Program Director

About Play Like a Girl

Play Like a Girl is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to leveling the playing field for girls in sports and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). For over 20 years, we have empowered girls through programs designed to inspire confidence, foster leadership, and develop skills that prepare them for competitive careers in male-dominated fields. We believe in the transformative power of mentorship, teamwork, and education to unlock potential and create a more equitable world for the next generation. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Play Like a Girl operates remotely with a collaborative, innovative and high-performing team committed to creating scalable solutions that positively impact girls and young women nationwide.

Job Description

The Program Director will play a critical leadership role in the execution of Play Like a Girl’s 2025 Strategic Plan. As the senior-level executive responsible for programmatic leadership and operational management, this position will oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of Play Like a Girl’s core programs. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Program Director will work closely with the leadership team, Board of Directors, and partners to drive organizational growth, scale, and sustainability. The Program Director’s role will be vital in executing key strategic priorities, including streamlining and rebranding core programs, building an efficient team, securing sustainable funding, and developing systems to measure and communicate program outcomes.

This role requires a dynamic, visionary leader with a passion for youth development and social impact. The Program Director will be a partner to the CEO, contributing to all strategic goals, with a special emphasis on programmatic leadership and growth. The Program Director must excel at generating revenue, delivering value that exceeds their cost, and taking on key responsibilities that free up the CEO’s capacity to focus on creativity, innovation, and strategic growth. The position offers a flexible blend of remote and in-person work, where you will manage programs and events, coordinate partner engagement, and collaborate with the Play Like a Girl team both virtually and in-person, as needed. We provide all technology to support your work and have a remote-specific onboarding process, including norms for working and building relationships with our team. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Strategy & Leadership

• Lead the rebranding and streamlining of core programs to emphasize leadership development and workforce readiness, aligning with Play Like a Girl’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively with the CEO and Board to develop and refine program strategies to ensure that Play Like a Girl’s programs are scalable, impactful, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Design, implement, and evaluate new and existing programs to create clear pathways for girls to develop essential skills for leadership and career readiness.
• Strategically manage programmatic priorities to ensure they are aligned with overall organizational goals for growth, sustainability, and impact.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build and lead a high-performing, efficient program team, ensuring that roles are clearly defined, and that internal processes are optimized for success.
• Recruit, train, and mentor program staff and contractors, fostering a collaborative, results-driven culture that aligns with Play Like a Girl’s goals for growth.
• Ensure that the program team is well-equipped to manage partnerships and expand program offerings, while prioritizing professional development for long-term success.

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with the CEO to cultivate and manage partnerships with schools, community organizations, corporate sponsors, and funders, ensuring alignment with Play Like a Girl’s core programming goals.
• Collaborate with the development team to identify new funding opportunities, particularly for sustainable strategic partnerships and revenue generation in support of program expansion.
• Represent Play Like a Girl at key meetings and industry events, building the organization’s reputation and securing program-related sponsorships and partnerships.

Revenue Generation & Fundraising

• Collaborate with the CEO, Board, and development team to secure funding for program expansion, ensuring the sustainability of Play Like a Girl’s programs.
• Assist in grant writing, sponsorship cultivation, and individual donor engagement as part of the overall strategy to grow and sustain core programming.
• Ensure that program success is tied to measurable outcomes that resonate with funders, sponsors, and other stakeholders.

Impact & Evaluation

• Build robust systems for tracking and reporting program outcomes, ensuring that data collection processes are aligned with Play Like a Girl’s strategic goals and impact metrics.
• Work with the CEO and Board to measure the effectiveness of programs and refine strategies for continuous improvement.
• Ensure that outcomes are communicated effectively, through compelling storytelling, to key stakeholders, including funders, partners, and participants.

Program Expansion & Scalability

• Contribute to preparing Play Like a Girl for regional and national expansion, ensuring that core programs can be replicated and scaled effectively to reach a broader audience.
• Lead the development of scalable program models that are adaptable to new regions and audiences, maintaining high-quality standards and ensuring program sustainability.

Required Experience & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in education, nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program management, business, or nonprofit leadership.
• Proven track record in leading teams and building systems for operational efficiency, scalability, and impact.
• Strong experience in youth development, workforce readiness, or educational programming, with a passion for empowering girls and young women.
• Expertise in fundraising, sponsorship development, and partnership management to secure sustainable funding streams.
• Exceptional leadership and mentorship skills, with the ability to build, lead, and support high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining a focus on strategic goals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Asana, Loom, Slack, and other digital tools for collaboration and program management.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience in STEM education, sports, or youth development programming.
• Familiarity with nonprofit fundraising practices, including grant writing and donor relations.
• Proficiency in Salesforce, Little Green Light, POINT, and other donor and volunteer-related CRM platforms. 
• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., education, nonprofit management, business administration, social work, sports management, etc.).

Pay & Benefits Summary

Play Like a Girl is dedicated to providing a robust and competitive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top talent while promoting personal well-being and professional growth. Each role is benchmarked using national data and considers compensatory factors such as the expectations of the role, required qualifications, physical location, and other benefits. The candidate’s final compensation package will be determined upon the conclusion of the interview process and will account for these factors as well as the candidate’s experience and competencies. These benefits are available to full-time employees after 90 days of satisfactory performance on the job. For this position, we offer:

• Salary Range: $65,000–$75,000 annually. 
• Retirement Benefits: We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match for employees who complete three consecutive years of service.
• Health and Wellness Benefits: We offer paid workers compensation benefits and a monthly stipend to supplement employee-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, gym membership, fitness classes, or mental health services.
• Flexible Work Environment: Fully remote-first workplace with occasional travel for in-person meetings, partner visits, and events.
• Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO) including 12 paid holidays and 5 sick days per year plus an additional month-long winter sabbatical (December 15–January 15).
• Professional Development: Whether it’s a conference or an online course, we offer an annual stipend for continuing education, training, and development. 
• Team Building Activities: Regular corporate outings, team retreats, and celebratory events.
• Tech Support: Stipend for home office setup, including a company laptop and other essential tools for remote work, as needed. 
• Paid Intern: We’re building a pipeline of women in STEM and sports through our college internship program. Our team can leverage this program as needed. 
• Work-Life Balance: A well-rested team is a happy team! Enjoy flexible working hours, select Fridays off in the summer, and respite following select major events to support a healthy work-life balance—just get your work done! 

Impact and Relationships

As the Program Director, you will be integral to Play Like a Girl’s efforts to drive organizational growth, scale, and sustainability. Your leadership will ensure that Play Like a Girl’s core programs are streamlined, impactful, and aligned with our strategic priorities, while your operational expertise will contribute directly to our ability to scale nationally and generate the resources necessary to sustain our mission. Your role will directly influence the organization’s ability to attract funding, expand its reach, and drive long-term impact for girls in sports and STEM. This position offers a unique opportunity to be at the helm of an organization that is making a transformative difference in the lives of girls and young women. Through your work, you will empower the next generation of girls to become leaders in sports, STEM, and beyond. This is a vital role that will shape the future of Play Like a Girl, ensuring its continued success and long-lasting impact.

How to Apply

To apply for the Program Director position at Play Like a Girl, please submit a comprehensive application including the following:

1. Cover Letter: Your cover letter should highlight your passion for Play Like a Girl’s mission and how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities and strategic priorities of this role. Be sure to address your ability to work in a founder-led organization, manage programming and partnerships, and contribute to revenue generation and organizational growth.
2. Resume: Provide a detailed resume showcasing your professional experience, achievements, and relevant skills.
3. Assessment: As part of the application, please complete the following writing exercise: 

Write a one-page response outlining how you would approach the following scenario:

Play Like a Girl is preparing to streamline its current programs and launch a new core program focused on leadership development and workforce readiness for middle school girls. The program will require partnerships with local schools, corporate sponsors, and community organizations. As the Program Director, outline your strategy for recruiting and onboarding partners, ensuring program quality, and measuring outcomes. Highlight any challenges you anticipate and how you would address them.

Your response should demonstrate your strategic thinking, ability to manage partnerships, and focus on achieving measurable results. Include actionable steps and examples where applicable.

Submit all application materials in a single PDF file via this site and a copy via email to [email protected] with the subject line: Program Director Application – [Your Name]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged. Only complete applications will be considered. 

Thank you for your interest in joining the Play Like a Girl team!