The
Interested candidates are invited to submit a
Email application materials to:
Program DirectorCarnegie WritersApply
Job SummaryTheProgram Director – Teen Author Workshop (TAW)will provide strategic leadership and daily oversight for Carnegie Writers’ (CW) after-school creative literacy program designed to empower teen writers. This role is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating engaging, high-quality literacy and writing activities that nurture creativity, confidence, and academic growth. The Program Director will supervise staff and volunteers, coordinate program logistics, manage the program budget, and foster meaningful partnerships with schools, families, and community organizations. This position requires an inspiring and organized leader with a passion for youth development, literacy advancement, and creative expression.
Job ResponsibilitiesOversee the daily operations of the
- Teen Author Workshop (TAW) , ensuring a safe, engaging, and productive environment for all participants.
Develop, implement, and evaluate program policies, procedures, and best practices aligned with CW’s literacy and youth development standards.
Recruit, train, and supervise program staff, interns, and volunteers to ensure high-quality instruction and mentorship.
Collaborate with Literacy Facilitators and Creative Leaders to design and deliver interactive writing workshops, creative projects, and literacy-based enrichment activities.
Monitor program effectiveness, collect participant feedback, and adjust strategies to enhance outcomes and meet program goals.
Manage the program budget and resources efficiently to support operations, field trips, and special events.
Build and sustain partnerships with schools, parents, community organizations, and local authors to enrich program opportunities.
Plan and oversee TAW events, including writing showcases, field trips, and collaborative literacy initiatives.
Ensure compliance with all organizational, state, and safety standards.
Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in youth programming and literacy education.
Education:Bachelor’s degree in Education, English, Creative Writing, Nonprofit Management, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
Experience:Proven experience in program management, youth development, or educational leadership — preferably within literacy or creative writing programs.
Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and evaluate engaging instructional and enrichment activities for teens.
Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to motivate and support staff, volunteers, and participants.
Knowledge of literacy development, creative writing pedagogy, and instructional strategies for diverse learners.
Experience managing program budgets, resources, and community partnerships.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and fostering a safe, supportive environment for youth participants.
Flexibility, creativity, and a collaborative spirit with a dedication to continuous improvement and professional growth.
Full-time position with retirement contribution, health, and dental coverage.
Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
Collaborative, mission-driven environment focused on literacy and youth empowerment.
Interested candidates are invited to submit aresumeandcover letteroutlining their relevant experience, leadership approach, and passion for youth literacy and creative writing. Please include “Program Director – Teen Author Workshop” in the subject line.
Email application materials to:employment@carnegiewriters.org
Details- Date Posted: November 11, 2025
- Type: Full-Time
- Job Function: Educator
- Service Area: Children / Youth
- Start Date: 12/01/2025
- Salary Range: 50,000 a Year
- Working Hours: M-F (10 am - 6 pm)
Freqently Asked Questions
In Nashville, a Program Director spearheading youth literacy initiatives plays a pivotal role by crafting engaging workshops that resonate with local teens. Their leadership directly impacts academic growth and creativity, aligning with community needs and boosting literacy across diverse youth groups.
While a bachelor's degree in education or nonprofit management is essential, Tennessee nonprofits often value experience in youth development and creative writing pedagogy. Familiarity with community engagement and program evaluation methods also strengthens candidacy for program leadership roles here.
Program Directors typically provide strategic vision and oversee multiple facets like budgeting and partnerships, while Program Managers focus more on day-to-day execution. In creative literacy settings, directors emphasize leadership in curriculum development and community collaboration, setting them apart from managerial positions.
Advancing requires expanding strategic planning skills, gaining experience in staff supervision, and mastering budget management. Demonstrating successful program evaluation and forging community partnerships also signal readiness to step into a director-level position focused on youth empowerment.
Beyond organizational skills, the role demands an inspiring presence that fosters creativity and inclusivity. The director must motivate diverse teams, balance operational tasks with vision-setting, and cultivate partnerships that enrich the workshop's impact on teen writers.
At this nonprofit, the emphasis lies heavily on creative literacy and youth empowerment through writing, blending educational leadership with community engagement. This environment fosters mission-driven collaboration, unlike some corporate or broader educational program director positions.
The position typically offers around $50,000 annually, reflecting Nashville’s nonprofit sector standards and cost of living. Compensation often includes benefits like health coverage and retirement contributions, balancing financial and professional growth opportunities.
Nashville’s collaborative community focus encourages a balance between structured programming and flexible engagement with local schools and authors. Directors often blend traditional office hours with field activities, reflecting the city's emphasis on relationship-building and cultural enrichment.
Navigating varied socioeconomic backgrounds requires cultural sensitivity and adaptable instructional methods. Directors must address resource disparities while fostering safe, inclusive environments that encourage all teens to express their voices creatively.
The director acts as a key liaison, building sustainable collaborations with schools, local authors, and families. These partnerships enrich programming, secure resources, and create opportunities for teens to showcase their literary talents, reinforcing the nonprofit’s community mission.
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