The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset in young people through innovative learning experiences, empowering them to take charge of their futures. Since 1987, NFTE has provided high-quality entrepreneurship education to over a million-middle school, high school, and postsecondary students globally. We deliver our programs in schools, out of schools, in-person, online, and through hybrid models.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Program Director to lead our efforts in the West Region. This key leadership role requires a seasoned professional, salesperson and community advocate who excels at supporting teachers and is passionate about expanding NFTE’s impact within educational communities, from individual classrooms to large school districts.
Reporting to the Executive Director of the West Region, the Program Director will spearhead program partnership sales and expansion, nurture relationships with district leaders, school administrators, teachers, and local colleges, and attract new schools, networks, and potential partners.
Do you have a passion for educational equity? Are you a dedicated leader with a deep commitment to advancing opportunities through effective and engaging educational programming? Are you an enthusiastic salesperson? If so, join us in building the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs!
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Regional Programmatic Goals: Direct the overall programmatic strategy and activities for the West Region, including innovative program design, strategic goal setting aligned with national priorities, effective team management, and fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration.
- Drive Growth Through Partnership Sales: Lead annual contract service sales to achieve growth in per-student revenue, establish strong relationships with schools and community organizations, and develop new business opportunities. Meet quarterly and annual revenue targets, manage the sales funnel, and oversee territory management.
- Enhance NFTE’s Effectiveness and Reach: Stay informed about trends in educational programming and competitors, tailor NFTE’s offerings to meet local and regional needs, and explore new opportunities for program expansion or deepening partnerships.
- Provide Strategic Partnership to Schools: Work closely with school and district leaders to design impactful program experiences, understand their unique needs, and recommend how NFTE’s programs can help them achieve their educational goals.
- Support High-Quality Program Implementation: Ensure high fidelity in program delivery and enhance teacher expertise through training, Professional Learning Communities, virtual check-ins, school visits, volunteer events, and supporting school-initiated activities.
- Oversee Summer Operations: Develop and lead the implementation of summer program plans, ensuring effective operations.
- Engage Key Stakeholders: Support engagement with a range of stakeholders, including school administrators, alumni, regional board members, and volunteers, through event management, communications, and brand-building activities.
- Coordinate Data and Reporting: Oversee data collection and analysis, ensure data integrity, monitor program progress, and use data to enhance program design.
- Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with finance, curriculum, research, development, events, and volunteer teams to ensure seamless communication and coordination of key operational components.
- Support Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development and execution of regional strategic plans, annual action/work plans, and budgets.
- Evaluate and Mentor Staff: Effectively evaluate and support regional staff and interns, fostering their professional growth.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; an advanced degree in education, business, nonprofit management, entrepreneurship, or policy is a plus.
- At least 10 years of professional experience, with significant experience in sales, educational leadership, and nonprofit program management.
- Proven experience working in or with schools in the region, with a strong understanding of local school districts.
- Demonstrated success in building and growing educational partnerships at the district and/or state level.
- Strong capacity to create effective partnerships that benefit both individuals and organizations.
- Deep belief in NFTE’s mission and a demonstrated commitment to increasing opportunities for students from underrepresented communities.
- Knowledge of current and emerging classroom technologies differentiated and project-based instruction, business concepts, and entrepreneurship education.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in business technology tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Eventbrite, Dropbox, and familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM databases is a plus.
Compensation: $85,000-$100,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Generous benefits, including:
- Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance are fully paid by NFTE
- 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan with company match
- Flexible Savings Account (FSA): Pre-tax savings for expenses not covered by plan
- Dependent Care Account (DCA): Pre-tax savings for childcare services
- Transportation Savings Account (TSA): Pre-tax savings for transit and parking services
- Paid Family Leave (up to 6 weeks)
- Generous Vacation (PTO) and additional paid holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s Day)
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Professional development support through learning opportunities (internal workshops, external conferences, and organizational projects)
- Cell Phone Reimbursement
Working Environment:
- This is a full-time position to be based within California.
- NFTE positions are currently 100% remote - utilizing employee home office locations.
- This position will have a consistent presence in the field working to support programs and collaborate within the K-12 space; 30%-60% travel is not uncommon. Mileage/Transit reimbursement is provided for approved travel.
- Relocation assistance is not available for this role.
About NFTE:
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) is a global nonprofit organization that provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle and high school students from under-resourced communities, as well as programs for college students and adults. NFTE reaches 60,000+ students annually in 30 states across the U.S. and offers programs in 35 additional countries. We have educated more than a million students through in-school, out-of-school, college, and summer camp programs, offered in person and online. To learn more about how we are promoting inclusive capitalism and building the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs, visit www.nfte.com.
NFTE is a student-focused, equity-driven organization that works to empower youth and combat inequities in education, the economy, and our broader society. We offer a diverse and inclusive workplace where learning from each other is an integral part of our culture. NFTE actively welcomes people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. We are an equal opportunity employer and a great place to work.
