Director of Programs

Scholars Unlimited is a non-profit organization that provides high-quality, comprehensive after school and summer learning programs to elementary school children in metro Denver. Our organizational vision is an unwavering commitment to empower students to achieve academic and personal success. Our mission is to foster academic, social, and emotional growth for children living in low-income communities around metro Denver. Our vision and mission are on the foundation of our values in the belief in every child’s potential, the belief in cultivating life-long learners, and the belief in the power of every child, family, and community. We collaborate with school districts and generally provide our programs in the schools our students attend. Currently, our programs are offered in Denver, Aurora, Sheridan, and Westminster public schools.

At Scholars Unlimited, we value equity, belongingness, community, and joy. We refuse to tolerate racism, or injustice. We take our duty to teach, learn and build very seriously. Our community strives to challenge oppressive structures, and keep one another accountable. We believe every individual in our community deserves to live and work in a safe setting that allows them to be their authentic self within their role. We know that even with the best intentions, racism, classism, bias and other kinds of oppression in our classrooms may perpetuate unless we take conscious action to disrupt and put an end to those things. We are change makers, we are the next generation of thought leaders that will make a difference in our community and in the world for the greater good. We are committed to keeping up with the latest DEI best practices, and to educating our team members so they are best prepared to uphold our high standard for the Scholars Unlimited community.

The Director of Programs, in collaboration with the CEO, leads the vision, strategy, and execution of Scholars Unlimited’s out-of-school time (OST) programs. As the organization’s senior program leader, this role ensures high-quality implementation across all sites and drives measurable impact for elementary-aged youth. 

Working under the direction of the President & CEO, the Director of Programs leads program design, delivery models, and continuous improvement efforts to ensure data-informed programming aligned with organizational goals. This role also oversees all grant management functions, including compliance, reporting, and funder engagement and supports the long-term sustainability of programs and funding partnerships. 

This position reports to the President & CEO.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership & Program Vision

• Develop and execute the organization’s program strategy in alignment with mission and organizational goals
• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of all OST programming, including after-school and summer programs
• Identify opportunities for program growth, innovation, and expansion
• Contribute to organizational planning, budgeting, and long-term sustainability efforts 
• Ensure programs are scalable, sustainable, and aligned with community needs

Program Oversight & Quality

• Oversee all program operations across multiple sites, ensuring consistency, quality, and strong outcomes
• Establish and monitor program standards, frameworks, and performance expectations
• Ensure high-quality implementation of literacy, STEM, social-emotional learning, and enrichment programming
• Proactively address operational challenges and ensure effective program delivery
• Maintain safe, engaging, and inclusive environments for all participants

Grant Management & Compliance

• Lead all aspects of Federal, State, and City grant management, including application support, implementation, compliance, and reporting
• Ensure programs meet all city, state, and federal grant requirements and performance metrics
• Oversee federal, state, and city grant budgets in partnership with finance and organizational leadership
• Prepare and submit timely, accurate reports and renewal applications
• Serve as the primary relationship manager with funders and grant stakeholders

Data, Evaluation & Impact

• Establish and oversee systems for program data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Use data to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement
• Monitor progress toward organizational impact goals and outcomes
• Provide regular reports to leadership and the board on program performance

Partnerships & External Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with schools, community partners, and stakeholders
• Represent the organization in program-related meetings, partnerships, and community events
• Support development efforts by contributing program insights to funders and partners

Compliance & Administration

• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, Colorado child care licensing, and other regulatory requirements
• Oversee program documentation, policies, and operational procedures
• Support organizational budgeting and resource allocation

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the success of Scholars Unlimited

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises the Senior Program Manager and the Data Coordinator in the performance of their duties, including delegating, counseling, disciplining, coaching, training, evaluating, and terminating. 
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws
• Ensures strong leadership and accountability across all program sites
• Build a high-performing team through coaching, accountability, and professional development
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, and retention strategies for program staff
• Foster a culture of collaboration, equity, and continuous improvement

Work Environment

• Hybrid Position: Employees are expected to work in the office a minimum of 4 days per week, with specific schedules coordinated with their supervisor. 

Benefits 

• Scholars Unlimited offers a generous benefits package that includes PTO, up to 11 paid holidays per year, a paid winter break between December 26 and January 31, two mental health wellness days per year, health, dental, and vision insurance coverage with an employer premium allowance per month, a retirement plan with employer match, employer-paid Life, AD&D, STD, and LTD insurance, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).

Compensation:

• Hiring Range is $88,000  - $95,000  commensurate with experience

Organizational Culture:

• We have a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• We have a passion for our students and are invested in their success.
• We believe that trust among team members is essential.
• We believe that respect among team members is essential and non-negotiable.
• We encourage all team members to be curious.
• We love your individuality and want to see you shine.

To Apply: 

• Interested individuals are encouraged to complete an application and submit a resume through the Scholars Unlimited Application Page
• Applications will be received through June 5, 2026

Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they do not meet 100 percent of the job requirements.  We encourage anyone who believes they have the skills and the drive necessary to succeed at Scholars Unlimited to apply for this role.  

Scholars Unlimited is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, protective hairstyles), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Public Administration, or related field required
• Master’s degree preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in youth development, education, or OST programming
• At least 3–5 years of leadership experience managing programs and/or multi-site teams
• Demonstrated experience with grant management, compliance, and reporting
• Proven experience leading teams and driving program outcomes

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated commitment to Scholars Unlimited’s mission, values, and advancing equitable opportunities for elementary-aged youth, including a commitment to racial equity
• Strong strategic thinking and program leadership skills
• Expertise in program design, implementation, and evaluation
• Experience using data to drive decision-making and outcomes
• Knowledge of youth development best practices (literacy, STEM, SEL)
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead in a dynamic environment
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability
• Commitment to educational equity and the mission of Scholars Unlimited
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and program/data systems

Minimum Qualifications:

Must complete and pass criminal history background checks prior to the start of employment

Salary : $88,000 - $95,000