Director of Programs

Title: Director of Programs

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Compensation: $75,000 - 85,000 (based on experience)

Hybrid Work Environment, Medical, Dental, and Vision, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, 403b Retirement Plan, Paid Time Off (Sick, Vacation, Winter Recess, Holidays, Parental)

​About Rock to the Future

Rock to the Future fosters thriving youth and economic empowerment through free, student-driven music programs for Philadelphia youth in under-resourced areas. Our work helps young people unlock their creative potential, strengthen academic and life skills, and build pathways to a bright future, all through the power of music. We work with 1,400+ youth in schools, community locations, and in the juvenile justice system.

​Position Overview

We are hiring a Director of Programs to lead our passionate and committed team of educators, instructors, and youth-development professionals. The Director of Programs is an exempt position with a schedule aligned with out-of-school time programming that ends at 6 pm each day, with occasional evening and weekend events. Administrative responsibilities can usually be completed remotely, and in-person presence at program locations throughout Philadelphia is often required. This position directly manages (3) Program Managers, our Youth Engagement Specialist, our Youth Justice Specialist, and our Program Assistant, and collaborates closely with Marketing, Resource Development, and Operations. They will motivate and lead a team of passionate individuals to bring the joy and benefits of music to youth throughout Philadelphia!

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the planning, development, implementation, compliance, enrollment, and evaluation of Rock to the Future’s programs: MusiCore, MusiCommunity, and MobileMusic
• Supervise, support, and develop the program team, establishing clear goals, expectations, systems for accountability, and plans for professional growth, including training on trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and student-driven programming
• Establish and monitor program goals, outcomes, and performance measures, using data and feedback to assess impact and drive continuous improvement
• Create, review, and improve program policies, procedures, and systems to increase program quality, effectiveness, and efficiency
• Establish and maintain program quality standards across sites and programs, ensuring consistent implementation of Rock to the Future’s youth development, music education, and student-centered practices
• Develop and manage annual program budgets and monitor spending to ensure resources are aligned with program goals
• Ensure programs have the staffing, materials, equipment, and other resources needed for successful implementation
• Serve as a primary organizational representative for key program partners, including the School District of Philadelphia Office of Strategic Partnerships and other partners
• Identify and assess opportunities for program growth, new partnerships, and new program models in alignment with our strategy, community needs, and capacity
• Provide qualitative and quantitative program data needed by the Resource Development and Marketing teams for grant reporting, fundraising, communications, and organizational storytelling
• Ensure youth and family feedback informs program design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement
• Monitor program implementation through regular visits to program locations throughout Philadelphia and ensure programs are meeting established goals and standards
• Attend organizational and program events, including student performances, community events, and other key activities that may take place during evenings and weekends
• Contribute to organization-wide planning, strategy, and cross-departmental initiatives as a member of the leadership team
• Identify and address programmatic risks and ensure appropriate systems are in place to support safe and effective program delivery

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Must be a resident of Philadelphia
• At least 5 years of experience leading and/or managing youth-serving programs in communities experiencing inequitable access to resources and opportunities
• Strong attention to detail and project management skills, including experience using project management software such as Asana
• Experience with trauma-informed approaches, restorative practices, student-driven, and other asset-based youth development strategies
• Strong knowledge of Philadelphia’s youth- and family-serving landscape, including key public agencies, community-based organizations, schools, and resources, and the ability to navigate and leverage these systems to support young people and families.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Tech-savvy with proficiency in GSuite and student databases
• Experience with data management and evaluation
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and youth-centered, strengths-based approaches.
• Preferred but not required: Spanish-speaking, musical background

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. We will review candidates as they are received, with an anticipated start date in November 2026.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Philadelphia, PA 19122