Director of Programming

Grounded Strategies • Pittsburgh, PA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Grounded Strategies is a nonprofit organization that partners with residents to transform vacant and underutilized land into spaces that foster environmental, economic, and social transformation using evidenced-based strategies. We do this by providing tools, training, and technical assistance for reclaiming vacant spaces, embracing intergenerational participation and youth development.

Grounded Strategies is seeking a Director of Programming to lead the design, coordination, and execution of community-based land transformation initiatives across our focus neighborhoods. This role oversees a diverse portfolio of projects—from site development and community engagement to policy, evaluation, and program innovation—ensuring that all work advances Grounded’s mission of reclaiming vacant land to support community health, wealth-building, and environmental resilience.

The Director of Programming will work closely with staff, residents, and cross-sector partners to move projects from vision to implementation, while strengthening systems for long-term community ownership and sustainability.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in community development, planning or related field
• Proven experience managing teams of 2+
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects
• Strong facilitation, relationship-building, and communication skills
• Experience working in and with low-income communities and communities of color
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and move projects forward independently
• Commitment to racial equity and community-centered development
• Familiarity with budgeting and managing grant-funded programs
• Proficient computer skills, especially using Google Suite, project management task tracking software, and preferably, GIS.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with land use, vacant land strategies, or community ownership models (e.g., land trusts).
• Background in environmental justice, public health, community & economic development, or urban planning.
• Masters degree preferred.
• Experience designing or managing community engagement processes.
• Knowledge of Pittsburgh/Allegheny County community landscape and systems.
• Experience with evaluation, impact measurement, or applied research.
• Extensive project management skills managing internal staff and stakeholder groups for multiple concurrent projects

Responsibilities

• Responsible for local and regional expertise in land use and vacant land policy
• Support data-driven initiatives and research for Grounded, communities, and regional stakeholders
• Provide expertise to develop and reimagine new, innovative programmatic initiatives that engage residents in site selection and planning work
• Lead planning, project management, and coordination for major initiatives, including multi-partner development projects
• Support priority sites in transitioning from planning to implementation, including build-out readiness and working with Executive Director to identify construction funding pathways
• Guide transition of select sites Grounded holds site access agreements for toward community-based ownership and stewardship models
• Oversee implementation of initiatives such as the creation of a Land Access Fund
• Coordinate design, funding and implementation for durable improvements where needed at past project sites
• Design and implement community engagement strategies for current initiatives
• Plan and host community dinners in key focus neighborhoods to provide project updates and collect input on the organization’s future direction
• Strengthen collaborations with community leaders, institutional and advocacy partners (e.g., CDCs, land banks, public agencies)
• Support formation and strengthening of community ownership structures, including land trusts
• Ensure meaningful integration of intergenerational collaboration and input into programming and site planning
• Hosting workshops and trainings for residents on planning, policy or other topics as needed
• Oversee creation of methodologies for and progress on evaluation plans, including tracking outcomes related to public health, safety, and sustainability
• Support development of metrics and systems for site performance and program impact
• Contribute to broader field-building efforts around equitable land access and use
• Lead production of “State of the Land Report” e-newsletters, case studies, Annual Reports and other learning outputs
• Facilitate cross-neighborhood learning exchanges
• Supervise and support program staff, including setting goals, managing performance, and supporting professional development
• Provide clear direction, prioritization, and accountability across program areas to ensure alignment with organizational goals
• Oversee program workplans, timelines, and deliverables across all initiatives
• Develop and manage program budgets; ensure accurate tracking, forecasting, and alignment with funding requirements
• Ensure compliance with legal guidelines, internal policies and grant requirements, including overseeing reimbursement processes and reporting for programmatic funding awards
• Strengthen internal systems and workflows to improve program efficiency and effectiveness
• Coordinate across programs to ensure integration of various areas of the organization
• Partner with leadership on staffing structure, resource allocation, and program growth
• Represent Grounded in community meetings, coalitions, and public forums
• Contribute to fundraising strategy and grant development
• Ensure programs, initiatives, engagement strategies and evaluation methods align with Grounded’s Race Equity Action Plan
• Participate in organizational planning, team meetings, and internal initiatives
• Support a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven team culture

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: 85% Coverage for employees
• 10 Holidays, plus your birthday, in addition to the week between Christmas and New Year’s when the Grounded office is closed
• 19 days of personal time off (includes all vacation, sick leave, and other personal days off)
• Eligibility for Life Insurance, Short - and Long - term disability, and our SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with up to 3% match from Grounded.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director