Director Of Programming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Organization: Grounded Strategies
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Reports to: Executive Director

About Grounded Strategies

Grounded Strategies is a nonprofit organization that partners with residents to transform vacant and underutilized land into spaces that foster environmental, economic, and social transformation using evidenced-based strategies. We do this by providing tools, training, and technical assistance for reclaiming vacant spaces, embracing intergenerational participation and youth development.

Position Overview

Grounded Strategies is seeking a Director of Programming to lead the design, coordination, and execution of community-based land transformation initiatives across our focus neighborhoods. This role oversees a diverse portfolio of projectsfrom site development and community engagement to policy, evaluation, and program innovationensuring that all work advances Groundeds mission of reclaiming vacant land to support community health, wealth-building, and environmental resilience.

The Director of Programming will work closely with staff, residents, and cross-sector partners to move projects from vision to implementation, while strengthening systems for long-term community ownership and sustainability.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Implementation, Site Development & Project Leadership

• Responsible for local and regional expertise in land use and vacant land policy
• Support data-driven initiatives and research for Grounded, communities, and regional stakeholders
• Provide expertise to develop and reimagine new, innovative programmatic initiatives that engage residents in site selection and planning work
• Lead planning, project management, and coordination for major initiatives, including multi-partner development projects
• Support priority sites in transitioning from planning to implementation, including build-out readiness and working with Executive Director to identify construction funding pathways
• Guide transition of select sites Grounded holds site access agreements for toward community-based ownership and stewardship models
• Oversee implementation of initiatives such as the creation of a Land Access Fund
• Coordinate design, funding and implementation for durable improvements where needed at past project sites

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Design and implement community engagement strategies for current initiatives
• Plan and host community dinners in key focus neighborhoods to provide project updates and collect input on the organizations future direction
• Strengthen collaborations with community leaders, institutional and advocacy partners (e.g., CDCs, land banks, public agencies)
• Support formation and strengthening of community ownership structures, including land trusts
• Ensure meaningful integration of intergenerational collaboration and input into programming and site planning
• Hosting workshops and trainings for residents on planning, policy or other topics as needed

Evaluation, Learning & Impact

• Oversee creation of methodologies for and progress on evaluation plans, including tracking outcomes related to public health, safety, and sustainability
• Support development of metrics and systems for site performance and program impact
• Contribute to broader field-building efforts around equitable land access and use
• Lead production of State of the Land Report e-newsletters, case studies, Annual Reports and other learning outputs
• Facilitate cross-neighborhood learning exchanges

Team Leadership & Operations

• Supervise and support program staff, including setting goals, managing performance, and supporting professional development
• Provide clear direction, prioritization, and accountability across program areas to ensure alignment with organizational goals
• Oversee program workplans, timelines, and deliverables across all initiatives
• Develop and manage program budgets; ensure accurate tracking, forecasting, and alignment with funding requirements
• Ensure compliance with legal guidelines, internal policies and grant requirements, including overseeing reimbursement processes and reporting for programmatic funding awards
• Strengthen internal systems and workflows to improve program efficiency and effectiveness
• Coordinate across programs to ensure integration of various areas of the organization
• Partner with leadership on staffing structure, resource allocation, and program growth

General Responsibilities

• Represent Grounded in community meetings, coalitions, and public forums
• Contribute to fundraising strategy and grant development
• Ensure programs, initiatives, engagement strategies and evaluation methods align with Groundeds Race Equity Action Plan
• Participate in organizational planning, team meetings, and internal initiatives
• Support a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven team culture

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in community development, planning or related field
• Proven experience managing teams of 2+
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects
• Strong facilitation, relationship-building, and communication skills
• Experience working in and with low-income communities and communities of color
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and move projects forward independently
• Commitment to racial equity and community-centered development
• Familiarity with budgeting and managing grant-funded programs

• Proficient computer skills, especially using Google Suite, project management task tracking software, and preferably, GIS.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with land use, vacant land strategies, or community ownership models (e.g., land trusts).
• Background in environmental justice, public health, community & economic development, or urban planning. Masters degree preferred.
• Experience designing or managing community engagement processes.
• Knowledge of Pittsburgh/Allegheny County community landscape and systems.
• Experience with evaluation, impact measurement, or applied research.
• Extensive project management skills managing internal staff and stakeholder groups for multiple concurrent projects

Work Environment & Expectations:

• Hybrid work with regular in-person meetings, site visits, and community events
• Fast-paced, collaborative nonprofit environment with evolving priorities

Salary & Benefits

The base salary range for this position is $60,000 - 70,000, commensurate with experience. In addition, the following benefits are included:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: 85% Coverage for employees /pay
• 10 Holidays, plus your birthday, in addition to the week between Christmas and New Years when the Grounded office is closed
• 19 days of personal time off (includes all vacation, sick leave, and other personal days off)
• Eligibility for Life Insurance, Short - and Long - term disability, and our SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with up to 3% match from Grounded.

Schedule

• Full-time (40 hours/week)
• Occasional evening or weekend engagement activities

Please apply by May 18th or sooner. We are hoping to have someone in the role by early June and are conducting interviews as applications roll in.