The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire promotes awareness and appreciation of African American history and life in order to build more inclusive communities today. BHTNH works to visibly honor and share a truer, more inclusive history through exhibits, educational programs, curriculum development, and tours that can change the way our country understands human dignity when it is free of historical stereotypes. Headquartered in Portsmouth, BHTNH is rapidly growing as a statewide organization with programs throughout the state.

Position Overview

BHTNH seeks a strategic and dynamic Senior Program Director to lead and expand our core programming, ensuring its impact, sustainability, and reach. The primary responsibility is to ensure a vibrant and robust program schedule for the organization and coordinate all issues related to identifying, planning, implementing, and evaluating those programs.

The Senior Program Director will play a critical role in expanding the visibility and impact of these programs by overseeing strategic development, marketing, data analysis, and fundraising efforts. The Development Associate, Marketing Specialist, and Program Assistant report to the Senior Program Director. This position reports to the Executive Director and works closely with other staff, partners, and stakeholders to ensure the programs align with BHTNH’s mission and sustainability goals.

This full-time position is 40 hours weekly (5 days/week, some evenings and weekends required) at the BHTNH office at 222 Court St., Portsmouth, NH.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Management

• Lead the strategic planning, design, and execution of BHTNH’s five core programs.
• Evaluate program effectiveness through participant feedback, data collection, and impact assessment.
• Identify opportunities for enhancements to existing initiatives, particularly opportunities to monetize programs.
• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational goals.

BHTNH’s five major programs:

• Tea Talk Series – Community dialogues on historical and contemporary issues.
• Juneteenth Celebration – A statewide commemoration of emancipation and Black resilience.
• Statewide Reading of Frederick Douglass’s Speech – Annual public readings engaging communities across New Hampshire.
• Black New England Conference – A regional convening of scholars, artists, and activists.
• Guided Tours – Historical tours that educate the public on New Hampshire’s Black history.

Marketing & Outreach

• Develop and implement marketing strategies to expand audience engagement and visibility of BHTNH programs.
• Collaborate with appropriate staff/committees to craft compelling content for the website, social media, press releases, and promotional materials.
• Foster partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations, and media outlets to increase program reach.

Data Collection & Impact Analysis

• Establish data collection methodologies to assess program impact and engagement.
• Analyze participation trends to refine program strategies and increase accessibility.
• Produce reports and presentations on program outcomes for internal and external stakeholders.

Strategic Fundraising & Revenue Generation

• Collaborate with the development team to identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and donor engagement initiatives.
• Develop innovative strategies to monetize programs while maintaining accessibility and mission alignment.
• Assist in crafting grant proposals, reports, and fundraising appeals for program funding.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to the Development Associate, Program Assistant, and Marketing Specialist positions.
• Set clear performance expectations and measurable goals aligned with organizational objectives.
• Lead annual performance reviews and provide ongoing constructive feedback.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit program management, education, cultural institutions, or a related field.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, program execution, and impact assessment.
• Strong marketing, communications, and audience engagement skills.
• Experience with data collection, impact analysis, and performance measurement.
• Demonstrated ability to secure funding through grants, sponsorships, and program monetization.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for African American history, social justice, and community building.
• Familiarity with New Hampshire’s cultural and historical landscape is a plus. 
• Knowledge of software applications and platforms, including Google Suite (Gmail, calendar, Google Docs), Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.
• Benefits package includes health insurance, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to gina@blackheritagetrailnh.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.