Director of Programs

Position: Director of Programs

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Organization: Conexión Américas

Conexión Américas is a dynamic, values-driven organization committed to empowering Latino

families in Middle Tennessee. We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative

Director of Programs to lead the execution and growth of our education and economic

prosperity initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary leader passionate about

community impact, team building, and supporting the success of immigrant families.

About Conexión Américas: Founded in 2002, Conexión Américas works to build a welcoming

community where Latino families can belong, contribute, and succeed. Our services span four

key areas: Social Integration, Economic Development, Civic Integration, and Community

Development. We serve families through programs focused on education, economic

empowerment, leadership, and social services.

Position Overview: The Director of Programs will play a pivotal role in leading Conexión

Américas’ direct-service programs across two primary service areas: Education and Economic

Prosperity. You will oversee 15 unique programs, leading a talented team of Associate Directors,

Program Managers, and direct-service staff. As part of the organizational leadership team, you

will also contribute to shaping our organizational culture and strategic direction. The Director of

Programs reports directly to the Co-Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Management:

• Lead the strategy, planning, execution, and evaluation of all programs within Education (family engagement, college/career readiness, and postsecondary success) and Economic Prosperity (workforce development, small business support, financial counseling, digital literacy, and community services).
• Foster a culture of collaboration, ensuring alignment between programs to maximize impact and create opportunities for cross-program collaboration.
• Oversee the programmatic budgets and ensure the efficient use of resources while maintaining alignment with organizational goals.
• Ensure that all programs are designed and executed with measurable outcomes that align with Conexión Américas' mission and values.
• Use data-driven decision-making to continually evaluate and improve program effectiveness.
• Cultivate relationships with community partners, funders, and other stakeholders to support the sustainability and growth of programs.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Provide strong leadership and mentorship to the program team, including Associate Directors, Program Managers, and staff.
• Establish clear program goals, offer ongoing coaching, and ensure professional development opportunities are available.
• Promote a collaborative work environment that encourages open communication, trust, and collective problem-solving.
• Lead and supervise staff through regular check-ins, performance evaluations, and ongoing feedback loops.
• Lead the recruitment, training, and onboarding of new program staff and ensure the effective integration of new hires into the team culture.

Organizational Leadership & Culture Building:

• As a leadership team member, collaborate in setting strategic goals for the organization and contribute to building a positive, mission-driven culture.
• Help shape internal organizational practices and policies that support growth, inclusivity, and team well-being.
• Lead internal discussions on program direction, problem-solving, and maintaining a high level of staff engagement.
• Represent Conexión Américas in external settings, including community events, conferences, and professional networks.
• Actively participate in organizational events and retreats to build team cohesion and leadership development.

Community Engagement & Outreach:

• Represent the organization at public forums, conferences, and other outreach activities to amplify the impact of Conexión Américas’ programs.
• Foster partnerships with schools, local businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders to create a comprehensive support system for our organization and community.
• Lead the development and implementation of community-facing events that promote the organization's mission and increase visibility.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree in social work, education, public administration, or a related field is preferred.
• At least 5 years of nonprofit leadership experience focusing on program management, education, and economic development, including experience leading diverse teams.
• 3+ years of experience in staff supervision and development, with a track record of empowering teams to achieve measurable outcomes.
• Native or advanced bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English is required.
• A demonstrated commitment to working with immigrant and Latino communities.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with experience using data to inform strategies and achieve program goals.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups and engage effectively with people at all levels.
• Proven experience in creating, implementing, and evaluating large-scale programs with measurable success.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and skilled in managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Reliable transportation and flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required.