Director of Community Programs

Overview

LuMind IDSC was founded by families who wanted to accelerate Down syndrome research and create opportunities for people with Down syndrome and their loved ones to connect and learn.

Today, our organization serves a vibrant community of people with Down syndrome, their caregivers, siblings, and supporters, as well as professionals in the field and researchers. LuMind IDSC’s community engagement activities are designed in large part to excite and educate the Down syndrome community about research and the importance of participation. LuMind IDSC’s signature community programs, myDSC and Family Weekend, bring together more than 5,000 participants in pursuit of reliable information and annual connections.

LuMind IDSC is looking for an accomplished and creative leader to bring our community programs to the next level.

About the position

The Director of Community Programs oversees all aspects of the organization’s community-facing programs, which are aimed at bringing the Down syndrome community closer to the LuMind IDSC mission and ultimately increase community participation in clinical research. This position reports to the Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement and supervises project contractors and volunteer ambassadors.

The Director of Community Programs will drive the ongoing expansion of LuMind IDSC’s legacy community programs (myDSC and Family Weekend), and direct the changes/enhancements that will: lead program members along a knowledge journey toward research awareness and participation, make the programs more financially sustainable, and align those programs to both community needs and other organizational goals.

The Director of Community Programs will have the opportunity to develop and grow two new programs: a membership program for nonprofit collaborator organizations, and a connector event for adults with Down syndrome.

Through the development, growth, and management of programs, events, and resources, the Director of Community Programs is tasked with expanding program scope and increasing program and, subsequently, research participation while building trust, value, and relationships in the Down syndrome community.

We’re excited to welcome a self-reliant problem solver who is results-oriented and data-driven. This position will join a small but mighty team of energetic, collaborative, and experienced professionals.

Roles & Responsibilities

The Director of Community Programs will:

• Provide strategic input on the direction of community programs, make key recommendations based on program data, and serve as the public face of the organization’s community-facing programs
• Manage overall operations of myDSC, LuMind IDSC’s members-only digital resource information platform
• Drive expansion of myDSC features and services with the goal of increasing membership, engagement, and utilization
• Grow and oversee the scale-up of a fledgling program for myDSC collaborators and nonprofit partner users
• Design and oversee the continued expansion, systemization, professionalization, and standardization of Family Weekend activities
• Manage the volunteer training program to support Family Weekend activities
• Find ways to meaningfully connect Family Weekend to research awareness and participation
• Work with the Development team to identify and support the cultivation of potential Family Weekend and myDSC sponsors/funders, with the aim of making the programs more sustainable
• Collaborate with the Development team on grant and donor proposals relevant to community programs

In addition, the Director of Community Programs will:

• Occasionally represent LuMind IDSC and our mission at community events, conferences, etc.
• Maintain program-related data, produce reports, deliver on key measurements, and be responsible for meeting programmatic and outreach goals
• Provide community-based feedback to the Marketing and Research teams on initiatives and campaigns related to research recruitment and enrollment

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 6 years of community-based program oversight experience, with at least 3 years in a program management role
• Past success in developing and growing community-based programs and/or virtual programs, membership programs, service programs, family-based conferences or similar
• Demonstrated skill at project management, budget tracking, and working toward common goals with internal teams and external partners
• Ability to translate program activities into project goals, timelines, resources plans, and tasks
• Proven success at managing people – both staff and contractors, as well as budgets and resources to meet ambitious plans
• Experience soliciting and analyzing community input
• Deep knowledge and understanding of the Down syndrome (or other I/D disability) community, caregivers, service providers, and self-advocates
• Strong professional writing and communication skills, grant writing, or grant reporting experience a plus
• Experience managing volunteers preferred
• Occasional domestic travel required (apx. 4x/year)

What We Offer

LuMind IDSC offers a robust compensation and benefits package including health, dental, and vision, employer contribution to your 401(k) plan, and Long-term Disability.

Mission & Core Values

LuMind IDSC envisions a world where every person with Down syndrome thrives with improved health, independence, and opportunities to reach their fullest potential. We accelerate Down syndrome research to increase availability of therapeutic, diagnostic, and medical care options and we empower families through education, connections, and support. LuMind IDSC Foundation has a hands-on, dedicated team and seeks team members who are passionate about the mission and service to the Downs Syndrome community. We are driven by our core values of community, collaboration, trust, learning, excellence, innovation, and focus.

LuMind IDSC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, cultural heritage, ancestry, political belief, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability or veteran status.

To Apply

Please complete your application by clicking below, and include both a resume and a thoughtful cover letter aligning your background and experience to this role.