Program Director

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Full-Time | Remote-First | Austin, Texas

The Opportunity

The Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts (SAFE-D) is the only statewide association serving Texas Emergency Services Districts: the local taxing entities that fund fire protection and emergency medical services across the state. With over 300 member districts and a growing legislative and educational footprint, SAFE-D plays a critical role in keeping Texans safe.

This Program Director role is a rare opportunity to own a meaningful function inside a lean, mission-driven organization with statewide reach. The Program Director will have real autonomy, direct impact on member experience and gain working knowledge of Texas legislative and emergency services policy, core to SAFE-D's mission and present throughout the organization's work.

Purpose

The Program Director is the operational hub of SAFE-D's member-facing work, responsible for owning and running the Association's programming, conference, communications, and member experience functions. This role drives execution across these areas with significant autonomy, while reporting to the Executive Director and serving as the primary point of contact for members on day-to-day needs.

Role Responsibilities

Member Engagement & Experience

Own and run the full member relationship lifecycle.

• Maintains the member roster, drives retention through proactive outreach to lapsed and at-risk members, and tracks effectiveness of initiatives
• Serves as the primary point of contact for member ESDs seeking assistance or information
• Leads recruitment of new member districts, including outreach and follow-through to close
• Organizes and runs regional meetings, including logistics, agenda, and facilitation
• Manages the online member resource database and Texas ESD map, ensuring both are current and useful
• Leads onboarding of new Association board members

Conference & Programming

Own and run the Annual Conference and all Association training programs.

• Manages all aspects of the Annual Conference — venue relationships, curriculum development, logistics, and execution
• Develops and executes in-person trainings at strategic locations across the state and virtually in conjunction with the ED
• Owns the CESC certification pipeline: processes applications, tracks Commissioner training hours, and ensures timely issuance of training certificates
• Files and manages all training accreditation paperwork with the V.G. Young Institute of County Government per Section 775.0365 of the Health and Safety Code
• Evaluates programming effectiveness and recommends improvements annually

Communications & PR

Own and run SAFE-D's external communications and public presence.

• Produces and distributes monthly email blasts to the membership
• Contributes to the SAFE-D Pen newsletter (printed quarterly)
• Manages SAFE-D's social media platforms and website, ensuring content is current, accurate, and on-brand
• Leads public relations and marketing strategy for programming and member-facing initiatives
• Represents SAFE-D as an exhibitor at compatible conferences and events
• Develops and delivers presentations to entities interested in ESD creation when needed

Administration & Financial Support

• Supports the Executive Director in developing the annual budget as it relates to programming and member services
• Manages invoicing and financial tracking for programming expenses
• Ensures required tax filings and reports are executed and filed in coordination with the Executive Director
• Provides regular activity reports to the Executive Director

Qualifications

Required

• Demonstrated experience managing events, training programs, or conferences end-to-end — from planning through execution
• Experience managing ongoing relationships with a defined constituency (members, customers, students, or clients)
• Strong communications execution experience — newsletters, email marketing, social media, or equivalent
• Proficiency in CRM platforms, membership databases, and standard office technology
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation
• Ability and willingness to travel across Texas and work evenings/weekends as programming requires

Preferred

• Bachelor's or graduate degree in a relevant field
• Experience in nonprofit or association management
• Familiarity with Texas local government structure
• Experience in fire protection or emergency services

Work Environment & Compensation

Location & Schedule

This is a remote-first role with approximately 75% of work conducted remotely. Must reside in the Austin area and travel across Texas for regional meetings, trainings, and the Annual Conference account for the remaining 25%. Some evening and weekend availability is required during peak programming periods.

Compensation

Salary range: $75,000+, commensurate with experience

Benefits include:

• Flexible scheduling and unlimited PTO
• Health insurance stipend
• Retirement stipend
• TSAE membership provided

To Apply

The Program Director application can be found here: https://bit.ly/SAFEDProgramDirector

Our Commitment to Candidates

SAFE-D welcomes applicants from a range of professional backgrounds. We are more interested in what you can do than in the credentials you hold, and we encourage anyone with relevant experience to apply regardless of educational background or prior sector experience.

We have designed our application process to be straightforward and respectful of your time and will communicate clearly with all candidates about where they stand throughout the process.

• Flexible scheduling and unlimited PTO
• Health insurance stipend
• Retirement stipend
• TSAE membership provided

Spoken and written English