Program Director

Job description

Position Title: Program Director

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Position: Remote

Location: Washington, DC

Salary: $125,000 - $140,000 annually

The Appellate Project (TAP) is hiring a Program Director to lead the next phase of our programming. We’re looking for a strategic, equity-driven leader excited to build impactful initiatives aligned with our recent strategic plan. This person will shape, launch, and scale programs that advance TAP’s mission and deepen our impact.

About The Appellate Project (TAP)

At TAP, we believe our highest courts should reflect all of our communities. Our mission is to foster emerging leaders as they build a more just and representative appellate field.

Since launching in 2019, TAP has supported over 600 law students through our award-winning programming, providing access to mentorship, clerkship support, skill-building opportunities, and networking pathways within the appellate bar. Our network includes thousands of Supreme Court and appellate judges, lawyers, and law clerks who make our work possible. Many of our alumni are already working in the appellate field, where they have a voice in the critical decisions that so often affect our communities.

We continue to support our alumni through each stage of their appellate careers, helping to position them for the bench and other influential legal roles.

Learn more at www.theappellateproject.org

The Role

As TAP enters an exciting post-strategic planning phase, we’re seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Program Director to lead the continued evolution of our programming. The Program Director will oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of new and existing initiatives, ensuring they remain impactful, equity-centered, and responsive to participant needs.

The Program Director will work closely with our Program Officer and consultants, manage day-to-day programmatic activity as well as high level strategy, and serve as a thought partner to the CEO and COO to ensure all programming is furthering TAP’s strategic priorities. The Program Director will also play a core role in building operational infrastructure, managing key relationships, and advancing TAP’s mission by developing scalable programming that supports the long-term success of our students and alumni.

We are looking for a collegial, collaborative teammate with a minimum of ten years of progressive program leadership experience—someone with a successful track record of building and executing high-impact programming (both virtual and in-person) from the ground up, tracking data to measure impact, and thoughtfully leading a team. If you are a strategic thinker who wants to make a difference, always center the “why” in your work, and identify as having an entrepreneurial spirit, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Program Strategy and Implementation

• Work collaboratively with the team to lead the design and implementation of an annual program strategy and calendar aligned with TAP’s mission and strategic planning goals; ensure that our programming is innovative and equity-centered as it supports students from law school through their appellate careers;
• Oversee all daily program operations and logistics, including communicating regularly with TAP’s diverse community members; ensure that weekly speakers and program participants, mentors, and judges have all necessary materials; and that signature activities, programs, and events are successfully implemented;
• Serve as a subject matter expert on the systemic barriers to appellate practice and translate that knowledge into programming. This includes researching and identifying potential opportunities to grow TAP’s programs and staying current on developments in race equity and the appellate field to identify areas of opportunity for TAP’s programmatic efforts and overall approach;
• Ensure all programming, whether virtual or in-person, is high quality, outcomes-driven, and participant-focused.

Impact and Evaluation

• Design and implement evaluation strategies to measure program effectiveness and determine the need for improvements;
• Use data, including participant feedback, to identify promising practices, celebrate and share successes, and recommend strategies to promote organizational growth;
• Track and report key performance indicators to inform decisions and demonstrate program impact.

Operations and Systems

• Work with the COO to build the operations structure for TAP’s programs, including procedures for effectively managing programs, establishing and adhering to timetables, and recruiting participants and volunteers;
• Manage CRM to ensure accurate tracking of students, alumni, volunteers, and partners across programs.

Team and Volunteer Leadership

• Manage and support the Program Officer and future program team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and accountability;
• Oversee service providers, vendors, consultants, and project plans as needed for programming.
• Recruit and supervise volunteers, including mentors, judges, and alumni, ensuring meaningful engagement and stewardship.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

• Cultivate and manage relationships with law firms, judges, funders, and other key stakeholders who support our programmatic goals;
• Serve as a spokesperson for TAP’s programming, including assisting in developing strategic materials, managing relationships with stakeholders related to our programs, providing key data to the CEO to support press opportunities, and communicating with the broader community via panels and social media;
• Collaborate with the communications and development team to effectively convey program outcomes and value to prospective and current funders;
• Assist in developing strategic materials and thought leadership content related to programming.

Technology and Innovation

• Develop and implement innovative learning environments that support our programmatic efforts, including incorporating technology that allows our students, attorneys, and judges to connect directly with each other and collaborate virtually;
• Oversee the development of our new online platform for program participants and community members.

Budget and Grant Management

• Manage programmatic budgets, including monthly and quarterly grant reporting;

• Work closely with the CEO and development team to align program activities with funding goals, including supporting the development of an earned revenue model.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership in program development, with a strong track record of designing, launching, and scaling mission-aligned initiatives;

• Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build programs from the ground up, scale initiatives, work independently and resourcefully in a small team, pivot as needed, and proactively and creatively solve problems;

• Experience developing earned revenue models for programming (e.g., fee for service offerings, event-based funding, or partnership sponsorships) is a plus;

• Deep understanding of the legal system, especially appellate law and its systemic barriers to entry; lived experience with TAP’s mission and communities served is a plus;

• Strategic thinker with experience translating organizational goals into actionable program strategies, timelines, and implementation plans;

• Extensive experience managing program budgets, vendors, and operating systems;

• Strong experience managing people remotely, including managing complex projects and growing a productive team while cultivating a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment;

• Skilled in evaluation frameworks, data tracking, and CRM platforms;

• Demonstrated ability to build community and work collaboratively with diverse groups, including law firms, judges, funders, and potential partners who can help meet programmatic goals;

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to translate program strategy into reports, presentations, and public facing materials;

• Comfortable working with digital platforms such as Google Workspace, Basecamp, virtual learning tools, and CRM systems.

Core Values and Attributes

• A clear passion for our mission; a demonstrated commitment to racial equity, which is at the heart of our work; and a deep understanding of the systemic barriers to entering the appellate field—or a willingness to learn quickly;
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for building and improving systems and programs; a leader who enjoys creative problem solving and navigating the challenges involved when building something new;
• Strategic thinker who is always centering the “why” behind their work and is not afraid to try a mix of traditional and nontraditional approaches to tackle issues that arise;
• Collaborative leader who fosters inclusion, transparency, and trust within teams;
• Emotionally intelligent communicator and relationship builder;
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.

This is a full-time exempt salaried position. The salary range is $125,000-$140,000 and is commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid vacation, a retirement account, health benefits, paid sick leave, paid holidays, generous stipends for technology and a home office, and robust professional development resources.

The position is remote, but preference will be given to candidates based in and around the Washington, DC metro area. If a remote candidate is hired, it will be expected that they travel 2-3 days per month to Washington, DC. Occasional evening and weekend work will also be required, as well as willingness to travel approximately 15% of the time to other places in the country.

The Appellate Project has retained the services of Charity Search Group to coordinate the search for this position. To apply, please complete this online application. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Ranata Reeder at [email protected] ​or visit www.charitysearchgroup.com The Appellate Project is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation and/or identity, criminal record, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by law.