DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS AND INNOVATION POSITION
Role Description
Location: Rwanda
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Start Date: As soon as possible
About the position
The Director of Programs and Innovation will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of our programs in alignment with our mission and long-term goals. This is a senior leadership position that plays a key role in shaping the future of Resonate’s work to empower women and communities through confidence-building and leadership development.
The Director of Programs and Innovation will ensure our programs are impactful, data-driven, scalable, and sustainably funded. This role provides strategic direction and leadership to our Programs and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) teams, oversees curriculum development, strengthens program delivery, and contributes meaningfully to fundraising and funder relationship management.
The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO to shape the strategic vision with an important focus on scaling impactful programming for partners and participants across Rwanda and outside of Rwanda as needed.
Who you are
You are comfortable in a fast-paced organization and can manage multiple projects and adapt to a rapidly changing environment. You are a dynamic, strategic, and mission-driven leader with a passion for social impact and women's empowerment. You are someone who thrives in both vision and execution, and you bring strong experience in program strategy, team leadership, and scaling programs.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Program Leadership & Development (40%)
Design, initiate, and oversee the development of new programs and curriculum in line with Resonate’s strategic objectives.
Set and monitor long- and short-term program goals, outcomes, and key milestones in collaboration with the Management Team.
Identify trends, needs, and opportunities for program expansion or innovation based on MEAL data and stakeholder feedback.
Lead annual program planning and budgeting processes for both Programs and MEAL.
Oversee all program execution, ensuring quality delivery, content relevance, and participant engagement.
Ensure strong coordination and collaboration between Programs and MEAL for evidence-based decision-making.
Guide the Programs and MEAL teams in understanding how data contributes to storytelling and evidence-based reporting.
Establish quality assurance systems and protocols to continuously improve program performance.
Anticipate and plan for staffing and resource needs across program components.
Work with the CEO to assess and mitigate program-related risks.
Fundraising Support and Proposal Development (20%)
Act as the primary contributor for programmatic sections of concept notes, proposals, grant applications, and pitch decks, ensuring alignment with Resonate’s strategy, outcomes, and resource capacity.
Support the development of proactive fundraising strategies that prioritize multi-year funding and align with program development plans.
Work with the MEAL and Communications teams to translate program outcomes and data into clear, engaging impact stories that resonate with funders and partners.
Monitor funding trends and donor priorities to identify potential funding streams that align with existing or proposed programs.
Serve as the primary point of contact for program-related donor engagement, regularly update funders on progress, share success stories, and manage expectations around program changes or delays.
Collaborate with the Finance team to develop accurate, well-justified program budgets for funding proposals and ensure resource requirements are fully anticipated.
Support other team members with project management-related needs as needed.
People Management (20%)Provide leadership and direction to team members and foster a value-based culture.
Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions, and training programs to support the
professional development of team members.Participate in the recruitment of staff, train, and mentor staff, fostering a high-performing and
engaged team.
Reporting (10%)Oversee the creation of timely, accurate, and data-informed narrative and financial reports, ensuring they meet donor expectations and contractual obligations.
Collaborate closely with the MEAL team to extract key impact data, success stories, and lessons learned that align with donor expectations.
Provide strategic input and data for CEO-led reporting and presentations to governance bodies and stakeholders.
Compile quarterly and annual program reports for stakeholders.
Other (10%)
Provide project management support for cross-cutting initiatives and internal pilots.
Collaborate with the CEO and the Management Team on organizational priorities, including
impact strategy, operations, and growth.Promote integration and alignment across departments to ensure programmatic coherence and
efficiency.Contribute to Resonate’s growth by challenging assumptions and generating ideas that align with
mission delivery.Provide any other support as needed.
Requirements
Master’s degree preferred, or Bachelor’s Degree in project management, Development Studies,
Public Policy, or a related field with significant experience.Minimum 5 years of experience in program management, including at least two years in a senior
leadership role.Proven experience in managing teams, donor reporting, proposal writing, and curriculum
development.Demonstrated ability to build and maintain funder and partner relationships.
Strong leadership, team-building, and mentoring skills.
Strong program design and project management capabilities.
Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills.
High proficiency in data-driven decision-making and impact reporting.
Ability to think strategically and translate vision into action.
Deep understanding of non-profit program operations, MEAL frameworks, and donor relations.
Good understanding of facilitation and adult learning techniques.
High emotional intelligence and conflict-resolution skills.
Strong resource management and budgeting skills.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Values-driven, team-oriented, and self-aware.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to info@resonateworkshops.org, with "Director of Programs and Innovation Position" in the subject line of the email, by September 19, 2025.
