Program Director

The Basics’ vision is a Boston where infants, toddlers, and preschoolers of all racial/ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds are on track to achieve their full potential.  The Basics is a fiscally sponsored organization of TSNE (tsne.org). In partnership with local allies, we use a community-level public health approach—a multi-pronged movement—to help families embed science-based early caregiving practices into everyday interactions with young children.

The Basics Boston (thebasicsboston.org) is a member of the multi-city Basics Learning Network (BLN), led by The Basics, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Boston, where the movement began.

The Basics Boston seeks an experienced and energetic senior manager as Program Director to serve as the lead convener and facilitator of The Basics Movement in the Boston area. The ideal candidate has several years’ experience working in Boston-area collaborations with family-serving and community-based organizations, schools and/or healthcare providers. As one of five people on The Basics Inc. national leadership team, The Program Director of The Basics Boston will lead and manage Boston’s programming.

• An Action Plan. In collaborating with The Basics, Inc. leadership and in consultation with other Boston stakeholders, develop an action plan that builds on past and current work to advance The Basics Movement in Boston.
• Existing Partnerships. Oversee ongoing support for current partner organizations to ensure the continuity of relationships.
• New Collaborations. Cultivate new alliances with Boston-area stakeholders and organizations, in alignment with the Action Plan.
• Communications. Help manage a process for regular updates and exchange of information with allies and partners.
• Ensure that important lessons around implementation, engagement, and ongoing collaborations are documented to inform continuous learning for The Basics movement in Boston and beyond. Collaborate with other The Basics Inc. staff in the creation of “Playbooks” and other instructional material in support of an eLearning platform. Contribute to the preparation of reports to funders documenting progress and impact.
• Lead Boston Program Management Staff. Ensure consistency and quality in the provision of services. Provide regular and inclusive mentoring and support.
• Represent The Basics Inc. Organization. Represent The Basics Boston by attending events with local funders and community leaders. Facilitate collective involvement around the mission of The Basics by collaborating with others to organize and host periodic gatherings of local allies.
• Perform Administrative Tasks. Work with The Basics Inc.’s senior staff on administrative tasks including personnel, budgeting, data gathering, contract negotiations and other tasks as required.

We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.

• Strong background leading family-support collaborations in Boston.
• Background in community organizing is a plus.
• Experience in-group coaching or mentoring.
• Preference given to applicants with a track record of program development and implementation with management responsibilities.
• Candidates who have worked or collaborated with a range of family-serving providers in the Boston area, especially those serving families of color, low-income families, or families with young children (5 and under) are encouraged to apply.
• College undergraduate degree or comparable years of experiences in senior management rolls required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and program management software a plus.
• Flexibility, responsibility, and compassion are key qualities of the ideal candidate.
• Demonstrate superior writing and public speaking abilities.
• Dedication to serving families and children in the Boston area.
• Current valid US-issued driver’s license and a registered and insured automobile.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those for this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Work is performed in an office environment and in close proximity to other workers.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to:

• Handle, or feel objects, tools or controls;
• Reach; traverse; sit (usually for longer periods of time); occasionally ascend/descend; and position self (to) move;
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds;
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate;
• Job is not subject to significant occupational or environmental hazards;
• Likelihood of personal injury would be relatively slight;
• Environmental and work hazards are not present to a measurable degree.

Compensation and Benefits

Location: Work will be primarily performed remote. 

Compensation: The starting salary for this position is $95,000/yr and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits: This position is eligible for a full benefits package including:

• Generous Paid-Time-Off (PTO): 12 paid holidays, 3 weeks vacation, 1 week personal holiday, and health leave time for full-time staff;
• 80% Employer-paid, offering some $0 deductible Health Insurance through Harvard Pilgrim along with several low-deductible plans;
• Low-cost MetLife Dental and Vision;
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health and Dependent Care;
• Employer-paid Life, Long- and Short-Term Disability Insurance;
• Employer-paid Pension through TIAA;
• ...and more!

TSNE/BASICS strives to achieve excellence through a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that embraces all of our individual and collective differences. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Middle Eastern and North African, Bilingual and/or Bicultural candidates, and LGBTQ2SIA+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We value and honor the unique talents, learning styles, and lived experiences of each individual that enrich and strengthen our workplace culture, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All employment conditions are based on an individual’s performance and job qualifications. TSNE/BASICS prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, creed, color, religion, native language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, race-based hairstyles, or any other protected characteristic stated by federal and state law. Regardless of any class’ protection under the law or lack thereof, TSNE/BASICS celebrates diversity and values the strengths that come with having a diverse team of employees. It is represented in our workplace culture, and it is who we are.

TSNE/BASICS's EEO statement extends to volunteers, interns, contractors, vendors, and clients.