement account
• Health benefits
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Generous stipends for technology and a home office
• Robust professional development resources