Job Description

Girls on the Run Headquarters: Director of Program Development

Application Deadline: 31 May 2026

Department: Programming and Evaluation

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Girls on the Run HQ - Remote USA

Reporting To: Allie Riley, Chief Program Officer

Compensation: $80,000 - $85,000 / year

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:
Girls on the Run International is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. GOTR is a physical activity-based positive youth development program that is designed to enhance girls’ social, psychological and physical skills and behaviors to successfully navigate life experiences. To learn more about our programs and impact, visit: https://www.girlsontherun.org/

We believe that all girls and communities should have access to our programs. We strive to eliminate barriers to participation, to create programming that engages all communities, to be intentional about staff and volunteer diversity and to promote a culture of inclusion across the organization.

The Director of Program Development leads the design, development, and refinement of Girls on the Run’s youth-facing programs and program content, including existing curriculum and new program initiatives. This role creates relevant, engaging, and impactful content grounded in best practices in learning design, teaching, and positive youth development, and translates program strategy into high-quality program experiences.

Key Responsibilities

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Program and Curriculum Development

• Lead all phases of the program development process, including needs assessment, ideation, prototyping, piloting, and finalization
• Write and refine curriculum lessons and program materials that creatively integrate physical activity and social and emotional learning
• Develop content for supplemental program materials, including family engagement resources, journals, activity sheets, and program support materials
• Ensure programs are culturally responsive, accessible, and aligned with program goals and participant needs

Program Innovation and Quality

• Lead development and scope of new program models and initiatives aligned with organizational growth strategic priorities
• Translate growth strategy into innovative, actionable program concepts and experiences
• Utilize data, research, and constituent feedback to improve and enhance existing program quality, consistency, and impact
• Stay informed on trends in youth development and education to inform program design and innovation

Subject Matter Expertise

• Serve as a subject matter expert for program content, informing volunteer and council training development, ensuring alignment with program intent and participant experience
• Act as key point of contact for councils on program content and implementation, including curriculum and program impact
• Contribute to program strategy by bringing forward insights, opportunities, and recommendations based on program development work and field trends

Collaboration and Project Management

• Partner with creative design teams to translate program content into participant-facing materials that reflect program intent and quality standards
• Partner with cross-functional teams on tools, resources, and support to ensure successful program implementation
• Lead program development projects, including timelines, deliverables, and coordination across teams
• Manage external contractors or consultants supporting program development work

Every member of our staff community is expected to serve as a Girls on the Run role model, exhibiting our core values and working to forward the mission. We commit ourselves to actively developing and nurturing positive relationships across the organization with staff, council members, donors, and board members.

Expectations

Girls on the Run strives to provide staff with opportunities for meaningful in-person connection throughout the year including staff gatherings, professional development opportunities, and organization-wide conferences. Employees are always encouraged, and in occasional instances required, to participate in and contribute to these events.

Work Environment

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing while working on a computer
• Ability to operate a keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
• Ability to hear and understand spoken communication in virtual meetings and phone calls
• Ability to communicate effectively via verbal and written communication

*While this position is remote, residency in one of the following states is required: CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, LA, NC, OR, PA, RI, SC, TX, VA, WA, WY

Qualities and Qualifications

• Passion for the Girls on the Run mission
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a discipline relevant to teaching, curriculum, pedagogy, or youth development preferred
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in program development, curriculum design, or youth development
• Demonstrated experience designing creative lessons, content, or curriculum for youth participants
• Demonstrated experience working with and supporting young people
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple components of a project
• Ability to work independently to meet deadlines and goals while collaborating across teams
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing data to inform program development
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable operating in a lean, fast-paced environment with a high degree of ownership, ambiguity, and cross-functional collaboration

Compensation, Benefits, & Other Information

At Girls on the Run, we proudly offer generous and flexible PTO so that staff can nurture their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing in ways that are personally meaningful to them. In addition, we provide a comprehensive benefits package including company-subsidized medical and dental coverage, vision coverage, life insurance, paid medical leave and a 401(k) with an employer match.

This is a remote, exempt, full-time position offering an annual compensation range of $80,000 to $85,000 depending on experience.

Recruiting Process

• Application Submission: Submit a resume and a sample of relevant work that demonstrates experience designing program content, curriculum, or youth development experiences
• Program Development Exercise: Selected candidates will complete a paid exercise reflecting the work of the role, including reviewing or developing program content and sharing their rationale
• Interview Process: Finalists will participate in interviews and a collaborative working session to assess approach to program development and collaboration