Community Programs Director

Community Programs Director

 2026

Groundwork Lawrence (GWL) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has been making change happen in Greater Lawrence, Massachusetts since 1999. Through community engagement, environmental and open space improvements, fresh food access, youth education, and employment initiatives, GWL builds the foundations of a healthy community and empowers residents to improve their quality of life, engaging residents, youth, nonprofits, government, and businesses in the planning and realization of its projects. Guided by a commitment to "changing places, changing lives, and changing systems," GWL's mission is to bring about the sustained regeneration, improvement, and management of the physical environment by developing community-based partnerships that empower people, businesses, and organizations to promote environmental, economic, and social well-being.

About the Position:

GWL is seeking a Community Programs Director to lead and grow a variety of community initiatives including stewardship efforts, outreach, and events. Reporting to the Deputy Director, this position plays a key leadership role both internally and externally and directly manages staff, outcomes, and collaborative efforts with local, state, and national partners.  The Community Programs Director hires, trains, and manages, program staff and serves as a member of GWL’s management team. 

Essential Functions:

• Direct the ongoing development, management, implementation, and achievement of GWL’s community programs and their intended, measurable outcomes.
• Oversee Climate Safe Neighborhoods and the Climate Safe Neighborhoods Manager
• Work with the Deputy Director and Management Team to ensure that community programs are integrated into other GWL projects and programs, building upon organizational strengths, and supporting existing open space projects, environmental improvements, and education programming.
• Successfully establish, implement, monitor, and achieve annual plans – including specific goals, budgets, hiring, performance management, and outcomes.
• Lead the strategic growth and expansion of community programming in Greater Lawrence.
• Supervise program staff to achieve mission.
• Manage relationships with external partners
• Manage relationships with municipal partners and municipal administration
• Oversee and participate regularly in community events and collaborations.
• Assume other responsibilities, as needed.

Qualifications:

• Must share a passion for Groundwork’s values and vision;
• 3 - 5 years minimum of comparable management experience;
• Experience as a leader with responsibility for program success;
• Education, training, and/or prior work experience in nonprofit management, environmental studies, urban agriculture, public health, and/or related fields;
• Experience in supervisory and non-supervisory staff management;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues;
• Ability to balance competing priorities and deadlines and to handle multiple deliverables collaboratively;
• Demonstrated outstanding organizational skills along with strong oral and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills;
• Experience in designing, managing, and implementing programs;
• Be a self-starter and work well independently, as well as value collaboration;
• Must be experienced working in multi-cultural, inclusive settings;
• Bilingual Spanish/English (written and verbal);
• Experience working with/within municipalities and/or corporate partners a plus;
• Basic computer skills: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;

Compensation: Starting salary range is $70,000 - $80,000 commensurate with experience.  Employee benefits include payment of 75% of health and dental insurance, a matching 403(b) retirement plan, fresh food benefit, long-term disability and life insurance, and excellent paid time off benefits. GWL provides wonderful opportunities for advancement and growth within the organization. This position reports to the Deputy Director and is an exempt, full-time position requiring some evening and weekend hours. 

Hiring Policy: GWL is an equal opportunity employer.  We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status.  City of Lawrence residents are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply:  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  Please submit letter of interest describing your relevant experience and interests and your resume to: Groundwork Lawrence, Attn: Human Resources, 50 Island Street, Lawrence, MA 01840, fax:  (978) 655-1337, or [email protected].

No phone calls please. Email inquiries may be sent to [email protected]