Director of Programs

Job Description

Job Description

WHO WE ARE

The Southern Office of The Council of State Governments (CSG South) empowers and elevates public servants across the 15 Southern states. Through policy innovation, leadership development, and regional collaboration, we equip leaders to serve their constituents with excellence. We live out our core values in all that we do:

• Servant's Heart - We lead by serving others.
• Ambitious - We set bold goals and pursue them relentlessly.
• Adaptable - We respond to challenges with innovation and agility.
• Accountable - We honor commitments, our policies, and own our outcomes.
• Credible - We earn trust through excellence and integrity.

This is more than a job-it's an opportunity to lead a small but gritty programs team that strengthens state governments across the South. As Director of Programs, you will design and deliver impactful experiences that enhance elected officials and state government staff with skills, relationships, and insight to lead effectively. By advancing professional development, fostering collaboration, and aligning with our strategic vision, you will help ensure that state public servants are prepared to serve with excellence. If you are a detail-oriented leader who drives processes, ensures results, and delivers lasting impact, we want you on our team.

1BPOSITION SUMMARY

CSG South seeks a dynamic and results-oriented Director of Programs to lead the intentional design, delivery, and continuous improvement of our professional development and member engagement offerings. The Director of Programs will manage all aspects of CSG South's leadership development portfolio-including CALS, SAGE, SAIL, and Chiefs15X-while expanding online programming to meet evolving member needs. The Director of Programs exercises independent judgment while maintaining a collaborative relationship with the Southern Office Regional Director and the director's team. The director understands the offerings of the CSG South office and our target audience(s) and ensures that programs are completed on time and on budget.

This leader will collaborate with internal teams, state elected officials, state government staff, and designated committee Chairs to design transformative in-person and digital-first experiences, measure outcomes, and grow participation. The Director of Programs directly supervises the Programs Associate and other roles designated under this department.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Director of Programs is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating the state government professional development programs, educational opportunities, trainings, and assists with member engagement strategies provided by the Southern Office, and guides the team that executes these efforts.
• The director oversees the planning and implementation of the government staff track and program functions at the Southern Legislative Conference, including driving and executing pre-conference planning, working at the conference as staff support on-site, and post-event reports and analysis.
• Lead the development of an annual programs plan, aligning with our 5-year strategic plan (2025-2030), working closely with the internal team, members, and external partners, to create an effective and efficient professional development strategy focused on growing organizational engagement and participation.
• Serve as chief architect for modern state government relevant program curricula, experiential learning, adult learning best practices, and alumni engagement strategies for CALS, SAGE, SAIL, and Chiefs15X.
• Expand and diversify program offerings by launching a virtual learning platform, credentialing programs, and academic/institutional partnerships to address emerging leadership challenges, policy priorities, and member needs more significantly and timely.
• Design a flexible and financially sustainable model for in-state leadership development programs tailored to each member state's specific needs and capacities. This model should include a branded course catalog and adaptable facilitation models.
• Increase CSG South's visibility and influence by enhancing its presence at member state orientations through in-person participation or branded onboarding materials.
• Oversee program planning from concept through post-event follow-up, including site selection, budgeting, contracting, speaker coordination, agenda development, participant communications, and on-site execution.
• Cultivate strong relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, alumni, and partner organizations to enhance program relevance and reach, which includes state visits.
• Develop and implement alumni engagement strategies that maintain long-term connections and encourage cross-program collaboration.
• Actively seek feedback from members to guide continuous program improvement.
• Create and implement a program performance framework to track participation, satisfaction, and measurable outcomes.
• Produce impact reports and success stories demonstrating value to members, funders, and partners.
• Lead and motivate a high-performing team; ensure adequate training, coaching, and development; manage staff workloads; resolve challenges; coach and evaluate performance that aligns with the overall CSG South strategy and standard of excellence.
• Collaborate closely with policy, communications, and operations teams to ensure integrated delivery of services.
• Collaborate with the Regional Director on setting annual program budgets.
• Responsible for assessing risks associated with program budgets, decisions, and maintaining proper accounting records and processes to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Other Duties: This job summary is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without formal written notice

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 7 years' experience in program management, leadership development, or related work within mission-driven organizations, government, or nonprofits, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Knowledge of state government political structure and operations and current and emerging trends, issues, and challenges.
• Demonstrated success designing, implementing, and evaluating high-impact professional development programs.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles, facilitation, and curriculum-building best practices.
• Demonstrated experience leading small teams or managing contractors, with the ability to balance strategy and hands-on execution.
• Proven ability to engage senior-level public officials and a variety of stakeholders with professionalism and credibility.
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including self-awareness, sensitivity, and valuing others.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, digital curriculum tools, and online learning software.
• Proven ability to identify and implement process improvements and creative solutions that advance departmental goals and efficiency.
• Track record of managing multiple projects in a dynamic environment from conception to completion, balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire, influence, and educate.
• Genuine interest in and commitment to advancing the organization's mission, values, and goals.
• A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree or specialized training in leadership development, public administration, or curriculum development is preferred.
• Willingness to travel regularly (up to 30%) for programs, events, conferences, or meetings.

WE ALSO OFFER

• A hybrid work schedule: Based in Decatur, GA, with the option to regularly work from home on Tuesday and Thursday unless traveling, discontinued, or temporarily suspended for business reasons.
• Generous personal paid and sick leave policies plus 12 paid holidays.
• Office closure the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, a paid day off in the month of your birthday, and other periodic telework or paid days off. These benefits are at the discretion of the Regional Director.
• A recently renovated office with amenities such as beverages, an in-office business casual dress code, and a collaborative floor plan with options for various workstyles and sit-to-stand desks.

To learn more about CSG South visit us at To learn more about careers at CSG, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested applicants must complete the online application and include resume and cover letter.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Equal Employment Opportunity employer (veterans/individuals with disabilities).