Director of Programs

Company Overview

The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation (KWFF) was established in Memphis in 1960 by Dorothy and Kemmons Wilson. Over the last six decades the Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation has focused on investing in institutions and strategies that build Memphis into a more vibrant and just place. Today, the Foundation focuses on partnerships on two historic neighborhoods in South Memphis - Soulsville and South City. Our investments in Soulsville and South City seek to build upon existing assets in the neighborhoods and are informed by resident identified needs/desires.

Position Overview

The Director of Programs is a full-time, hybrid role that leads and manages the Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation’s (KWFF) portfolio of programs and grantmaking initiatives. This position requires strategic vision, programmatic expertise, and a passion for community impact. Reporting to the Foundation’s CEO, the Director of Programs collaborates with partners, schools, and community organizations to design, implement, and evaluate innovative programs while ensuring alignment with KWFF's mission and values.

Responsibilities

1. Program Management (55%)

• Wilson Society (25%)
• Strategic vision and design and implement an annual curriculum and refine program design using program logic models and impact analysis.
• Manage relationships with partner schools, administrators, and students, ensuring responsibilities are understood and carried out effectively.
• Coordinate and host the Fall conference for 60 students
• Oversee two impact grant cycles annually, including application management, review, reporting outcomes, and maintaining grant data in Foundant for approximately 40 community-based “impact grant” projects per schoolyear.
• Collect and analyze program data, prepare quarterly updates and an annual "Year in Review" report.

• NexGen (15%)
• Develop and implement a curriculum aligned with the program mission, incorporating participant feedback and best practices.
• Collaborate with family members on engagement strategies and host one family gathering and three lessons annually.
• Prepare program updates for the Board of Directors.

• Scholars Program (5%)
• Manage relationships with five partner schools, maintaining scholar bios and tracking academic progress.
• Coordinate and host the annual Scholars Breakfast and Graduates Brunch.

2. Grantmaking (35%)

• Assist with strategic vision and design for Building Strong Families, Innovation Grants, and Big Bets grant initiatives, ensuring alignment with Board, Advisory Board, and community resident guidance.
• Stay up to date on best practices of partner organizations and sector trends to inform program design.
• Conduct thorough grant review and analysis, providing clear written recommendations and ongoing monitoring of approximately 40 grants annually.
• Manage relationships with partner organizations through site visits, events, and regular check-ins.
• Design evaluation tools to measure alignment with investment strategies and support impact assessments.
• Plan and execute Innovation, Big Bet, and Building Strong Families grant reporting presentations annually for the Board and Advisory Board.
• Create and compile a Board Book twice a year and an Advisory Board Book once a year with analyzed grant recommendations.
• Coordinate the grant application, payment, and reporting processes using the grants management system (Foundant).
• Organize and co-host site visits, including Advisory Board members, and ensure communication of opportunities in advance.

3. Administrative Responsibilities (10%)

• Plan and execute an annual Lunch and Learn event for the Wilson family and other stakeholders, providing a learning opportunity to explore best practices within the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors.
• Reconcile and manage program budgets quarterly, including forecasting for the annual budget planning process, contribute to strategic budgeting with the CEO
• Design and prepare the KWFF Annual Report using Canva or other design software.
• Organize and host 3–4 staff educational workshops annually and attend sector conferences, sharing trends and opportunities with the team.
• Assist with executive support tasks, including grant and program reporting to the Board of Directors.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred.

• Relevant degrees include Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Education, Social Work, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• 5 years of experience in program management or grantmaking administration.
• Strong skills in project management, program analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in community engagement, participatory practices, or resident-led programming is preferred.
• Experience working with marginalized and systemically disinvested communities is preferred.
• Experience in youth development programming is preferred.
• Understanding of the local Memphis nonprofit ecosystem is preferred.
• Strong understanding of grantmaking principles and best practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems (e.g., Foundant), and data analysis software.
• Experience with program logic models, impact measurement, and data visualization.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for the mission of the Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation.

Work Environment

This position offers a flexible hybrid work schedule, with an emphasis on maintaining work-life balance. Travel within Memphis is occasionally required for site visits, conferences, and partner meetings.