PVI Program Director

MISSION: Polyvagal Institute advances social communication and connectivity by building community, facilitating research, improving quality of care, and offering education on the principles of Polyvagal Theory.

VISION: To optimize the human experience by creating a safe and connected world.

ABOUT: Polyvagal Institute (PVI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a new paradigm for health and wellness by providing training, supporting community, and sharing research centered around a revolutionary understanding of the body and mind as presented in the work of Stephen Porges. Currently, in a period of rapid growth, PVI is restructuring its staff to build capacity and further mission reach. The PVI Program Director position is a new position created to provide leadership to all PVI educational programs. 

PURPOSE AND ROLE: As part of the PVI leadership team, the successful applicant for this position will be a seasoned professional, possess excellent people management skills, be a strong communicator who embodies PVI’s core values of safety and connection, and have a background in mental health/ health sciences and education.

The ideal candidate will possess many of the following qualities: 

• Exceptional people management skills, with a strong track record of fostering a culture of shared vision and accountability 
• A leader with a demonstrated history of building and developing their direct reports
• Excellent relationship-builder with high emotional intelligence to inspire trust and motivation
• Experience managing a variety of online learning programs, particularly in Education and/or Mental Health
• Demonstrated success in curriculum development, delivery and quality assurance
• Well versed in Continued Education accreditation process across multiple professions/ industries 
• Effective communicator, capable of addressing complex topics both intellectually and emotionally
• Collaborative team leader with a history of leading and contributing to successful teams
• Strong project management skills, adaptable, and able to navigate changing priorities with ease
• High proficiency in technology, with experience in a variety of online applications
• Fluent in Polyvagal Theory, familiarity with PVI’s offerings a plus
• Action-orientated, adaptable, and innovative with a good sense of humor

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide programming that supports PVI’s mission by bringing Polyvagal Theory and the application of its core principles to audiences and disciplines in a way that is accurate and accessible.

PVI Program Management: Manage all PVI Programs including: online and hybrid courses, webinars, and community events. Lead implementation of programs to ensure they remain relevant, impactful, representative of PVI’s values, and designed to further mission reach. Continuously improve program effectiveness through data-driven insights and participant feedback.

Leadership Team: As a member of the Leadership Team, the Program Director will monitor and advise on industry trends in professional continued education and work closely with senior staff to develop and operationalize strategic goals, define measures of success, monitor progress, and pivot when necessary to support the organization's mission and vision. 

Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including course partners, program participants, international partners, and community members. Represent PVI at program events and gatherings to promote key initiatives.

People Management: Lead and mentor program staff, fostering a collaborative work environment. Ensure team members have the resources and support necessary to achieve program objectives. Provide direct supervision to Course Coordinator (1 FTE) and several Independent Contractors. PVI is in a significant growth phase and expects to add additional program staff in 2025/2026.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced Degree in Education, Mental Health, or equivalent experience in related field
• Proven record of successful development of educational programming
• 5+ years managing program staff 
• Fluent in Polyvagal Theory principles a plus

SUBMISSION:

Application Deadline September, 15th 2024. Please include the following materials:

• Resume
• Cover letter explaining how your interest and experience align with the position and mission of PVI

What happens next?

If we feel like there’s a good fit, we’ll reach out to you to start the interview process. Here’s what it will look like:

• Initial conversation (~20 minutes)
• Experience Interview (~30 minutes)
• Reference checks
• Focus Interview (45-60 minutes)
• Anticipated Start Date: November 1 or sooner

Polyvagal Institute (PVI) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.